The talent of Great Southern eight-ball players was on full show at the prestigious Golden Eight Ball tournament at the weekend as players travelled from across the region to compete for the coveted title.

Players travelled from Albany, Kojonup, Katanning, Bunbury, Narrogin and Perth to compete for the prestigious Golden Eight Ball title, creating a strong and diverse field.

From the opening frames, the tournament showcased the skill, experience and determination of players across the region.

Experienced masters players produced master breaks and seemingly impossible shots, while younger competitors stepped up to challenge the established players.

The tournament also proved that in eight-ball, youth and skill don’t always beat experience and a little old-fashioned cunning.

As the competition progressed, the field was narrowed down to two outstanding finalists: Justin Campbell from Perth and Kim Michael from Kojonup.

Campbell produced an impressive performance in the grand final to claim the 2026 Golden Eight Ball title.

He displayed a high level of skill and composure throughout the tournament, proving a formidable opponent for every player he faced.

Michael fought his way through a strong field to reach the grand final, putting together an impressive campaign to secure the runner-up position.

Adding to the local success was Albany’s own Les Hill, who finished in third place against a highly competitive field.

The tournament also featured a plate event, giving players who missed out on the main game another chance to compete for prize money.

Perth’s Marchi Hami claimed the plate title after defeating Damien Benson in the final.

For Albany Eight Ball Association, the Golden Eight Ball represented the culmination of months of planning, preparation and hard work by the committee.

Tournament director Ken Skinner kept the competition running smoothly throughout the day while also competing himself, while association president Conan Buktenica played an important role behind the scenes.

The tournament was held at the Stirling Club, with GoldMX providing live broadcasting and music throughout the event, while Pink Lotus supplied the food.

The event also provided an opportunity to support the next generation of eight-ball talent, with funds raised for 15-year-old Narrogin player Mia Gooley as she prepares to compete at the junior nationals in Melbourne in 2027.

Mia has previously represented WA at the junior nationals in both 2025 and 2026, and will once again represent the State when she heads to Melbourne next year.

The Albany Eight Ball Association was pleased to be able to use the event as an opportunity to help support her journey at the national level.

The success of the Golden Eight Ball was a reflection of the players who took part, the supporters who came along, the businesses who contributed and the committee and volunteers who worked behind the scenes to make the day possible.

After a day filled with breaks, battles and brilliance, the Golden Eight Ball certainly delivered — both on and off the table — and has given Albany Eight Ball Association plenty to build on for the future.