Captain Jayson Shaw says Team Europe are in London to “win” the Mosconi Cup, claiming the USA are here “to get paid” and vowing to “crush” the visitors at Alexandra Palace.
Europe will be aiming for a sensational sixth consecutive triumph, having won 15 of the last 18 Mosconi Cups since 2007. Europe lead the all-time head-to-head with 17 wins to the USA’s 13.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Scottish ace Shaw said: “I don’t think they will stop the rot. The same five last year got beat convincingly so I think we know what to do. We play our game and get in front, they’ll crumble. They do it all the time. We can see it in their faces – that’s the difference between us and them! When we’re down we keep fighting, when they’re down they give in and we can smell it and see it. If we get off to a good start, we’ll crush them. You’ll be seeing me strutting my stuff and doing my thing. I’ll be doing my Jayson Shaw thing. We’ll win 11-6. I can’t see them getting past six. We’re here to win – they’re here to get paid.”
Team Europe
Mosconi Cup wins: 17 (1995, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024).
Captain: Jayson Shaw (Captain)
Team: Moritz Neuhausen, Pijus Labutis, Joshua Filler, David Alcaide
Shaw returns as Team Europe skipper, looking to extend Europe’s dominance. Two debutants, Premier League Pool champion Moritz Neuhausen and Hanoi Open champion Pijus Labutis, join returning stars Joshua “Killer” Filler and Philippine Open winner David Alcaide.
Team USA
Mosconi Cup wins: 13 (1994, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2018, 2019).
Captain: Skyler Woodward (Captain)
Team: Fedor Gorst, Shane Van Boening, Tyler Styer, Billy Thorpe
Woodward leads a strong American side aiming to reclaim the Cup. World No.1 Fedor Gorst returns alongside five-time US Open champion Shane Van Boening, who makes a record 19th Mosconi Cup appearance, with Tyler Styer and Billy Thorpe completing the roster.
(Note: The 2006 Mosconi Cup finished 12-12; Team USA retained the trophy.)
Day One Matches
Match 1: Team Match: Europe vs USA
Match 2: Doubles: Joshua Filler & David Alcaide vs Fedor Gorst & Shane Van Boening
Match 3: Singles: Jayson Shaw vs Skyler Woodward
Match 4: Doubles: Moritz Neuhausen & Pijus Labutis vs Tyler Styer & Billy Thorpe
What is the Mosconi Cup?
Named after American pool legend Willie Mosconi, the Mosconi Cup is a Ryder Cup-style nine-ball event pitting Europe against the USA across four days of team, doubles and singles matches. The competition began in 1994 and featured notable snooker names in its early years. The Americans dominated early editions, but Europe have been dominant since 2007.
Format
Each side fields five players competing in singles, doubles and team matches. Three players earn automatic qualification via the Race to the Mosconi Cup standings on the World Nineball Tour, with two captain’s wildcards completing each squad.
Matches are race-to-five racks, alternate break, played under World Nineball Tour rules. The event runs four days, opening with the teams match and finishing with final-day singles. A captain’s pick decides the final match if the tie reaches 10-10.
Prize Fund
Champions – $40,000 per player
Runners-up – $20,000 per player
Total prize fund – $300,000
How to Watch
All action is shown live on Sky Sports, with coverage starting at 6.30pm on Wednesday, December 3 and continuing at the same time each day through Saturday, December 6. Watch on Sky Sports, stream with NOW, or via the Sky Sports app.