Aug 3, 2026 | EPBF, Events, Heyball, News, WPAlivetv

2026 European Heyball Championships Officially Underway in Kielce, Poland

KIELCE, POLAND – The 2026 European Heyball Championships have officially commenced following a vibrant Opening Ceremony in Kielce, Poland, welcoming athletes, officials, and distinguished guests from across Europe for the continent’s premier Heyball championship.

Organized by the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) in partnership with the Polish Billiard Association (PZBil) and sanctioned by the World Pool Association (WPA) under the governance framework of the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), the championship brings together Europe’s leading men and women to compete for continental titles across both individual and team events.

Held at the Grand Hotel Kielce, the Opening Ceremony celebrated the beginning of a week of elite competition, featuring the presentation of all 22 participating nations, cultural performances showcasing Polish heritage, and the official welcome of athletes, referees, media representatives, partners, and guests.

Among those attending the ceremony were Gre Leenders, President of the European Pocket Billiard Federation; Grzegorz Kędzierski, President of the Polish Billiard Association; Gino de Ruyter of the EPBF; Marcin Krzemiński, Head of the East European Billiard Council; and Marta Orłowska, Vice-President of the Świętokrzyskie Sports Federation.

Welcoming the participants, Grzegorz Kędzierski highlighted the importance of hosting another major international championship in one of Europe’s leading billiards regions, while EPBF President Gre Leenders thanked the Polish organizers for delivering a venue prepared to the highest international standard and wished every athlete success throughout the competition.

A symbolic first break, performed by President Kędzierski alongside Polish international Karol Skowerski and reigning Polish Junior Champion Maja Szymańska, officially marked the start of the championships before President Leenders declared the 2026 European Heyball Championships officially open.

Competition is now underway, with Europe’s finest athletes competing for continental honours in one of the most prestigious events on the international Heyball calendar.

Following the conclusion of the European Championships, Kielce will also host the 2026 European Heyball Open, welcoming international competitors from around the world as the city continues its role as a major destination for global Heyball competition.

The World Pool Association congratulates the European Pocket Billiard Federation, the Polish Billiard Association, event partners, officials, volunteers, and supporters on a successful opening ceremony and wishes all athletes the very best throughout the championship.

The European Heyball Open will be streamed live worldwide on WPALive.TV, the official digital broadcast platform of the World Pool Association, bringing international coverage of one of Europe’s premier Heyball events to audiences across the globe.