2026 APA U.S. Amateur Championship Heads to Westgate

What is the U.S. Amateur Championship?

The U.S. Amateur Championship is the American Poolplayers Association's flagship individual title — a straight-up, no-handicap event the league has run since 1994. This year's edition is the 31st, and it returns to the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino on Nov. 13–15, with the Women's U.S. Amateur Championship wrapping up one day earlier, on Nov. 14.

Entry is limited to players who advanced through APA's local preliminary rounds, so the field in Las Vegas is the surviving core of a nationwide bracket rather than an open signup. APA calls it the highest level of amateur play in the country — the same weekend the league uses to separate league-night skill from tournament craft.

When and where does play happen?

Both divisions run inside the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino at 3000 Paradise Road. The open championship plays Nov. 13–15; the women's championship plays Nov. 13–14.

Player check-in is mandatory and happens twice: Thursday, Nov. 12 from 4–7 p.m. and Friday, Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon. Registration doubles as a photo shoot — APA uses the headshots for commemorative graphics and for the featured live-stream table — so the league asks players to arrive camera-ready. Competitors also have to show a state-issued ID, passport, or military ID before every match; no valid photo ID, no match.

How does the format work?

Every round is double elimination on regulation 4½-by-9-foot tables, with APA and pro rules applying — meaning no APA Equalizer handicaps and no league-night concessions. Matches blend 8-ball and 9-ball, and the winner of the lag chooses either the break or which game opens the set; once a game is chosen, that set plays out in full.

U.S. Amateur Championship: race to 7 — 5 games of 8-ball and 8 games of 9-ball. The championship match stretches to a race to 11 (8 games of 8-ball, 13 of 9-ball).
Women's U.S. Amateur Championship: race to 5 — 3 games of 8-ball and 6 of 9-ball, with the final at a race to 9 (6 and 11).

Brackets are seeded by blind draw, and APA has published the full 2026 championship rosters on its site.

What do the champions take home?

Each division winner leaves with the trophy, an event duffel bag, a year of free APA membership — and the real prize: paid travel, lodging, and entry into a professional event. Champions are also invited back to defend the title the following year, and returning champions fly in on APA's dime. Reigning 2025 champions Tatum Cutting and James Blackburn are the names the 2026 field will be chasing.

How can fans follow along?

APA is running a dedicated 2026 USAM championship stream from the Westgate, with selected matches moved to the live-stream table. Player graphics and updates post to the APA Facebook page through the weekend. For anyone planning a Vegas pool trip, the Westgate keeps a heavy calendar — the same hall hosts the 2027 BCA Pool League World Championships in February.

When is the 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship?

Nov. 13–15, 2026 at the Westgate Las Vegas. The Women's U.S. Amateur Championship runs Nov. 13–14.

How do players get into the field?

Through APA's local U.S. Amateur preliminary rounds — it is a qualified field, not an open entry event.

What do the winners receive?

The trophy, an event duffel bag, one year of free APA membership, and paid travel, lodging, and entry into a professional event — plus an invitation to return and defend, with airfare covered for returning champions.

Is the tournament handicapped like regular APA league play?

No. Matches play straight up under APA and pro rules on 9-foot tables, mixing 8-ball and 9-ball sets.

Sources: American Poolplayers Association — 2026 U.S. Amateur Championship event page, APA U.S. Amateur Championship overview, 2026 USAM Preliminary Guide (PDF); independent date and venue confirmation via Scootaround's event listing.