Geoffrey Kibet pockets Sh 100,000 in highly competitive pool games
Geoffrey Kibet playing during the Space Pool Fiesta on February 2, 2025.
Geoffrey Kibet of Space Next Door claimed victory in the men's category at the Space Pool Fiesta, defeating Nafeez Kara 9-4 in the final to secure the Sh. 100,000 prize on home ground.
Kibet displayed composure and confidence throughout the tournament, handling the pressure with ease.
With strong support from the fans, he cruised to the final, eliminating Benson Nzioka 5-4 in the quarter-finals before overcoming Jesse Mwaura 6-3 in the semis to set up his clash with Kara.
Players playing in the Space Pool Fiesta on February 2, 2025.
Chilli's Pool Team exited the tournament in the semi-finals after a nail-biting 11-13 loss to Team Mchana Knights. Despite missing out on the Sh. 130,000 grand prize, they secured third place and took home Sh. 50,000.
In the ladies’ category, Glory Kioko and Jedidiah Njuguna of Chilli's bowed out in the quarter-finals, losing 4-0 and 4-1, respectively.
In the men's event, Chol Riak and Dennis Mwanga also fell in the quarter-finals, losing 4-5, finishing in fifth and fourth place, respectively.
Glory Kioko playing in the quarter finals during the Space Pool Fiesta on February 2, 2025.
Mchana Knights clinched the team title, defeating Mchana Gladiators 13-11. Meanwhile, in the women's category, Grace Katinda dominated the final, beating Naomi Ng'ang'a 5-0 to claim victory
Kibet expressed his excitement after his victory, emphasizing that winning the tournament on home ground was a great honour, especially considering the Space Next Door team is very young.
"Defeating some of the tournament's top seeds was no easy feat, and securing a win at home made it even more special. I hope this success continues in future tournaments," he says.
He acknowledges that the Space Pool Team is still in its early stages and expressed optimism about recruiting more talent to strengthen the squad. He also encourages young players to pursue the sport as a viable career.
Additionally, he highlights the team's goal of promoting a strong pool culture in Nakuru and having competitive teams in the county.
The fiesta boasted to be the second-highest prize pay-out in Nakuru pool tournaments, with a total prize fund of Sh. 604,000. Last year, Chilli's hosted a tournament with a total prize fund of Sh. 704,000, while Waxe XO's prize pool stood at Sh. 200,000.