By Issabella Narapal
The 2026 Media Pool Competition has successfully concluded over the weekend at Lamana Hotel with Dataco Pebbles crowned the 2026 Season Champions.
As the largest 8 ball competition in Papua New Guinea, the competition’s grand final play-offs were held under the theme of “Elevating Media Pool Competition into a Semi Professional sport”
The Chaiman of Media Pool Competition, Tony Dindilo, said the competition has been evolving over the years and has the potential to turned into a Semi Professional Sport.
Chairman Tony Dindilo also pointed out that the competition has raised its prize money over the years with this season marking the largest prize money in Media Pool Competition’s history.
“In 2024, when we came into office, we have elevated the prize money from 10,000 to 12,000 and in 2025, we further improve it to 14,000. This year, we have increase it again to 20,000, the latest best prize of our line in the history of video pool competition.” Tony Dindilo said.
As the 2026 Season champions, the Dataco Pebbles took home the Cup with a prize money of K20,000, while the Cool Grafix finished in second place receiving K10,000, followed by the CSH Poi Nangu securing third place with K5,000 and the Broggys finished fourth, taking home K2,500.
In the Plate grand final, the Pacific Dragons defeated Spin Deltas to claim the 2026 Media Pool Competition Plate title, earning K1,000 in prize money. Spin Deltas finished as runners-up in the Plate competition, receiving K500.
Individual achievements were also recognised, with awards presented for Most Improved Player in both the male and female categories, Vice Chairman’s Most Improved Team, Chairman’s Most Improved Team, 8-ball excellence, Male and Female Players of the Year, and Referee of the Year.
