The Rise of Pool in Asia: Champions, Fans, and Growth

Once seen as a Western-dominated sport, pool has rapidly gained traction across Asia, transforming into a hotbed of talent, viewership, and investment. From the rise of world-class champions to growing grassroots scenes and bustling online communities, Asia is no longer just participating in the global pool conversation—it’s helping lead it.

A New Generation of Asian Champions

The most visible sign of pool’s rise in Asia is its champions. Nations like the Philippines, Taiwan, China, and Japan have consistently produced some of the world's top-ranked players in 8-ball, 9-ball, and 10-ball formats.

Philippines: Legends like Efren “Bata” Reyes, often considered the greatest pool player of all time, and Francisco Bustamante laid the groundwork. Today, younger stars such as Carlo Biado and Johann Chua continue that tradition, dominating international tournaments and inspiring the next generation.

Taiwan (Chinese Taipei): Known for its technical excellence, Taiwan has produced elite players like Ko Pin-Yi and Ko Ping-Chung, who have claimed world titles and pushed the strategic boundaries of the game.

China: In recent years, China has made massive investments in cue sports. Female champions like Liu Shasha and Han Yu have helped popularize pool among women, while male stars like Wu Jia-Qing (formerly known as Wu Chia-Ching) made history by winning world titles as a teenager.

A Rapidly Growing Fanbase

The excitement of competitive pool has found an enthusiastic audience across Asia. Televised tournaments on sports channels, local streaming platforms, and YouTube broadcasts have brought high-level pool to homes and smartphones.

In countries like the Philippines, matches featuring national heroes attract massive live audiences and online viewers. In China, large-scale events held in cities like Shanghai or Guangzhou draw significant media coverage and sponsorship.

Investment and Infrastructure

Asian countries are also investing heavily in the infrastructure needed to support elite talent and broad participation.

Training facilities: From well-funded academies in China to government-supported programs in Southeast Asia, serious efforts are being made to professionalize the sport.

Tournaments: Asia hosts numerous international and regional events, such as the All Japan Championship, China Open, and the Southeast Asian Games—giving local players opportunities to shine on home soil.

Youth Development: With school programs and junior leagues expanding, the pool is being introduced to younger players, ensuring a pipeline of talent.

Cultural Shifts and Accessibility

Unlike the past when pool was seen as a pastime of bars or older generations, it’s now viewed in many Asian countries as a legitimate sport requiring discipline, strategy, and dedication. Modern pool halls with clean, safe environments have helped shift perceptions, making it more accessible to families, youth, and female players.

Looking Ahead

The momentum for pool in Asia shows no signs of slowing down. With continued investment, a thriving base of elite players, and a passionate fan community, the continent is poised to dominate the sport even further.

What began as a Western game has evolved into a truly global sport—one where Asia plays a leading role in defining its present and shaping its future.