SPA — The World Billiards Championship Jeddah 2025 began on July 21 at the Green Halls. It features 128 players from over 40 countries. This is the second consecutive year that Jeddah hosts one of billiards’ top global tournaments. The event runs through July 26 and includes 233 scheduled matches. It is held under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports and the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation.

The opening round consisted of 32 games played in a 9-frame format. The top 64 players will advance to the knockout stage, where matches will follow an 11-frame structure. As a result, the tournament’s global scale and high participation underscore Saudi Arabia’s growing prominence in cue sports.

Supporting Youth and Elevating National Talent

Alongside the main event, the “Saudi Juniors Championship” also began, featuring 16 youth players. The national federation chose eight to represent the Kingdom. This initiative aims to develop local talent and boost youth participation in sports—a key goal of Vision 2030.

Moreover, Saudi referees are helping manage the event, showcasing the country’s growing ability to organize competitions to international standards. Their involvement reflects a broader strategy to build national expertise in the sports sector.

A Strategic Step in Global Sports Integration

Hosting the championship supports efforts to make Jeddah a global sports hub. With investments in infrastructure and athlete development, the Ministry of Sports is advancing the Kingdom’s long-term vision.

Furthermore, the event’s broadcast—locally and internationally—demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s readiness to deliver high-quality, widely viewed tournaments, especially in emerging sports categories.

 

 

THE SAUDI STANDARD’S VIEW: Jeddah’s World Billiards Championship Signals Depth and Direction in Saudi Sports Strategy

The launch of the World Billiards Championship Jeddah 2025, featuring 128 players from over 40 countries, reflects Saudi Arabia’s strong commitment to hosting major global events across various sports. By focusing on elite competition and youth development, the tournament supports Vision 2030’s comprehensive sports strategy.

  • Diversifying Sports Hosting Beyond the Mainstream: Cue sports, such as billiards and snooker, demonstrate the Kingdom’s investment in niche disciplines with global appeal. Hosting this championship for a second year confirms Saudi Arabia’s reputation for efficient planning and warm hospitality.
  • Empowering Saudi Talent Through Junior Development: Running the Saudi Juniors Championship alongside the main event gives local youth direct exposure to global competition. This supports national efforts to identify and develop talent across all sports, yielding long-term benefits from international hosting.
  • Local Officials at International Standards: Saudi referees participated in match oversight, demonstrating the country’s growing technical capacity. This involvement confirms Saudi Arabia’s role as not just a host, but a key player in global sports governance.
  • Broadcast Reach and Tourism Potential Expand Saudi Arabia’s Soft Power: With 233 matches broadcast globally, the tournament enhances the country’s international visibility. It also helps grow sports tourism in cities like Jeddah, supporting economic diversification and enhancing the Kingdom’s global image.

In conclusion, by hosting the World Billiards Championship in Jeddah 2025, Saudi Arabia affirms its bold and inclusive approach to sports. The combination of elite competition, youth investment, and professional development shows the Kingdom’s growing legacy in international sports excellence.

 

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