The Andover Open, 2026
In partnership with The Wolversdene Club and The Hayward Suite, Dransfields, Evolve Eight Ball and RackEmApp, The Open will take place on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th October, 2026.
The event will be played over 2 days, with Losers Qualification onwards played on Sunday 11th October, to ensure everyone is fresh and healthy (including the Staff).
We are delighted to be partnering with Dransfields as a sponsor and table provider, alongside RackEmApp, The Wolversdene Club & Hayward Suite, Arkells Brewery and Houston Broking Group, with many more to be announced.
64 players will compete across 10 tables in a double elimination format competing for The Karl Baxter Trophy, with the prize fund to be confirmed once the Sponsors are announced.
The support of Steve and Carol at the Wolversdene Club has been instrumental in us bringing the event back, so lets support our hosts for their hospitality over the bar.
The main arena tables will be streamed all day for all rounds including the final, and we aim to run at least one other stream table during the day in the Main Bar.
Entry Criteria
Open to any player aged 16 or over.
Places are not reserved, and the first 64 paid entrants will be the confirmed field.
Once paid, entries are non-refundable, however we will operate a waiting list of people for you to transfer your place to which will be strictly in order of registered interest.
Rules
The competition ruleset is to be played to standard blackball rules with the exception of the shotclock. Until the semi finals, this will not be enforced unless there is slow play. From the semi finals onwards, the matches will be timed and refereed.
Matches in early rounds without a referee will be self-refereed between the players and we expect fairness and honesty. Disputes are to be raised with the tournament director at the time of the incident. Slow play will result in that match being played on the clock.
The tournament directors decision is final.
The competition will be a double elimination format until 8 players remain when it will be switched to a single elimination for the knockout stages.
- Winners bracket will be Races to 6, Losers bracket will be Races to 4.
- Quarter Finals will be a race to 6.
- Semi Finals will be a race to 7.
- Final will be a race to 8.
Above all, the emphasis is playing within the spirit of game, and common sense trumps.