2025 World Matchplay Championship & Irish Open

(2024 World Matchplay and Irish Open Champion David Causier)

Macau Casino World Matchplay Championship & Sammin Engineering Irish Open – 4-11th April ’25

The SBI Academy in Carlow continues to be the home of the World Matchplay Billiards Championship, as we look forward to our return in April. We are pleased to confirm Macau Casino have again agreed to become title sponsors of the World Matchplay, with Sammin Engineering continuing their sponsorship of the Irish Open.

The Irish Open is a level 3 World Ranking Event and open to all. The World Matchplay Championship is played over the short format of multiple games of 100up and carries level 6 World Ranking points. Spectators are welcome in the venue and streaming of both events will be available on our YouTube channel.

The state of the art SBI Academy and HQ opened in 2021. This will be our fourth year of staging events at this venue and it is one of the most popular on the circuit.

The venue has four Star tables and four Rasson tables, all of which have TV style lighting and under table heating, and will be hosting what promises to be a feast of Billiards.

Once again the modified short format and baulkline crossing rules will be in operation for the World Matchplay. The Irish Open will be played using the timed format with standard rules.

Current Champion:

David Causier is the current champion of both the World Matchplay and Irish Open. Please visit our YouTube playlist for footage from the 2024 World Matchplay Championship.

Venue Details:

SBI HQ,
Academy of Excellence Graiguecullen,
Co. Laois,
Carlow Town

A location map is included here.

(SBI Academy)

Dates:

The Irish Open will run from Friday 4th to Sunday 6th April. The Matchplay will follow on from this on the 7th and running until its climax on the 11th.

Accommodation:

We have negotiated a reduced rate at the The Talbot Hotel which is situated a short drive, or a 10-15 minute walk, from the venue. We are grateful to the Talbot Hotel for their sponsorship of the event.

Twin/Double room (2 people sharing) – €135 per night
Single room (sole occupancy) – €125 per night

These rates include breakfast.

Please be aware we stipulate that all players and officials are required to stay at this hotel. It can be very expensive to stay in Ireland around this time of year and we are very thankful to The Talbot Hotel for their hospitality and agreement in hosting us at the reduced rates. A block of rooms have been reserved to ensure availability for all participants.

Please email reservations@talbothotelcarlow.ie to book and quote WBL25, or call and speak to the reservations team.

(Credit: SBI – SBI HQ/Academy in Carlow)

Opening Ceremony:

The opening ceremony for the World Matchplay will take place in The Talbot Hotel on the Sunday evening. Please join us for what promises to be a fantastic evening of entertainment as we kick-off for the big event. More information to follow.

Travel:

The nearest international airport is Dublin Airport.

Just outside the arrivals terminal is a coach park where you can find coaches that will take you direct to Carlow. To book coach travel please visit JJ Kavanagh or Bus Eireann. The journey time is on average about 2 hours. If you get off at Carlow Coach Park it is a 6 minute drive (or 30 minute walk) to the Talbot Hotel. Taxis are available from local firms such as Erin Cabs.

You can also travel by train to Carlow from Dublin Heuston station, these run frequently however the station is 20 minutes from the airport. To book train travel visit Irish Rail.