Hello dear 3-cushion friends of CaromZone! Surely right now, the carom heartbeat is hotter than ever as we turn our eyes to a tournament that always promises explosive action: the 2026 3C Porto World Cup. From the fresh UMB ranking updates and real-life observations of the top players’ form, I have selected 5 names more than capable of lifting the most prestigious trophy. Have you got your coffee ready beside you? Let us discuss!
1. Cho Myung Woo (South Korea) – Peak Form
Currently reigning supreme at the top of the UMB rankings with a massive 491 points, Cho Myung Woo is naturally the first name that must be mentioned. The former ‘boy wonder’ has now become a true king of the billiards world. His explosive playing style, unlimited creativity, and nerves of steel make him a solid rock that anyone in Porto must fear when facing.
2. Frederic Caudron (Belgium) – The Class of a Legend
Do you see the ranking data, guys? Frederic Caudron is sitting proudly at world number 2 with 375 points! The presence of ‘The Extraterrestrial’ at the very top confirms that the class of this legend is eternal. His smooth strokes, silky speed, and coldly sharp cue feeling promise to shake up Portugal next year. Caudron coming to Porto 2026 surely has only one goal: To be the champion.
3. Eddy Merckx (Belgium) – The Silent Destroyer
Following closely right behind Caudron on the leaderboard is his tough compatriot Eddy Merckx in 3rd place (373 points). Unlike the flashy style of many others, Eddy is remembered by fans for his quiet, calm demeanor and his ability to unleash spectacular, match-ending high runs in the final minutes. Porto is inherently a favorable territory for warriors with strong mentalities, and Eddy has plenty of that.
4. Bao Phuong Vinh (Vietnam) – The Pride of the Nation
We absolutely cannot ignore the sharp spearhead of Vietnamese billiards! Bao Phuong Vinh is currently holding the world top 9 position with 229 points. Even though he is still young in age, Vinh’s bravery stepping out into the fiery international arena is undeniable. His masterful problem-solving skills and incredible tenacity are weapons that give us the right to dream that Vinh will make history in this European tournament.
5. Dick Jaspers (Netherlands) – The Power of the Machine
Currently, Dick Jaspers is ranked 11th with 222 points, a position that seems modest compared to his glorious past. But true carom enthusiasts understand perfectly well that Jaspers possesses the most terrifying ‘computer brain’ in modern billiards. Taking one step back right now could very well be just a psychological run-up for the Dutch legend to explode, proving his ‘King of World Cup’ status against the opponents on the green cloths of Porto.
CaromZone's Selected Contenders Leaderboard
| Player | Country | Current UMB Rank | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cho Myung Woo | South Korea | Top 1 | 491 |
| Frederic Caudron | Belgium | Top 2 | 375 |
| Eddy Merckx | Belgium | Top 3 | 373 |
| Bao Phuong Vinh | Vietnam | Top 9 | 229 |
| Dick Jaspers | Netherlands | Top 11 | 222 |
Besides the 5 names mentioned above, familiar faces like Tran Quyet Chien at rank 17, or Marco Zanetti and Sameh Sidhom can entirely create massive earthquakes. When the round balls roll on the green baize, anything can happen. Which player do you put your faith in the most? Keep accompanying CaromZone to breathe in the heat of the 2026 Porto World Cup!