The Rice Cup 8-Ball Championships were started in 2018 right here in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Before it became an annual pool tournament, the Rice Cup trophy (complete with real rice) was awarded to the top Asian player in the highest division of the Aactive Pool League. It was just a fun award presented at the Aactive Pool League year end banquet and was something the top Asian player in the pool league could brag about.

Soon thereafter, the Rice Cup trophy turned into The Rice Cup Challenge. The bearer of the Rice Cup trophy would have to defend it against all challengers . Matches were short races to 7 and were streamed for everyone to watch. The winner of the match would be declared the Rice Cup Champion and would have to defend against the next challenger. The matches were fun, but once again, the Rice Cup evolved into something bigger.

From this point, the Rice Cup Challenge turned into what it is today, The Rice Cup Championships. The Rice Cup is now a double elimination, 8-ball tournament open for anyone to take part in. Players of all calibers, from fun league players all the way up to VNEA Masters, sign up to play in this annual event. This year also marks the first year that we will be running a separate Women's and Junior's tournament.

With the help from sponsors and all the pool players, I hope that this tournament can keep growing and continue to be a success for years to come.