The 2025 Sportsbet.io Mosconi Cup launched its highly anticipated 32nd edition with an electric pre-tournament press conference at Alexandra Palace in London, as the world’s most iconic team event in nineball returned to one of its most atmospheric homes.
In partnership with Sportsbet.io, this year’s Mosconi Cup will see Team Europe defend their title on home soil against Team USA in a four-day showdown of world-class pool from 3–6 December.
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The press conference provided fans and media with an exclusive first look at both teams, captains, and debutants as they faced off ahead of one of the most prestigious events on the World Nineball Tour. Hosted by Matchroom Multi Sport CEO Emily Frazer, the event set the tone for a fiery and unforgettable week in London.
Speaking on the competition and his return to Team Europe captaincy, Jayson Shaw said: “It’s nice to be back at Ally Pally, this is where it all happens. I think it was important for me to get the guys together and really prepare well for this. We’re not here to take this lightly; we’re here to do damage. I know what it takes to win, I know the preparation that needs to be done.”
Meanwhile, Captain of Team USA Skyler Woodward was a man of few words regarding his team’s preparation, but made their readiness perfectly clear: “We are all ready, there’s not much else to say. I love the atmosphere here. I wish we didn’t have any fans rooting for us, we love it; it puts our backs more against the wall, more pressure, we like it.”
One of the two rookie players in Team Europe, Moritz Neuhausen, shared his excitement ahead of his Mosconi Cup debut: “I’m super happy to be here, and glad to have another German on the team. We have gotten to know each other on a different level. I think it’s tough to say how we will do this week, but with this team by our back, I can confidently say we are ready. Being the rookies is always tough, but we’re up to the challenge.”
Returning as one of Europe’s most dominant forces, Joshua Filler commented on reuniting with fellow World Cup of Pool teammate Neuhausen: “Having him on the team makes it more special, it is my second time playing on the team with a second German on the team. We are great friends off the table and we have shown that we are a good doubles pair, and I’m excited to play with him.”
When asked about taking more of a fatherly mentor role for his team, veteran Mosconi Cup star David Alcaidesaid: “Maybe 10 years ago, when we played 3 or 4 big tournaments a year, the rookies had more pressure. But with Matchroom, we have so many big tournaments a year, the rookies play like they are at home. They play like a champion.”
World Number One Fedor Gorst explained that USA’s unchanged lineup has only been an advantage heading into the tournament, as they look to reverse their recent form: “Luckily, we have the same team as last year, and I think it helps us because we know each other. We don’t have to spend time figuring out the doubles. We can just improve on last year, because we know what we did wrong, and this year we are preparing more seriously.”
Gorst added: “Everybody has us as underdogs; we are underdogs on paper every year. It would definitely be huge for everyone back home to win a Mosconi Cup. Hopefully, even the Europeans will root for the underdog.”
Mosconi Cup veteran Shane Van Boening spoke to his changing perspective as one of the older players on tour, saying: “I remember when I played my first Mosconi Cup in 2007, that was a great experience for me. I was young and playing against the older guys, now it’s the other way around, and I am playing against the younger guys.”
One of the most consistent players on Team USA, Tyler Styer, was the third qualifier for the team. On what that means to him, he said: “There are a lot of guys that want our spots. There are other players travelling around the world trying their hardest to make this team, and it is not easy. I enjoy it so much and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else than with these guys right here.”
Reflecting on the event’s return to Alexandra Palace, Emily Frazer shared her excitement and expectations for another thrilling edition of the tournament: “These two teams are going toe to toe over the next four days in this arena, 2000 fans are going to be screaming, chanting for their favourite team and players. Four matches, it’s going to be drama, it’s going to be action packed, make sure you tune in!”
Frazer also revealed the highly anticipated Day One schedule, promising a blockbuster opening session to ignite the Alexandra Palace crowd from the first break.
Day One Matches
Match 1 – Team Match: Europe vs USA
Match 2 – Doubles Match: Joshua Filler & David Alcaide vs Fedor Gorst & Shane Van Boening
Match 3 – Singles Match: Jayson Shaw vs Skyler Woodward
Match 4 – Doubles Match: Moritz Neuhausen & Pijus Labutis vs Tyler Styer & Billy Thorpe
The 2025 Sportsbet.io Mosconi Cup will see four days of intense competition at Alexandra Palace, featuring singles, doubles, and team matches all played as races to five, with every point counting towards the most coveted prize in team nineball – the Mosconi Cup trophy.
Event Schedule (GMT):
Wednesday, 3 December: 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Thursday, 4 December: 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Friday, 5 December: 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday, 6 December: 6:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Fans unable to attend can catch every match live, with full coverage on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, WNT TV in the USA, and multiple international broadcasters bringing the drama to viewers worldwide.
With tickets already selling fast, limited availability remains for the Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Don’t miss the chance to witness the Mosconi Cup live at the iconic Alexandra Palace.