MANILA -- Billiards has long been woven into the everyday fabric of Filipino life.
Across the streets, you'll find locals huddled around makeshift tables, cue sticks in hand, testing their precision and patience -- a reflection of the sport's deep cultural roots.
Much of this passion can be traced back to the legendary Efren 'Bata' Reyes, whose mastery on the global stage turned billiards into a source of national pride.
Inspired by his legacy, the 2025 Reyes Cup is about to unfold -- where Team Asia faces off against Team Rest of the World from Oct. 16-19 at Ninoy Aquino National Stadium in Manila.
More than just a tournament, the event stands as a celebration of Filipino excellence -- a reminder of how Reyes' influence continues to elevate the sport and inspire cue artists across generations.
In its second offering leading Team Asia is none other than Francisco 'Django' Bustamante, a living legend and close friend of Reyes. Bustamante, a former World 9-Ball champion (2010), stands as the perfect successor to 'Bata' as the team captain.
His career spans over 80 international titles, from major world events to prestigious money games across the United States and Asia. Earlier this year, the 61-year-old proved he still has plenty left in the tank by winning the 29th Annual Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Championship in Las Vegas.
Under Bustamante's leadership, Team Asia is not just stacked with talent -- it's bound together by shared legacy and pride.
"First of all, good luck to Asia and our team. I'm so happy to be selected as captain, and I will do my best for my team. We are so strong with champion after champion in this team. I'm going to give them all my support," Bustamante shared.
If Bustamante represents the bridge to the golden past, Carlo 'Black Tiger' Biado symbolizes the fire of the present.
Fresh off his historic run as the first Filipino to win the WPA World 9-Ball Championship twice, first in 2017 and again in 2025, Biado enters the Reyes Cup as one of Asia's top guns. He also claimed the World Ten-Ball Championship in 2024, further proving his all-around mastery.
In recognition of his achievements, Biado was recently inducted into the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame, joining Reyes, Bustamante, and Dennis Orcollo -- a rare honor that solidifies his place among the greats.
For Biado, the Reyes Cup is more than a title chase -- it's a chance to give back to the fans who stood by him through triumphs and trials alike.
"I have the best team, I have lots of experience of winning major events, I have no worries about my team and I hope this year we will lift the trophy again! I'm so excited to have my family out there watching me again in my home country," the world No. 3 mentioned.
Amidst the veterans, AJ Manas represents the new blood of Philippine billiards.
At just 19, he's already been recognized by Matchroom Pool as one of the sport's future stars, with appearances in major international tournaments such as the Chinese Taipei Open and TE Capital Nineball Open.
The inclusion of the young Manas is a testament to the sport's bright future -- a reminder that the next generation of Filipino cue artists is ready to uphold the legacy that Reyes and Bustamante built.
"I'm proud to be part of Team Asia, it is an incredible honour of mine, and a dream I wanted to achieve when this event was created. I know there will be lots of pressure on me but I'm so excited to get out there. Team Rest of the World need to be ready for us," said Manas.
Across the table, Fedor Gorst of Team Rest of the World stands as one of the biggest threats.
Hailing from Moscow, the 25-year-old phenom has dominated the global pool scene in recent years. Gorst is a two-time WPA World 9-Ball champion (2019, 2024), a World Pool Masters winner, and a U.S. Open 9-Ball champion -- completing what fans dubbed the "Gorst Slam".
As a first-time Reyes Cup participant, the world No. 1 brings both swagger and skill -- a formidable rival who adds intensity to every rack.
"I'm so excited to play in the Reyes Cup for the first time. Pool players are treated like rock stars out here. It will definitely be more competitive this year with our combined team. For us, it is easy because we know each other and our strengths so well," Gorst said.
While players prepare to battle under the lights, Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport, stands as the architect of this grand event.
Under her leadership and the help of Aristeo 'Putch' Puyat of Puyat Sports, Matchroom has revolutionized the modern pool -- from production value and prize money to the global visibility of the sport.
"Last year was one of the remarkable weeks that I experienced in my life when we launched the Reyes Cup. 'Putch' has believed in this event, he's been waiting for this to happen and without his support, as well as Efren's, we wouldn't have got this over the line," Frazer shared.
She also describes the event as a turning point -- a showcase for Asian talent that has long deserved its own stage.
"For years, we have had Europe vs. USA. And for the first time, we have an invitational event for Team Asia and for us to really show the world just how incredible they are," Frazer added
"They are so damn incredible that we have to change the entire format just to make it competitive."
This year's edition promises to be even more exciting, featuring 21 matches, a mix of team, doubles, and singles events, each a race to five. The first team to reach 11 points will lift the coveted Reyes Cup trophy and share in the $150,000 prize fund. Winners will take home $20,000 each, while runners-up earn $10,000 per player.
The 2025 Reyes Cup stands as a living testament that the magic of Efren 'Bata' Reyes continues to inspire every Filipino cue artist who dares to dream.