The Nile Special National Pool Open Championship has returned with fresh energy and bigger rewards, reaffirming its place as Uganda’s most prestigious cue-sport competition. This year’s edition, expected to draw more than 10,000 players from across the country, will climax with a showpiece finale at the iconic Lugogo Indoor Arena. For both seasoned champions and rising talents, the stakes have never been higher , and fans are already buzzing for the big break. Cue in the drama. Cue in the glory.
Since 2009, Nile Special has stood as the lifeblood of the championship, transforming a barroom pastime into a national spectacle. “Pool has always had a special way of bringing communities together,” said Eric Malinga, Nile Special’s Brand Manager, as he underscored the brewer’s decade-long partnership. The 2025 tournament continues that tradition of inclusivity, with a format designed to ensure players from every corner of Uganda get their shot at glory. Supporters across the nation will follow every cue and clash, waiting to see who can hold their nerve under the lights. One mistake, one moment , it could all change.
Qualifiers for the men will break out at 320 centers, funneling into 40 regional showdowns, while the women’s competition begins at nine regional hubs. Each regional winner will pocket Shs 150,000 and a branded t-shirt, but the true jackpot awaits in Kampala: a brand-new car for both the men’s and women’s champions, alongside cash prizes, pool tables, and national bragging rights. For fans, the prospect of witnessing a new champion crowned , or a favorite defending their crown , adds a thrilling layer of anticipation. The road to Lugogo is long, but the rewards are life-changing.
The tournament’s legacy is rich with unforgettable names. From Mansoor Bwanika’s dominance in 2018 and 2024, to Caesar Chandiga’s 2023 heroics, to Fahad Ssewankambo’s two-time triumphs, the men’s side has produced a gallery of legends. On the women’s table, defending champion Rita Nimusiima stands tall among stars like Sheilla Ankah and Rasheeda Muteesi, each hoping to etch their names deeper into Uganda’s sporting folklore. Fans will no doubt flock to Lugogo eager to see if history repeats or a new face emerges to shock the field. Champions are remembered, but legends are made here.
Backed by a Shs 1 billion sponsorship deal between Nile Breweries and the Pool Association of Uganda, the championship signals a new dawn for cue-sport in the country. With cars, cash, and history on the line, the 2025 National Pool Open is set to deliver unforgettable drama , one shot at a time. For Ugandan pool lovers, all eyes now turn to Lugogo, where the nation’s best will step up, break hard, and chase destiny. The countdown is over. The table is set. Let the game begin.
