Billiards' Big Break: Cue Sports Return to The World Games for 2029

LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND – April 28, 2026 – The world of professional cue sports received a major boost this week as the International World Games Association (IWGA) officially confirmed Billiards will be part of the official sports program for The World Games 2029. The decision, ratified at the IWGA Annual General Meeting in Lausanne, marks a triumphant return for the sport to one of the world's premier multi-sport stages.

The games are scheduled to take place from July 19-29, 2029, in Karlsruhe, Germany, a city that will simultaneously make history by becoming the first to host the prestigious event for a second time. The World Pool Association (WPA), the sport's international governing body, welcomed the announcement as a testament to the sustained global growth and relevance of pool and the broader billiards family.

A Landmark Return for Cue Sports

The inclusion of Billiards in The World Games is more than just a spot on the calendar; it represents a significant validation for a sport that has diligently worked to solidify its international standing. The World Games, held every four years under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), provides a global platform for sports not currently on the Olympic program, bringing together thousands of elite athletes from over 100 nations.

The decision was part of a broader program announcement for the 2029 Games, which includes a diverse mix of 30 sports such as Air Sports, Lacrosse, and Squash. The selection process prioritizes sustainability and innovation, favoring the use of existing venues to minimize environmental impact. For the World Pool Association, a founding member of the IOC-recognized World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), this re-inclusion is the culmination of years of strategic effort. The WPA, founded in 1987 to create higher-level international competition, has been instrumental in standardizing rules, sanctioning major tournaments like the WPA World Nine-ball Championship, and maintaining global rankings to ensure the sport's integrity.

"The WPA looks forward to working closely with its partners within the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), the IWGA, and the Local Organising Committee to ensure the continued success and visibility of pool at The World Games," the organization stated in its official press release. This collaboration will be crucial as further details regarding specific disciplines, qualification pathways, and athlete quotas are finalized in the coming months.

Karlsruhe Makes History, Again

For the host city of Karlsruhe, the 2029 Games represent a historic homecoming. The city previously hosted the 3rd edition of The World Games in 1989, an event that set a new standard for the competition. In 1989, Karlsruhe was the first to truly embrace the role of a "Host City," organizing and supporting the ten-day event which featured 1,644 athletes from 50 nations across 17 sports. That event introduced lasting concepts like the "World Games Garden" for public participation and was the first to feature a cultural program and an official mascot.

Forty years later, Karlsruhe is poised to build on that legacy. The city's organizational expertise is well-established, having hosted major events like the 2022 Ecumenical World Church Congress. As Germany's first UNESCO City of Media Arts, Karlsruhe is deeply committed to leveraging creativity and technology for sustainable urban development, a philosophy that aligns perfectly with the IWGA's modern vision for the Games.

Preparations are already well underway. A dedicated organizing committee, TWG2029 GmbH, has been established, headed by CEO Martin Wacker. Coordination meetings between the IWGA and the local committee have focused on the Games Master Plan, covering everything from venues and accommodation to marketing and sustainability. Lord Mayor Dr. Frank Mentrup, who serves as President of the Organising Committee, is leading the city's efforts, which are backed by the German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB) as well as state and federal governments. The influx of an estimated 4,000 athletes and their delegations, along with media and fans, is expected to provide a significant economic boost through tourism, job creation, and enhanced international prestige.

The Digital Break: Shaping Pool's Future

While securing a place in a traditional multi-sport event is a major victory, the World Pool Association is simultaneously executing a modern strategy to secure its future. A key component of this is the rapid expansion of WPALIVE.tv, the WPA's official digital broadcast and media platform. The service has seen explosive organic growth, recently surpassing two million unique sessions across 127 countries even before the launch of a formal marketing campaign or its full subscription model.

Operated by Foresense Technologies Ltd under an exclusive global license, WPALIVE.tv is being positioned as the central hub for professional cue sports content. The platform's success demonstrates a significant global appetite for a unified digital home for the sport, allowing fans to access live and on-demand content from anywhere in the world. This digital-first approach is crucial for attracting new audiences, enhancing fan engagement, and creating new revenue streams for the sport and its athletes.

In a move that bridges the traditional and digital worlds, WPALIVE.tv is confirmed to be the streaming partner for the Billiards events at The World Games 2029. This will provide unprecedented access for fans who cannot be in Karlsruhe, ensuring the athletes' performances on this major stage reach a global audience. The upcoming rollout of a tiered subscription service promises to further enhance the viewer experience with premium content and expanded event coverage, solidifying the platform's role in the sport's commercial and audience growth.

The Road to 2029

With the host city and sports program now confirmed, the focus for the WPA and its partners shifts to the intricate details of planning and execution. The final list of disciplines within the Billiards category and the rigorous qualification process that will determine which elite athletes earn a coveted spot in Karlsruhe will be announced in due course. For the athletes, the dream of competing at The World Games 2029 is now a tangible goal, promising to elevate the intensity and quality of WPA-sanctioned events over the next three years.

The return of Billiards to this prestigious event is a powerful statement about the sport's enduring appeal and its successful navigation of the complex world of international sports governance. As the countdown to July 2029 begins, the global cue sports community watches with anticipation, ready to see its top stars shine on the world stage in a city that has long championed their sport.