Arequipa, Peru | 3 November 2026
The 2026 Pan American Heyball Open officially opened on 3 November in Arequipa, Peru, bringing together athletes, officials and representatives of the international billiards community for the start of one of the region’s major Heyball championships.
The opening ceremony took place at Coliseo Arequipa, marking the beginning of six days of international competition, scheduled from 3 to 8 November 2026.
The ceremony brought together key representatives of the organisations leading the development of billiards across the Americas and internationally.
Among the officials present were:
- Juan Carlos Gómez, President of the Peruvian Billiard Sports Federation (FDPB).
- Jorgen Sandman, Sports Director of the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA).
- Carlos Rivera, President of the Pan American Billiard Confederation (CPB).
- Luis Vélez, Vice President of the CPB.
Their leadership and commitment continue to support the development, promotion and growth of billiards throughout the Americas.
117 Athletes Ready for Competition
The 2026 Pan American Heyball Open features a field of up to 128 athletes, comprising 64 men and 53women, competing for a combined prize fund of USD 116,000, equally divided between the two categories.
The champions in both the Men’s and Women’s divisions will each receive USD 10,000.
The championship is hosted by the Pan American Billiard Confederation (CPB) and the Peruvian Billiard Sports Federation (FDPB), with JOY Billiards supporting the event for the second consecutive year, with the backing of the WPA.
A World-Class Competition in a Historic City
The event is being played on 16 JOY 9ft Heyball International tables, equipped with Liberwin cloth and Dynaspheres balls, providing the athletes with a professional competition environment.
Arequipa, known for its remarkable colonial architecture and historic city centre recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides a distinctive setting for this international championship.
With the opening ceremony complete, attention now turns to the competition, as athletes begin their pursuit of the Pan American Heyball Open titles.
The 2026 Pan American Heyball Open runs from 3–8 November 2026 at Coliseo Arequipa, Peru.
Follow the championship and watch the action live on WPALive:
www.wpalive.tv
About the WPA
The World Pool-Billiard Association is the international governing body for pool, working with continental and national federations to develop and promote the sport worldwide.
About the CPB
The Pan American Billiard Confederation represents the sport across the Americas and works to support the development and growth of billiards throughout the continent.
