EIGHT BALL FALL 2026

Our tournaments are designed and intended to make the playing experience of all participants as enjoyable as possible. Here's a rundown of how it all works...

(Please note all times are approximations)

5:30 CHECK-IN & REGISTRATION OPENS - When players arrive they must check-in at our competitor check-in desk. Those that signed up in advance, we just need to verify you're here, get you checked into our system, and get you your player badge. Walk-in participants that didn't sign-up in advance can also complete their registration at the check-in desk. The desk is usually open half an hour earlier than the tournament start time if you wish to arrive and check-in early. 

Those of you without a teammate can check-in solo and return to the check-in desk with a partner once you have found one.

Late registration is permitted until the first round of matches is complete. 

6:45 OPENING REMARKS - Once most competitors have been checked in, opening remarks will be given over the microphone from the tournament host and administrator. This will include a brief explanation of the tournament rules and how the night will work. 

7:00 QUALIFIER MATCHES BEGIN - A schedule of matches for the first round will be posted on the club website and on the leaderboard screen in the game room. Players are expected to check-in for their match at the tournament administration desk at their scheduled time. Please keep an eye on the match schedule as times may be subject to change. 

10:00 FINAL MATCHES BEGIN - Single elimination matches begin and continue until one team is crowned the winner!

WHAT ARE TOURNAMENTS LIKE?

In a word, fun! Every tournament we hold is unique but all are open to all students of any skill level! Even if you don't know how to play the game, all rules are explained at the start. Then, players are called to the tables when it's time for their matches and the tournament progress can be watched on the leaderboard.

IS THERE AN ENTRY FEE?

No! Our tournaments are free to those who wish to participate! 

CAN I WATCH THE TOURANMENT EVEN IF I'M NOT PLAYING?

Absolutely! We encourage everyone to come and spectate our tournaments and cheer on your friends! Seating around the pool tables is available for all and typically a camera feed of each table for better viewing.

IS FOOD AND DRINK ALLOWED?

Per campus policy, food and drink is not allowed in the Campus Center Game Room. We enforce this rule during tournaments as we wish to keep the game room clean and orderly for all to use. If you wish to eat between your matches please make use of one of the tables outside of the game room. We do permit the exception of reusable drink canisters for water and such however these must be kept far away from the pool tables and must be sealed at all times when not being drank from. Players who attempt to bring in cafeteria plates, cups, and or other forms of open food or drink containers will be warned once. If they do not abide the warning or violate this rule a second time they will be ejected from the tournament. 

HOW LONG DO TOURNAMENTS LAST?

This depends on many factors including the game being played, the amount of players we have and how focused they are. In general, our tournament start time is 6:00PM. Qualifier matches are typically complete by 10:00PM with finals wrapping up around 11:00PM. 

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW THE GAME RULES?

Don't worry! The rules of the tournament are always explained before the first matches begin. If you miss that, or have questions, ask our Chief Referee or Tournament Administrator. If you're in the middle of a match and are unsure of a rule, ask your table referee.

WHAT IF THERE IS A RULES DISPUTE/I HAVE A RULE DISPUTE?

If you believe a rule to be incorrect, incorrectly applied, or to have been violated, talk to your table referee. They will make a ruling on the matter. If you wish to dispute your table referee's ruling, request the Chief Referee or Tournament Administrator who's decision shall be final.

IS THERE A REGISTRATION DEADLINE?

Players are allowed to check-in or last minute register until the end of the first round of matches.

CAN NON-MSOE STUDENTS PARTICIPATE?

Please see the following:

--> College aged non-MSOE students (ages 18-30) are permitted to participate in doubles/teams tournaments so long as they are vouched for by a participating MSOE student. No team or doubles pairing may consist solely of non-MSOE participants.

--> College aged MSOE/Billiards Club Alumni (ages 18-30) are permitted to participate so long as they are vouched for by a current Billiards Club member.

--> MSOE/Billiards Club Alumni over the age of 30 are permitted to spectate and in some cases assist in the running of club tournaments so long as they are vouched for by a current club member or member of MSOE staff. They are not permitted to participate as competitors.

NOTE: All Non-MSOE student participants with the exception of MSOE/Billiards Club alumni are not permitted to receive prizes in the event they win a tournament, nor will their name be recorded in the Billiards Club Hall of Fame.

DO I NEED MY OWN POOL CUE TO PARTICIPATE?

No! If you have your own cue you are more than welcome to use it however if not we have plenty of cues for you to use!

CAN I USE MY OWN ACCESSORIES/EQUIPMENT?

In general, yes! If you have certain accessories such as a playing glove, breaking cue, bridge head, etc. are permitted. Personal chalk is permitted as long as it is red in color. Pool chalk, hand powder, and bridge heads are available to all players. Billiard balls including cue balls will be provided by the club. The use of personal billiard and or cue balls not approved by the club is not permitted.

CAN I SIGN UP FOR A DOUBLES/TEAMS TOURNAMENT ALONE IF I CAN'T FIND TEAMMATES?

Yes! If you can't find a partner/teammates or would prefer to be on a random team, All doubles and teams tournaments hosted by the club allow you to sign up as an individual! Before matches begin during the tournament, you can either find a partner amongst the crowd, or be randomly paired up with another solo entrant.

CAN I PLAY ALONE IN A DOUBLES/TEAMS TOURNAMENT?

We generally permit those who are certain they wish to go it alone to do so, however we discourage it as it tends not to be in the spirit of most tournaments. It should also be noted that competing solo does not entitle you to the additional prize intended for a second team member. 

WHAT IF I NEED TO LEAVE EARLY?

No problem! If you need to leave early, please inform the tournament administration desk. If you need to leave but might be able to return later, we can try to accommodate you by scheduling your next match for later. If you need to leave for the rest of the night we'll simply remove you from future match scheduling.

CAN SOMEONE ELSE PLAY FOR ME IF I NEED TO LEAVE AND COME BACK?

The only person permitted to play on your behalf is your teammate.