The VI National Billiards Cup "Rubén Picolino Aguilera," taking place since Thursday at the D’Angelous Complex in Camagüey, will conclude this Saturday with the participation of representatives from eight Cuban provinces.
The competition, which is being held in that territory for the first time, brings together 32 players from Artemisa, Matanzas, Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Las Tunas, Santiago de Cuba, and Camagüey, using a double elimination system, and is played in the 9-ball format, following the rules of the Pan-American Pool League.
Organized by the working group Pro Cuban Billiards Association and supported by the Municipal Directorate of Sports and Culture, this edition pays tribute to Rubén "Picolino" Aguilera, regarded as one of the most popular Cuban billiards players before 1959.
The event also aims to promote billiards as a sporting discipline and encourage its organized practice throughout the Island. "Inder has asked us to meet specific objectives for the development of billiards as a sport, and this cup is an important step in that direction," said Carlos Moreno Ruiz, national representative of the organizing group, in statements to the newspaper Adelante.
Camagüey makes its debut as a national venue just seven months after joining the organizational network of Cuban billiards.
Under the leadership of Ricardo Nogueras Álvarez, the local group has promoted neighborhood tournaments, women's and youth cups, and monthly meetings, attracting young players with great potential, one of whom is already ranked among the top 16 in the national rankings.
"The effort and seriousness have earned us the privilege of hosting this cup. We are building from the ground up, with support from Inder at the municipal and provincial levels," declared Nogueras.
The tournament is part of the annual competitive calendar alongside the Elite Cup and the National Championship, where Matanzas historically dominates with 21 individual titles and 12 team titles.
The organization of the event also serves as a precursor to larger challenges.
“This year, Cuba will host an International Open in Varadero, and we already have eight qualified participants. We have also secured the same number of spots to participate in the Open in Costa Rica,” detailed Carlos Moreno, who also emphasized that only Guantánamo remains to be integrated into the national coordination network.
The VI "Picolino" Aguilera Cup will conclude this Saturday with the final rounds and the awards ceremony.
The organizing committee is already planning future tournaments and similar events in Camagüey, with the mission of establishing billiards as a recognized sport within the Cuban competitive ecosystem.
Although Cuba does not have an extensive tradition in billiards, it is home to legendary figures like Alfredo de Oro, a 25-time world champion and considered one of the four greatest billiards players of all time.
Beyond the tournament, this event is part of a broader social phenomenon: the resurgence of billiards in Cuba. After decades of restrictions imposed after the Revolution's victory in 1959—when it was sidelined due to its association with casinos and betting bars—billiards has re-emerged from neighborhood academies and community-organized tournaments.
“El billar nunca desapareció del todo, solo se escondió,” says Francisco Sosa, a veteran instructor who runs an academy in his home in Cerro, Havana, to Infobae. Today, young individuals like Nayelis Guzmán are training in improvised spaces with the hope of representing Cuba on the international stage, despite the shortage of basic supplies such as cues, chalk, and cloths.
At the same time, workshops like Pablo Cabrera's have revived the handcrafted production of billiard tables, catering to the growing demand from private bars, community centers, and training academies in various provinces.
Frequently Asked Questions about the VI National Billiards Cup in Cuba
What is the VI National Billiards Cup "Rubén Picolino Aguilera"?
The VI National Billiards Cup "Rubén Picolino Aguilera" is a billiards tournament held in Camagüey, Cuba, bringing together players from eight provinces in the 9-ball format. The event pays tribute to Rubén "Picolino" Aguilera, a renowned Cuban billiards player, and aims to promote billiards as a sporting discipline on the island.
What significance does this tournament hold for the development of billiards in Cuba?
This tournament is an important step to reclaim billiards as a sport in Cuba and to promote its organized practice throughout the country. The competition is part of a broader effort supported by Inder to develop billiards as a sports discipline.
Why is Camagüey the host of the National Billiards Cup?
Camagüey became the host of the National Billiards Cup as a result of the efforts of the local group led by Ricardo Nogueras Álvarez. The city has promoted neighborhood tournaments and has attracted young players with great potential, which has earned it the selection as the venue for the tournament.
What other billiards events are expected in Cuba this year?
In addition to the National Cup, Cuba will host an International Open in Varadero and will participate in the Open in Costa Rica. These events reflect the growth of billiards on the island and Cuba's integration into the international sports circuit.
What challenges does billiards development face in Cuba?
The development of billiards in Cuba faces challenges similar to other sports on the island, such as a lack of resources and adequate infrastructure. However, the support of Inder and the enthusiasm of local communities have made it possible to organize events and attract new talents to the sport.
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