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Hot DealWNT NXTGEN: A New Era for Junior Pool Players — How to Get Your Kid Started in Billiards
March 26, 2026
The World Nineball Tour just announced something exciting: WNT NXTGEN — a brand-new global development program for junior 9-ball players. This initiative marks a major step forward for youth billiards worldwide, creating structured pathways for young players to develop their skills and compete at the highest levels.
For parents wondering whether billiards is a good activity for their kids — and for young players looking to take their game to the next level — this is a pivotal moment for the sport.
What Is WNT NXTGEN?
WNT NXTGEN is the World Nineball Tour’s official junior development program, designed to identify and nurture the next generation of professional 9-ball players. The program aims to:
- Create a global competitive pathway for players under 18
- Develop talent through structured tournaments and coaching resources
- Increase visibility of junior billiards through live streaming and media coverage
- Build a pipeline to the professional WNT circuit
This is huge for the sport. For decades, young pool players have had limited formal pathways to the professional ranks. NXTGEN changes that by creating the same kind of junior development infrastructure that sports like tennis, golf, and snooker have had for years.
Why Billiards Is a Great Sport for Kids
Billiards is not just a bar game — it is a precision sport that builds valuable life skills:
- Focus and concentration: Pool requires sustained mental attention, training the same skills that help in school and other activities
- Geometry and physics: Angles, speed, and spin make pool a hands-on STEM lesson
- Sportsmanship: One-on-one competition teaches grace in winning and losing
- Hand-eye coordination: Fine motor skills develop naturally through the cueing motion
- Strategic thinking: Pattern play and safety strategies build problem-solving abilities
How to Get Your Kid Started: Equipment Guide
The most important piece of equipment for a young player is their first cue. Using a house cue at the pool hall is fine for the first visit, but once a kid shows interest, getting them their own cue makes a massive difference in development. Here is what to look for:
Starter Cues for Young Players
Shorter cues for younger kids (under 10): Look for 48-inch or 52-inch youth cues. The Viking Ragnar System Youth Cue is specifically designed for young players — shorter length, lighter weight, and a quality build that lets kids develop proper form from day one.
Full-size starter cues for teens: Once a player is tall enough for a standard 58-inch cue, our Talon starter cues are an unbeatable value. Available in 11 colors — from Blue to Fuchsia to Tangerine — they let young players express their personality while learning proper technique.
The step-up cue: When a junior player starts competing seriously, the Valhalla by Viking series offers incredible performance at a mid-range price. Built with real wood cores and Viking’s quality control, these cues will take a player from local league play through their first tournaments.
Essential Accessories
- A proper cue case: Teach kids to protect their equipment from day one. Our cue case collection includes affordable soft cases perfect for young players.
- Quality chalk: Start with premium chalk — it teaches proper chalking habits and reduces frustrating miscues while learning.
- A billiard glove: Many young players benefit from a pool glove as their bridge hand technique develops.
Tips for Parents of Young Pool Players
- Find a local league or pool hall that welcomes junior players — many APA and BCA leagues have youth divisions
- Focus on fundamentals first: Stance, bridge, stroke, and follow-through matter more than fancy shots
- Make it fun: Games like 9-ball and cutthroat keep things exciting while building skills
- Watch the pros together: WNT and WPBA events are streamed live — great for inspiration and learning
- Set goals: Work toward milestones like running 3 balls, then 5, then a full rack
FAQ
What is WNT NXTGEN?
WNT NXTGEN is the World Nineball Tour’s new global junior development program for 9-ball players under 18, creating structured competitive pathways to the professional circuit.
What age can kids start playing pool?
Kids as young as 5-6 can start learning with a youth-sized cue (48-inch or 52-inch). Most pool leagues accept junior members starting around age 7-8.
What is the best first pool cue for a kid?
For younger children, the Viking Ragnar Youth Cue is ideal. For teens ready for a full-size cue, Talon starter cues offer great quality at an affordable price.
Is billiards a real sport?
Absolutely. Pool is recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and organizations like the WPA and WNT host professional tournaments with significant prize pools worldwide.
About Corey Bernstein
Corey Bernstein is a competitive pool player, billiards equipment specialist, and co-owner of Quarter King Billiards in Wilmington, North Carolina. With over a decade of experience in the sport, Corey has competed in regional APA and BCA sanctioned tournaments and maintains an intimate knowledge of cue construction, shaft technology, and table mechanics. As a certified dealer for brands including Predator, McDermott, Jacoby, Viking, Lucasi, Meucci, Joss, and Cuetec, Corey personally tests and evaluates every cue that comes through the shop. His hands-on approach to the business means he has racked thousands of hours behind the table — breaking in shafts, comparing tip compounds, and dialing in the nuances that separate a good cue from a great one. When he is not behind the counter or on the table, Corey is researching the latest advances in low-deflection technology, carbon fiber shaft construction, and cue ball physics. His articles on Quarter King Billiards combine real-world playing experience with deep product knowledge to help players at every level find the right equipment for their game.