World champions, international medalists and reigning European champions prepare to compete as Warsaw hosts a landmark championship featuring Wheelchair and Standing divisions.
The European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF) is set to host the EPBF Parasport European Billiard Championships 2026 in Warsaw, Poland, from 9–16 November 2026, bringing together Europe’s leading para-billiards athletes for a week of elite international competition.
The BOSS Hotel in Poland’s capital will welcome athletes representing 14 countries, competing for six European championship titles across a total prize fund of €9,000.
For the international billiards community, this year’s edition represents an important milestone in the continued development and recognition of para-billiards, with two divisions competing together at the same championship venue for the first time.
An Elite Field of European Champions
The entry list features several of the most accomplished names in European para-billiards.
Among the leading contenders in the Standing division is Cyprus’ Georgios Malekkidis, the reigning European 9-ball champion, alongside Poland’s Adam Wilk, who will look to defend his European 10-ball title on home soil.
Both players were central figures at the previous European Championships in Starachowice, Poland, where they contested two finals and shared the gold medals. Wilk claimed the 10-ball title with a remarkable 5–4 comeback victory after trailing 2–4, while Malekkidis responded by defeating the Polish player 6–2 in the 9-ball final.
The Wheelchair division will feature equally distinguished competitors, including Sweden’s Henrik Larsson and Finland’s Jouni Tähti, both world champions and multiple medalists at major international competitions.
Larsson added another milestone to his remarkable career at the 2025 European Championships in Tallinn, Estonia, winning the 10-ball competition to secure his 16th European title. Tähti dominated the 8-ball and 9-ball disciplines, taking gold in both events.
Their presence in Warsaw promises another highly competitive championship, with both athletes among the leading contenders for the European titles.
A Landmark Edition: Two Divisions, Six European Titles
The 2026 Championships mark a significant step forward for para-billiards in Europe.
For the first time, athletes from the Wheelchair and Standing divisions will compete as part of the same European Championship, at the same venue.
Each division will feature three disciplines:
– 8-Ball
– 9-Ball
– 10-Ball
With six championship titles at stake, the event will provide a platform for Europe’s leading para-billiards athletes to demonstrate their skill, determination and competitive excellence.
Nearly 60 participants from 14 countries are expected in Warsaw, including close to 40 competing athletes. Eight specially prepared pool tables, equipped with new cloth and balls, will be available throughout the competition, supported by an international team of more than a dozen referees.
The organisers have also placed particular emphasis on accessibility and athlete welfare, ensuring spacious playing areas, suitable competition conditions and additional recovery time between matches.
Poland Targets Medals on Home Soil
The host nation will field a strong team, with ambitions of securing multiple medals in front of its home supporters.
In the Wheelchair division, Emil Malanowski will be among Poland’s key representatives. A multiple European Championship medalist, Malanowski secured bronze in the 8-ball competition at the 2025 European Championships in Tallinn.
In the Standing division, reigning European 10-ball champion Adam Wilk will be one of the players to watch as he attempts to defend his title.
Speaking about Poland’s ambitions, Grzegorz Kędzierski, President of the Polish Billiards Association, said:
“We have medal ambitions, and we hope to reach the podium three, perhaps even four times on home soil. It certainly won’t be easy, as the very best players in Europe are coming to Warsaw, including athletes with an impressive collection of medals from European and World Championships.”
Championship Schedule and Live Coverage
Participants will arrive in Warsaw on 9 November, with the first matches scheduled to begin on 10 November at 10:00 AM local time.
The official Opening Ceremony will take place on the same day at 8:00 PM.
The sporting competition will conclude with the official medal ceremonies scheduled for 16 November at 7:00 PM.
All championship matches will be available through live broadcasts provided by TVSPORTS.PL.
Live results, tournament brackets and competition updates will be available through the official EPBF website at www.epbf.com. Additional event news and information will also be published at www.pzbil.pl.
Supporting the Growth of Para-Billiards Worldwide
The World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) recognises the importance of international championships such as the EPBF Parasport European Billiard Championships in strengthening the competitive structure of para-billiards and creating greater opportunities for athletes to participate and excel at the highest level.
Bringing the Wheelchair and Standing divisions together represents a positive step towards greater inclusion, visibility and recognition of para-billiards within the international sporting community.
The WPA congratulates the EPBF, the Polish Billiards Association and all organising partners for their commitment to delivering this important championship and wishes all participating athletes the very best for the competition.
Event Information
Event: EPBF Parasport European Billiard Championships 2026
Dates: 9–16 November 2026
Venue: BOSS Hotel, Warsaw, Poland
Participating Nations: 14
Divisions: Wheelchair and Standing
Disciplines: 8-Ball, 9-Ball and 10-Ball
Total Prize Fund: €9,000
Organisers: European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF), Polish Billiards Association (PZBil).
Co-organisers: THEY Foundation, FORTIS.
Partners and Sponsors: Aramith Billiard Balls, BOSS Hotel, Diamond, THEY Foundation, AXIS, Iwan Simonis and FORTIS.
Live Streaming: www.tvsports.pl
Live Results and Tournament Brackets: www.epbf.com
Event Information: www.pzbil.pl
Media Partners: TVSPORTS.PL, TVP Sport, TVP3 Warszawa, Sportklub Polska, CKsport.pl, On Cue Billiards Podcast, Radio ESKA2, Polish Radio RDC (Radio dla Ciebie), 77 Billiards (Philippines), Pro9 (United Kingdom), AZBilliards (USA) and Alison Chang (Taiwan).
Honorary Patronage
The EPBF Parasport European Billiard Championships 2026 are held under the Honorary Patronage of the Marshal of the Masovian Voivodeship and the Mayor of Warsaw.
Event Funding
The event is co-financed by:
– The Self-Government of the Mazovian Voivodeship.
– The City of Warsaw.
– The Ministry of Sport and Tourism of the Republic of Poland.
