Entry Criteria

Each team that is entered in the Grand Finals Qualifier had to get here by finishing in the top 2 spots of the division or receiving a wild card spot by winning a 6 ball shootout.  Each player must have 10 lifetime matches and 4 matches with their current team.  Entry into the Grand Finals Qualifier is automatic with no further playoff, or end of session tournament to qualify.

The Champion of each bracket will receive travel funds, high quality player jerseys with their names on them, an award, and a paid entry into the Grand Finals being held in November 2026.

Each team will be responsible for a $25 green fee per day.   This money will be collected prior to any match starts.

NEW UPDATE TO THE GRAND FINALS ENTRY:   Starting this year, any team that has received an entry in the Grand Finals Qualifier and plays (does not forfeit) has the opportunity to buy into the Grand Finals by paying a registration fee for the team in the amount of $2750.  This is $2500 toward the prize fund and $250 administrative fee to UPL HQ.  Hotel accommodations and travel shall be borne by the players who wish to buy themselves into the Grand Finals.

Rules

• All players must know the international 8 ball rules and the team manual.  You can access the rules on the UPL USA website.
• There will NOT be referees for each match.  Referees will only be available to watch hits, resolve disputes, clarify rule issues, and issue sportmanship fouls.
• The Grand Finals Qualifier will be streamed.  Proper attire is required.  Proper attire shall be defined in the same way as would be required for a streaming match at the Grand Finals, which shall include UPL jerseys provided by the league, jeans, sneakers, dress slacks, shoes.  No ripped jeans or clothing, no revealing clothing, no offensive language on shirts, no head phones, no hats or durags.
• Absolutely NO talking to players while they are in the match.  Only players in the match may call fouls among each other.  Any outside interference shall be considered a sportsmanship foul.  First offense is a warning.  Second offense is a loss of rack.
• MAXIMUM 2 minutes to rack the balls.  
• MAXIMUM 3 minutes to put up a player.  Please start thinking about who your team wants to play next so we can keep things moving.
• Please use the bathroom prior to your match.  Exceptions shall be made for any health related issues
• No smoking breaks during the matches.  No vaping inside the venue.  If you need to smoke please do it before or after the match.
• No cursing, foul language, sharking or intimidating behavior.  No smacking the table, throwing sticks or yelling.  Any violation shall be considered a sportsmanship foul.  
• Please note, that once a sportsmanship warning has been issued, ANY foul for the remainder of the match that would be a sportsmanship foul will be a loss of rack.
• Please complete all matches on your phone and notify the tournament directors as soon as possible.
• SIX BALL SHOOTOUT:  If at the end of the 5th match both teams are tied, the tie breaker will be determined by a 6 ball shootout.  Each team will choose two players with a combined UPScore of no more than 1200.  The shootout will consist of one round.  The team with the fastest time will advance to the next round.
• FORFEITS:  Any match forfeit shall be 20 points.  No doubling up of players during GFQ.
• Two players must be present to start a match.  There will be a 15 minute grace period prior to a forfeit being granted.