The professional pool calendar continues to deliver outstanding action across both 8-ball and 9-ball, with major titles decided and several important tournaments approaching.
In our latest INC-APPAREL pool round-up, we look at the recent results making headlines, the players finding form and the events pool fans should watch next.
Craig Waddingham Wins the 2026 Ultimate Pool Players Championship
Craig Waddingham secured one of the biggest victories of the recent English 8-ball calendar by becoming the 2026 Ultimate Pool Players Champion.
Waddingham faced Jack Whelan in a closely contested final that went all the way to a deciding frame. With the scores level at 7–7, Waddingham held his nerve to complete an 8–7 victory and lift the title.
It was a fitting conclusion to a tournament featuring some of the leading names in English 8-ball pool. The Players Championship uses a challenging set-play format that tests consistency, tactical awareness and composure under pressure.
Waddingham’s victory demonstrates just how competitive the current Ultimate Pool field has become. With very little separating the leading players, one mistake—or one composed finish—can decide an entire tournament.
The result is also another important achievement for a player who has established himself among the leading names on the professional 8-ball circuit.
English 8-Ball Continues to Grow
Ultimate Pool’s expanding schedule is helping bring professional English 8-ball to a larger audience.
Its tournaments combine familiar small-table pool with faster formats, timed matches and live coverage. The result is a version of the game that rewards attacking play while retaining the tactical battles that make English 8-ball so compelling.
The 2026 professional field includes leading players from across the UK and Ireland, including Tom Cousins, Declan Brennan, Chris Melling, Amy Beauchamp, Danielle Randle and Craig Waddingham.
For amateur and league players, the growing visibility of these events is another sign of the strength of competitive pool. Local leagues, county competitions and national events remain an important pathway for players looking to test themselves at a higher level.
Joshua Filler Makes UK Open Nine-Ball History
On the nine-ball table, Joshua Filler reclaimed the UK Open Pool Championship and became the first player to win the event twice.
The German star produced an impressive performance throughout the tournament before defeating Poland’s Wojciech Szewczyk in the final.
Filler previously won the inaugural UK Open in 2022. His second victory further strengthens his position as one of the most successful and dangerous players in modern nine-ball.
The tournament also provided plenty of drama elsewhere in the draw. World number one Fedor Gorst was eliminated by Robbie Capito, while Scotland’s Jayson Shaw carried British hopes deep into the competition.
Featuring a large international field and World Nineball Tour ranking points, the UK Open continues to be one of the most important pool tournaments staged in Britain.
The World Nineball Tour Heads to Florida
The next section of the World Nineball Tour calendar takes the sport to the United States.
The Vice City Classic begins on 29 July, followed by the Florida Open Pool Championship from 4–9 August 2026 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando.
The Florida Open is expected to feature a 256-player field, including 128 World Nineball Tour professionals. Defending champion Aloysius Yapp returns after defeating Shane Van Boening in the previous final.
With a prize fund of $225,000 and many of the world’s strongest players expected to compete, the Florida Open should have a major influence on the rankings and qualification races later in the season.
The Junior WNT NXTGEN Orlando event will also take place from 6–8 August, giving emerging players another opportunity to gain experience on the international stage.
What 8-Ball and 9-Ball Players Need From a Pool Shirt
Although the rules and table sizes differ, competitive 8-ball and 9-ball players need similar things from their clothing.
A good pool shirt should provide:
• Lightweight, breathable performance fabric
• Freedom of movement around the shoulders and arms
• A comfortable fit throughout long matches
• Space for player names, team badges and sponsor logos
• A professional appearance for leagues and tournaments
• A design that represents the player or team properly
INC-APPAREL produces personalised and custom pool shirts for individual players, teams, clubs and leagues competing in both 8-ball and 9-ball.
Players can add their name, nickname, team identity and sponsor logos, with men’s, women’s and youth sizes available.
Explore INC-APPAREL pool shirts
Custom Pool Team Shirts
For teams, clubs and leagues, coordinated clothing helps create a recognisable identity at every competition.
INC-APPAREL’s custom pool team shirts can be designed around your chosen colours, logos, sponsors and collar style. Individual player names can then be added while keeping the overall team design consistent.
This makes them suitable for local pool teams, county squads, tournament players, clubs and organised leagues.
Create custom pool team shirts
Individual players looking for a completely original design can also order a fully custom shirt and work with the INC-APPAREL artwork team to develop their ideas.
Design an individual custom pool shirt
Follow the Latest Pool News With INC-APPAREL
The remainder of 2026 promises more major moments across English 8-ball and international nine-ball.
INC-APPAREL will continue to follow tournament results, emerging players and important developments from across the pool world while supporting the players, teams, clubs and leagues that make the sport what it is.
Check back for our next 8-ball and 9-ball pool round-up.
0 comments