Can Pool Ever Be in the Olympics?
Despite its global popularity, precision, and rich heritage, pool (and cue sports in general) has yet to make its way into the Summer Olympics. Let’s explore the status, challenges, and future prospects—with sources to back it all up.
1. Recognition by the IOC—not yet Olympic inclusion
The World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS)—the overarching body for cue sports including pool, snooker, and carom billiards—has held full IOC recognition since February 5, 1998 .
WCBS is also a member of organizations like GAISF, ARISF, and IWGA, which are stepping stones toward Olympic inclusion—but none guarantee a spot in the Games .
Being an “IOC-recognized sports federation” means the sport meets IOC standards of governance and organization—but still requires further steps to be included in any Olympic program .
2. What’s blocking Pool from the Olympic Games?
a) Fragmented governance
Cue sports are governed separately—WPA for pool, UMB for carom billiards, and IBSF/WSF for snooker—under the WCBS umbrella .
The IOC prefers sports governed by a unified structure, but the disciplines have historically resisted full consolidation .
b) Perception as a recreational activity
Cue sports often struggle with the image of being “barroom games,” competing with physically demanding sports in perception—even though they require high-level precision, mental focus, and strategy .
c) Heavy competition among aspiring sports
Pool is vying against other emerging sports like skateboarding, surfing, sport climbing, and lacrosse for limited slots in the Olympic program .
d) IOC/host-city decisions
The IOC’s evolving model for Olympic programming allows host cities to propose one-time additions (e.g., Tokyo 2020). Cue sports submitted bids—like snooker for Tokyo—but were ultimately rejected .
Additionally, exhibitions (such as at the Eiffel Tower in 2018 targeting Paris 2024) helped raise visibility but weren’t enough to secure inclusion .
3. What steps have cue sports taken—and what’s next?
The 1990 unification meeting in Bristol, UK led to the formation of WCBS (1992) to align with IOC recognition requirements .
Subsequent bids:
2008 Beijing Olympics: Cue sports were proposed but denied—IOC cited prior decisions not to add more sports .
2020 Tokyo: Snooker (via WPBSA) tried leveraging host-city privileges—unsuccessfully .
2024 Paris: Exhibitions staged, and WCBS ran campaigns—but inclusion did not materialize .
2032 Brisbane: The World Snooker Federation (WSF) is now focusing on a bid for snooker inclusion in 2032 .
Meanwhile, WCBS keeps advocating with slogans like “Aim Together”, emphasizing cue sports’ inclusivity and multi-generational appeal, backed by over 200 million amateur players worldwide .
4.
Summary Table: Where things stand
IOC Recognition
Achieved through WCBS (since 1998)
Unified Governance
Progress made, but still fragmented across disciplines
Visibility & Campaigns
Exhibitions and bids conducted, but Olympic inclusion remains elusive
Perception
Technical sport needing perception shift beyond recreational stereotypes
Upcoming Strategy
Snooker push for Brisbane 2032; WCBS continues global and campaign efforts
5. Conclusion: Is Olympic Inclusion Possible?
Yes—but not inevitable. Pool and cue sports meet many key criteria: global reach, measurable skill, organized governance, and growing popularity. However, to move from recognition to actual Olympic events, they must:
Unify governance in the eyes of the IOC.
Change perception, emphasizing elite athleticism and mental fortitude.
Prove value through media appeal and inclusivity.
Leverage host-city dynamics—like bids for Brisbane 2032.
Cue sports aren’t out of the game yet. With continued efforts, they could still break into future Olympic programs—maybe not by 2028, but possibly as early as 2032 if campaigns align with IOC priorities and host city direction.