The EPBF Parasport European Billiard Championships 2026 have officially opened at the BOSS Hotel in Warsaw. Some of Europe's best billiards players with disabilities have gathered in the Polish capital to compete for European Championship titles.
For the second time in just over a year, Poland is hosting the European Billiards Championships for Para Athletes. The previous edition took place in Starachowice at the end of 2025, and now it is time for the country's capital.
The official Opening Ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 10, at the BOSS Hotel in Warsaw. The ceremony took place in a calm and respectful atmosphere. Participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the victims of the recent tragedy in Krakow. The Polish National Anthem was then played, reflecting the celebrations of Poland's Independence Day.
The event brought together athletes, national team representatives, referees, championship partners and invited guests. Among those attending were Gre Leenders, President of the European Pocket Billiard Federation (EPBF), Grzegorz Kędzierski, President of the Polish Billiards Association and EPBF Board Member, Izabela Gajek, Secretary General of the Polish Billiards Association, and Paweł Florecki, President of the THEY Foundation.
– In Poland, almost 6,000 players regularly play billiards in nearly 200 clubs. Thanks to our cooperation with the Ministry of Sport and our partners, we have also been developing billiards for people with disabilities for many years. We are very happy that the European Pocket Billiard Federation has once again trusted us to organize such an important event. The support of so many institutions shows that our sport is becoming more visible, and our motto, "Billiards – A Sport for Everyone!", has a special meaning at these Championships – said Grzegorz Kędzierski, President of the Polish Billiards Association.
The President of the European Pocket Billiard Federation also expressed his appreciation for the Polish organizers.
– We are in Poland for the second time this year, and that is no coincidence. We are more than happy to work again with one of the best-organized billiards federations in Europe – the Polish Billiards Association. I know we should not choose favorites, but this is the truth, and we can say it openly. I would like to thank Grzegorz Kędzierski and all the institutions, sponsors and partners who supported the organization of these Championships. I wish all athletes and coaches a successful championship, all spectators exciting matches, and everyone a wonderful stay in Poland – said Gre Leenders, President of the EPBF.
The Championships were officially declared open by the EPBF President. The ceremony concluded with a symbolic opening break shot featuring Grzegorz Kędzierski, Adam Wilk – European Champion from Poland, Henrik Larsson – multiple World and European Championship medalist, and Piotr Domański – Polish Business Billiards Champion.
