Riyadh will host back-to-back national billiards and snooker championships this fall, with more than SAR650,000 in prize money up for grabs. The Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation has set these tournaments as key events for player development and national team selection, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The competitions are scheduled from September 18 to October 10, 2026, and will be held under the federation's direct supervision.
The billiards events kick off at Localizer Mall from September 18 to 25. The program includes 9-ball tournaments for men, women, and youth, plus a 10-ball event for men. This expanded format brings together multiple categories, as detailed by SPA. After the billiards, the action moves to Ronnie's Academy in Boulevard City, where snooker players will compete from October 2 to 10. Results from these matches will have a direct impact on player rankings.
"The 2026 championship in Riyadh is officially recognized by the Saudi Press Agency as a key event for national team selection and technical development in cue sports."
- Saudi Press Agency (SPA)
Naif Al-Jaweini, chairman of the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation, described the championship as an important step for cue sports in the country. He highlighted its role in improving player performance and giving new talent a chance to prove themselves. The federation will use the overall rankings from these events as the main basis for picking the national team, so every match will matter for those hoping to represent Saudi Arabia. SPA also notes that the championship is part of a broader effort to support players and develop younger reserves.
With men's, women's, and youth categories in billiards, the championship aims to raise standards and support the next generation of Saudi cue sports athletes. The snooker tournament is a major fixture in the federation's annual calendar and helps anchor the sport's national profile. SPA confirms that the prize fund of over 650,000 Saudi riyals is a central part of the event, reflecting the federation's push to reward strong performances.
Saudi Arabia's approach is similar to other regional cue sports programs, such as Vietnam's efforts to compete at the world level. But the Riyadh events are focused on building local talent and strengthening the national team.
"Riyadh has established itself as a major hub for cue sports, having already hosted the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters earlier in 2026, where Judd Trump claimed the title in a final held at the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Olympic Complex. This demonstrates the city's growing reputation for staging high-profile international and national tournaments."
- Arab News / Asharq Al-Awsat English
By tying national team selection to championship rankings and offering substantial prize money, the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation is making performance at these events the main path to international play. For Saudi cue sports, these tournaments will help set the standard for the next generation of players.
