GREEN BAY, Wis. (WFRV) – Pool may have its roots dating back to the 15th century, but this weekend, Green Bay is at the forefront of the sport’s modern era.
Some of the best players in the world are in town for the first global event of its kind held in Wisconsin. Local 5’s Kyle Malzhan was on-site to catch all the action.
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“This is the Super Bowl,” said Cathy Tschumpert, a board member with the Women’s Professional Billiard Association. “These are the best players in the world.”
For the first time ever, Green Bay is hosting the Women’s 8-Ball World Championship at the Oneida Hotel. The five-day tournament brings together 64 elite women from across the globe, competing for a total purse of $150,000.
WPBA President Dean Roeseler said he didn’t hesitate when offered the event.
“It was offered to me by the World Pool Association,” Roeseler explained. “I had about 10 seconds to say yes before they offered it to China.”
The style of play differs from more aggressive billiards formats, like 9-ball.
“For an 8-ball match, it’s different,” said Brittany Bryant of Canada. “You’ll see a chess match, really. A lot of meticulous, soft, rolling shots. Not as aggressive as 9-ball.”
While the championship is new to Wisconsin, it’s drawing competitors from around the globe, representing more than 30 countries.
“This is very special,” Tschumpert added. “This is a world championship. These ladies travel the world. This is their job.”
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Among them is the world’s No. 1-ranked player, Kristina Tkach. The Russian-born standout was named 2024 Player of the Year and is soaking in her first visit to Green Bay.
“I didn’t honestly know how big of a thing this is,” said Tkach. “Everybody says this is a sacred place for football. I was on the field yesterday for the first time—it was pretty impressive.”
