Four icons who shaped the modern game of pool are set for a historic reunion in the Philippines. The World Nineball Tour (WNT) Legends event, scheduled for January 22 to 24, 2026, will feature Filipino masters Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante alongside international greats Earl “The Pearl” Strickland of the USA and Germany’s Ralf “The Kaiser” Souquet.
A Gathering of Giants in the Sport's Heartland
This special tournament, created to honor their monumental legacies, aims to reignite classic rivalries and offer fans a rare glimpse into the skill and charisma that fueled pool's worldwide popularity. For the Filipino legends, playing at home adds a profound layer of significance to the competition.
"I never expected something like this to happen at this stage of my career," an excited Efren Reyes shared. "To play again in front of the Filipino fans, with my friends and rivals from all over the world, is very special. This event will be full of memories — old ones and new ones."
His longtime compatriot and rival, Francisco Bustamante, echoed the sentiment, calling Manila the core of his billiards journey. The 2010 World 9-Ball champion stated that competing in an event celebrating their shared history and battles is a true honor. "The fans will love this. It will feel like the old days again," Bustamante added.
Global Champions Ready for Manila Showdown
The international stars are equally thrilled to return to the spotlight in a city renowned for its passionate billiard fans. American legend Earl Strickland, a winner of over 100 tournaments and three world titles, promised a spectacular display.
"I’ve played these guys for decades, and every match has a story," said Strickland, a Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame inductee since 2006. "This is a chance to show the world what real legends look like — the intensity, the skill, the personality."
German powerhouse Ralf Souquet, a former world champion in both 9-Ball (1996) and 8-Ball (2008), looks forward to the unique reunion. With a staggering record that includes 23 Euro Tour titles and 20 European Championships, Souquet expressed gratitude for the invitation and excitement to compete at the highest level once more for fans who cherish the sport's history.
How to Watch the Historic Matches
The WNT Legends event is organized in partnership with Puyat Sports. Fans in the Philippines can catch all the action live on One Sports and the Pilipinas Live App. Viewers around the globe can tune in via WNT TV. Details regarding the exact venue, tournament format, ticket availability, and pay-per-view options will be released in the near future.
Aristeo “Putch” Puyat, founder of Puyat Sports, called this a proud moment for Philippine billiards. "To host an event that brings together these legendary champions is something fans here have dreamed of for many years," Puyat said. He highlighted that Efren and Django are national icons, while Earl and Ralf are global giants, making the event a celebration of history, respect, and the magic of pool, all happening in Manila.
