Timothy Onida and Alice Chiota, both from Harare, emerged as the 2025 Carling Black Label Pool national champions after convincing victories in the men’s and women’s finals held on Saturday at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Grounds in Bulawayo.
Onida and Chiota each triumphed by the same dominant scoreline in their respective categories, 5–1, to secure the national titles, walking away with US$2,500 in prize money and top-of-the-range pool tables.
Runners-up in both categories received US$1,500, while third- and fourth-placed players collected US$1,000 and US$500, respectively.
For 40-year-old Chiota, the win was a long-awaited breakthrough after finishing as runner-up in the women’s category in 2023.
Onida, meanwhile, struck a confident tone after his victory.
“To be honest, I wanted to win and I had already told myself before leaving home that I was going to win,” he said.
The finals drew 148 competitors, 74 men and 74 women and ran from mid-morning into the evening, underscoring the sport’s growing appeal across the country.
Once largely associated with bar culture, pool has evolved into a respected competitive sport in Zimbabwe, now enjoyed at community centres, clubs and recreational facilities nationwide.
Much of this growth has been fuelled by sustained corporate backing from Delta Beverages through its Carling Black Label brand, whose sponsorship has elevated the game’s profile, improved prize offerings, and broadened participation.
The national championships now stand as one of Zimbabwe’s most competitive and well-attended sporting events, drawing players and fans from all corners of the country.
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