This weekend we’re playing Division 1 in the Norwegian ranking system, and I thought some of you might find it interesting how it works.
In Norway, we have a national Elite division with the top 32 players in the country. Below that, the country is split into five regions, each with Division 1 and Division 2.
This weekend is a Division 1 round. Across the five regions, 103 players are competing. In our South-West region, we have 23 players — and two of them have driven seven hours, 5 have driven four hours, and are staying two nights in a hotel just to play this one event. That tells you something about the motivation level.
The prize money is symbolic:
The entry fee is split:
So what are players competing for?
Ranking points.
There are 11 ranking events per season in Division 1, covering 14.1, 8-ball, 9-ball and 10-ball. Promotion and relegation apply at every level:
The federation uses its share for player development and international representation — including junior programs and national team coaching. Right now Norway have maybe 6 players at the European Championships, funded largely through this system.
The club’s share is used locally — subsidized practice time, support for members traveling to National Championships, and investment in equipment like tables, cloth etc. Our club has recently invested in streaming gear.
Another important difference from the states: most pool halls in Norway are run as non-profit sports clubs — similar to soccer or handball clubs. No alcohol, youth-friendly environment, and strong focus on development. Ranking events are rarely played in bars.
It’s not about prize money — it’s about building a system, developing players, and earning your way into the top 32.
We’re streaming, and soon the quarterfinals, the semifinals and final can be seen from our event this weekend if anyone wants to take a look.
Link to tournament: https://cuescore.com/tournament/RT5+Vest+-+1.+Div+-+9-Ball/62682049#match-35
Link to stream:
In Norway, we have a national Elite division with the top 32 players in the country. Below that, the country is split into five regions, each with Division 1 and Division 2.
This weekend is a Division 1 round. Across the five regions, 103 players are competing. In our South-West region, we have 23 players — and two of them have driven seven hours, 5 have driven four hours, and are staying two nights in a hotel just to play this one event. That tells you something about the motivation level.
The prize money is symbolic:
- 1st: 1,000 NOK (~$90)
- 2nd: 500 NOK (~$45)
The entry fee is split:
- 50% to the hosting club
- 50% to the federation
So what are players competing for?
Ranking points.
There are 11 ranking events per season in Division 1, covering 14.1, 8-ball, 9-ball and 10-ball. Promotion and relegation apply at every level:
- Top players from Division 1 can qualify for Elite (top 32).
- Bottom players in Elite are relegated.
- Movement also happens between Division 1 and Division 2.
The federation uses its share for player development and international representation — including junior programs and national team coaching. Right now Norway have maybe 6 players at the European Championships, funded largely through this system.
The club’s share is used locally — subsidized practice time, support for members traveling to National Championships, and investment in equipment like tables, cloth etc. Our club has recently invested in streaming gear.
Another important difference from the states: most pool halls in Norway are run as non-profit sports clubs — similar to soccer or handball clubs. No alcohol, youth-friendly environment, and strong focus on development. Ranking events are rarely played in bars.
It’s not about prize money — it’s about building a system, developing players, and earning your way into the top 32.
We’re streaming, and soon the quarterfinals, the semifinals and final can be seen from our event this weekend if anyone wants to take a look.
Link to tournament: https://cuescore.com/tournament/RT5+Vest+-+1.+Div+-+9-Ball/62682049#match-35
Link to stream:
