The Predator Pro Billiard Series (PBS) celebrated an extraordinary 2024, underscoring its mission to elevate the sport of billiards and captivate a global audience. With 14 tournaments spanning three continents and close to $1.5 million in prize funds awarded this year, PBS delivered a season of thrilling competition. Seven new world champions were crowned, inspiring fans worldwide and solidifying its place as the premier platform for professional pool.
A GLOBAL CELEBRATION OF CHAMPIONS
PBS brought together the sport’s finest talents across iconic locations, delivering unforgettable moments:
- Las Vegas, USA: Filipino stars Chezka Centeno, Lee Vann Corteza, and Carlo Biado demonstrated their nation’s enduring excellence. Chieh Yu Chou (Chinese Taipei) shone with victories in the Women’s Showdown and Mixed Doubles events.
- New Zealand: A landmark event where Rubilen Amit (Philippines) claimed the Women’s World 9-Ball Championship, cementing her legendary status. Rising star Sofia Mast (USA) triumphed in the World Junior Girls Championship, adding her name to the growing list of future stars. Revo Maimre (Estonia) and Mika Van Berkel (Netherlands) also secured victories in the World Junior U17 and U19 divisions, while Joshua Filler took home the Men’s World 8-Ball Championship in spectacular fashion.
- Puerto Rico: The Series finale saw Kristina Tkach (AIN) capture the Women’s World 10-Ball Championship, while Vitaliy Patsura, Han Yu, and Joshua Filler impressed with outstanding performances, including Filler’s Challenge of Champions victory.
FILIPINO EXCELLENCE AND RISING STARS
Asian players, particularly from the Philippines, dominated the 2024 season. Rubilen Amit’s commanding victory in New Zealand and Chezka Centeno’s triumph in Las Vegas highlighted the Philippines’ rich pool legacy, supported by stellar performances from Carlo Biado and Lee Vann Corteza. Emerging talents like Sofia Mast, with her win in the World Junior Girls Championship, promise an exciting future for the sport.
Stars Who Defined 2024
- Rubilen Amit (Philippines): Securing the Women’s World 9-Ball Championship, Amit added yet another accolade to her illustrious career.
- Kristina Tkach (AIN): With her victory in the Women’s World 10-Ball Championship, Tkach proved herself a dominant force in the sport.
- Joshua Filler (Germany): His victories in the Men’s World 8-Ball Championship and Challenge of Champions cemented his status as one of the game’s greats.
- Sofia Mast (USA): At just 15 years old, Mast’s victory in the World Junior Girls Championship positioned her as a rising star with a bright future ahead.
A Word from Vincent Rochefort, PBS Event Manager
“The Pro Billiard Series is more than just a competition—it’s a platform for the world’s best players to shine and for the sport of pool to reach new heights,” said Vincent Rochefort, Event Manager for the Pro Billiard Series. “Our goal is to create an environment where players can compete at the highest level in every corner of the globe. From North America to Oceania to Europe, we aim to provide opportunities for all genders and all variations of the game. The success of the 2024 season is just the beginning, and we are committed to expanding the reach of billiards and showcasing its universal appeal.”
UNMATCHED PRIZE POOLS AND TOURNAMENT HIGHLIGHTS
PBS continued its commitment to elevating the sport with record-breaking prize funds:
- Close to $1.5 million total prize fund, including $500,000 for women’s events.
- $250,000 each for the World 10-Ball and World 8-Ball Championships.
- $175,000 each for the Women’s World 9-Ball and Women’s World 10-Ball Championships.
A Record-Breaking Year for Digital Growth
The Series achieved remarkable growth in its digital presence and global reach:
- 30 million views on YouTube (ProBilliardTV).
- 80 million views on Facebook, reaching 35 million people.
- 25 million views on Instagram, engaging nearly 5 million fans.
- 5 million viewers tuned into BilliardTV across platforms like Samsung TV Plus.
Looking Ahead to 2025: Expanding the Vision
PBS is set to build on its 2024 success with a bigger and more exciting 2025 season. The journey begins with the highly anticipated Las Vegas Expo (Feb 19–Mar 1, 2025), featuring eight professional tournaments and innovative new formats like the Banks Showdown and Onepocket Face-Off.
With its unwavering commitment to its players and fans, PBS is leading the charge to make billiards a truly global sport. The 2024 season proved that the future of pool is brighter than ever, and the best is yet to come!