The inaugural Oyo State Pool Champions League is set to take place from October 30 to November 3, 2023, with a grand prize of one million Naira on offer for the top competitor.
Mr. Oluwatosin Odita, the event convener, announced the details during a news conference held on Tuesday at the Ibadan Recreation Club (IRC).
The five-day tournament will feature 32 players from various regions across Nigeria, all vying for the coveted grand prize. Matches will be held daily at the Black Nile Lounge in Bodija, starting with preliminaries, followed by quarter-finals, semi-finals, and culminating in the final at the Billionaires Section of the IRC.
“The best 16 players will advance from the opening round to the quarter-finals, then onto the semi-finals before reaching the final stage,” Odita explained, promising a smooth and exciting tournament experience for all participants.
Beyond the competition, Odita emphasized the tournament’s goal of fostering a community of pool players and identifying emerging talents. Plans are in place to merge these players with colleagues from Lagos, aiming to collaborate with international organizations to promote local talent on a broader scale.
Additionally, Odita shared ambitions of establishing an academy to nurture younger players and provide them with essential skills. The initiative includes enrolling players in annual coaching courses through the UK governing body for pool, enabling them to become certified coaches globally and give back to their communities.
The tournament promises significant rewards, with the overall winner receiving ₦1 million and a trophy, while the first runner-up and second runner-up will take home ₦500,000 and ₦300,000, respectively. All participants will also receive certificates acknowledging their involvement.
Mr. Mbim Okutiyang, Chairman of IRC’s Billiards and Snooker Section, highlighted the opportunity the tournament presents for players to compete on internationally recognized standard tables, as well as a chance for the IRC to showcase its facilities.
Moreover, Mr. Adebowale Falana, Chairman of the Oyo State Agency for Youth Development, underscored the importance of engaging youths in diverse sports beyond football.
He encouraged young talents to participate in the tournament, assuring them of the agency’s moral and financial support to ensure a successful event.
Mrs Adebunmi Ojo, a representative of Showmax in her brief remark said her company will dialogue with the organizers to consider area of interest and partnership in ensuring the success of the tournament
.
