BRISBANE, Australia, Oct. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The 2025 WPA Heyball World Championship will take place from November 1 to 5, 2025, at Nissan Arena in Brisbane, Australia. This grand sporting event, gathering the world’s top cueists, promises an unprecedented blend of competition and cultural experience. Hosted by JOY Billiards Group, and jointly supported by the WPA, WCBS, ANOC, and CSA, the championship will be played entirely under WPA Heyball Standard Rules. A total of 128 elite players from over ...

Core Points - The 2025 WPA Heyball Champion of Champions has commenced in Brisbane, Australia, marking a significant step towards the sport's Olympic inclusion [1][6] - The tournament features 128 elite players from 56 countries, with a total prize pool of 400,000 USD, and is played under unified WPA Heyball rules [2] Event Details - The event is co-hosted by JOY Billiards and supported by Liber Win Cloth, showcasing the global reach and competitive nature of Heyball [2] - The opening ceremony included notable attendees such as WPA President Ishaun Singh and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner, highlighting the event's importance [3][4] Cultural Significance - The ceremony featured an Indigenous Australian performance, emphasizing the sport's role in promoting global unity and cultural inclusivity [4] - WPA President Ishaun Singh remarked on Heyball's evolution from a regional game to a global sport, aligning with the Olympic spirit of unity [4] Future Aspirations - With Brisbane set to host the 2032 Olympic Games, there are active efforts to include Heyball in the Olympic program [4] - JOY Billiards has invested over 6 million USD since 2024 to develop a comprehensive tournament system, including youth and parasport championships [5]

Company Overview - JOY Billiards Group, founded in 1998, is a prestigious leader in the billiards industry, recognized for its high-end Heyball tables and cutting-edge technology [2] - The company has dedicated 26 years to the research and development of superior billiard technologies, holding eight patents for its innovations [2] - JOY Billiards serves over 30,000 high-end clubs in China and has a global influence across 69 countries [2] Leadership and Achievements - The founder, Qiao Yuanxu, transformed JOY Billiards from a single pool table into the world's largest billiards enterprise [3] - At 73 years old, Qiao continues to achieve personal success, recently winning two bronze medals at the 2025 FIS Masters in Australia, marking a significant achievement for China in alpine skiing [3] Upcoming Events - JOY Billiards Group will host a series of Heyball tournaments in September and October 2025, including the Heyball Champion of Champions in Brisbane, Oceania Heyball Open in Sydney, and Melbourne Heyball Open [1][5] - These events will showcase the brand's commitment to excellence in sports and billiards, further solidifying its global presence [1][5]

Core Viewpoint - The "Liber Win & JOY Cup" WPA Heyball U19 World Championship marks a significant step in globalizing Heyball, a sport originating from China, and aims to foster its growth over the coming decades [3][4]. Group 1: Event Overview - The championship features 56 young players from 20 nations, including Australia, Canada, and South Africa, competing in Gold Coast [1]. - The event runs from June 20th to 24th, 2025, and is seen as a new chapter for Heyball on the world stage [6]. Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Funding - JOY Billiards has initiated a strategic partnership with the WPA, which began in 2024 with over $6 million in funding aimed at developing a worldwide tournament structure for Heyball [4]. - This championship serves as the premier WPA-certified youth event and is crucial for Heyball's Olympic aspirations [4]. Group 3: Cultural and Developmental Impact - Heyball is described as a "shared sporting language" that connects diverse cultures, with a growing passion among global youth [4]. - The WPA supports Heyball's Olympic dream, emphasizing its rapid growth and cultural value, which aligns with the Olympic spirit [5]. - Youth tournaments are essential for nurturing talent and serve as a foundation for a talent development system in Heyball [5].