The second edition of the Space Next Door Pool Fiesta delivered a thrilling mix of drama, excitement, sportsmanship and cheer. 14 teams and over 200 players battled it out for glory.

With Nakuru represented by only one team, the Space Next Door Pool Team, it was clear that all local support would rally behind them.

Players from across the country turned up in striking uniforms branded with their team logos and names. Some proudly showcased their full names, while others went with initials or playful nicknames.

Fans follow the final match between Team Mchana Knights and Team BPF at the Space Next Door Pool Fiesta on 7th September, 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

Around the tables, fans filled the seats and crowded around the action, creating an atmosphere charged with rivalry and anticipation.

This year’s edition saw major improvements. The number of pool tables was increased compared to last season, with eight tables set up on the first floor of the club.

Only the speed pool matches were held on the ground floor.

Thanks to this expansion, matches began on time, unlike the previous edition, though the finals stretched late into the night.

To maintain discipline, players who failed to appear on time forfeited their games by walkover.

Banta Sha during the finals at the Space Next Door Pool Fiesta on 7th September, 2025.

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

The event wasn’t without hiccups. A heavy downpour exposed the club’s leaky ceiling, forcing management to deploy buckets and cleaners to manage the water seeping onto the floor. Still, the games went on.

One of the highlights came from Henry Mulwa of Space Next Door, who staged a dramatic comeback in the round of 16.

From 0–3 down against Peter Ngutuku, Mulwa fought back to win 5–3, sparking celebrations not only from his own fans but even from rival supporters.

He carried this momentum into the quarterfinals, defeating Francis Murgor 6–1, and then edging past John Chalo 5–3 in the semifinals.

His run, however, ended in the final, where Collins Tuwei outclassed him with a commanding 7–1 victory.

Space Next Door's Henry Mulwa during the final match against Collins Tuwei at the Space Next Door Pool Fiesta on 7th September 2025

Photo credit: MUTHONI WANJIKU/MTAA WANGU

In the women’s finals, Stella Kamanthe claimed glory with a 4–2 win over Banta Sha, after earlier beating Ann Kamau and Naomi Ng’ang’a 4–1 in the semifinals.

The Speed Pool category drew plenty of attention, with both the men’s and women’s winners pocketing Sh. 20,000 each. In the team event, Team Mchana Knights dominated Team BPF in the finals, winning 13–5.

The prize pool totaled Sh. 2 million. The men’s singles champion took home Sh. 220,000, while the women’s winner bagged Sh. 100,000. The group event winners walked away with Sh. 300,000.

Cue masters battle for pool supremacy at Space next door!

Author Spotlight

Muthoni Wanjiku