Matchroom Pool UK Open moves to Brentwood with increased prize fund

The Matchroom Pool UK Open Pool Championship will take place in Brentwood in Essex when it returns in 25–30 May, 2026.

The event features a 256-player field and an increased US$225,000 (£168,000) prize fund.

The Championship is part of the 2026 World Nineball Tour (WNT) schedule, which also includes three major events and 12 WNT Ranking Events worldwide.

Coverage of the Matchroom Pool UK Open Pool Championship will be shown live on Matchroom’s WNT TV.

The move to Brentwood comes amid growing enthusiasm for Nineball in the UK, with sold-out events during this year’s Mosconi Cup at Alexandra Palace in London.

Previous winners of the competition include Albania’s Eklent Kaci, Hong Kong’s Robbie Capito and reigning champion Aloysious Yapp.

Alongside the 128-player pro lineup, the competition also includes a chance for local qualifiers and wildcards to play against some of the world’s best players.

In previous iterations, this has included Matchroom president Barry Hearn, broadcaster Andy Goldstein, Olympic Gymnast Nile Wilson, and social media personality and podcaster Jack Dean.

Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, said: “The UK Open Pool Championship is a key highlight of the first wave of the 2026 World Nineball Tour, and it reflects our commitment to growing Nineball in the UK. With a new venue in Brentwood and an increased $225,000 prize fund, we’re offering players and fans an unforgettable experience. The incredible support we saw during this year’s Mosconi Cup proves just how strong the UK Nineball community has become, and we can’t wait to bring top-level action to a passionate audience in May.

“After two years in Telford, we’re thrilled to bring the event back to London. Brentwood is home turf for the company, and we’re excited to host the pool here once again.”