For the second straight year, October will once again belong to the world’s best cue artists in Manila.
The World Nineball Tour, in partnership with Puyat Sports, has officially confirmed the return of the Reyes Cup and the Philippines Open Pool Championship, setting the stage for another showcase of elite billiards as international stars descend on the country’s pool capital.
With two premier tournaments packed into a 10-day stretch, Manila is once again expected to become the focal point of the global nine-ball calendar.
For Filipino billiards legend Efren “Bata” Reyes, the return of the events is another reminder of the country’s lasting influence on the sport.
“The Philippines is the home of pool — and these two events prove it every October,” said Reyes.
“The talent we have here in Asia is incredible, but it is the fans who make Manila like nowhere else in the world. When that crowd gets behind you, it is something you never forget. I am so proud of what the Reyes Cup and the Philippines Open have become, and I know our fans will make October 2026 very special once again.”
The action begins with the third edition of the Reyes Cup from October 15 to 18, where Team Asia will once again defend its title against Team Rest of the World.
Asia enters the tournament riding the momentum of last year’s commanding 11-3 victory, with Hall of Famer Francisco “Django” Bustamante returning as team captain after steering a squad composed of AJ Manas, Aloysius Yapp, Carlo Biado, and Johann Chua to a dominant championship run.
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Nineball is heading back to Manila!
Reyes Cup, October 15-18
Philippines Open, October 20-24
Francisco Bustamante and Ralf Souquet will captain Team’s Asia and Rest of the World respectively, before we head for another thrilling week at the Gateway Mall
More… pic.twitter.com/p16g49Uicy
— World Nineball Tour (@MatchroomPool) July 13, 2026
This year, Team Rest of the World hopes a new voice can help turn the tide, with German billiards icon Ralf “The Kaiser” Souquet taking over captaincy duties.
The spotlight then immediately shifts to the Philippines Open Pool Championship, scheduled from October 20 to 24, where another grueling 128-player single-elimination tournament awaits the world’s finest players.
Every match will carry win-or-go-home stakes, making the event one of the most unforgiving competitions on the World Nineball Tour.
Spain’s David Alcaide returns as the defending champion after conquering last year’s field and will be among the favorites when competition resumes at Gateway Mall 2.
Matchroom Multi Sport CEO Emily Frazer believes Manila has firmly established itself as one of the most anticipated stops on the international billiards calendar.
“October in Manila has become the unmissable moment on the World Nineball Tour calendar and 2026 is going to be bigger than ever. A new captain and Team Asia arriving as back-to-back champions means the Reyes Cup has never had more riding on it.”
“Then the Philippines Open picks straight up with the format and atmosphere that made it one of the standout events of 2025. Two world-class events, ten days, one incredible city — we cannot wait.”
With passionate fans, a rich billiards tradition, and two of the sport’s marquee tournaments returning to the same stage, Manila is once again preparing to welcome the world’s best players for another memorable October on the green felt.
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