TALKSPORT’S ANDY ‘GALEFORCE’ GOLDSTEIN TO COMPETE IN 2026 FLORIDA OPEN POOL CHAMPIONSHIP

talkSPORT Drive host Andy Goldstein has been confirmed to play in the 2026 Florida Open Pool Championship taking place across Tuesday August 4th to Sunday August 9th at the Caribe Royale Resort, in Orlando, Florida – with all the action streamed live on WNT TV and TalkSPORT YouTube Channel.

Goldstein famously competed in the 2024 US Open Pool Championship at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City after receiving a shock wildcard invitation from Matchroom Sport President Barry Hearn.

Despite his background as an amateur cueist, Goldstein faced a brutal introduction to the World Nineball Tour, suffering a 9-0 whitewash defeat at the hands of former US Open Champion and pool legend Ralf Souquet. Since then, Goldstein has continued to compete in multiple World Nineball Tour events, most recently at the 2026 UK Open Pool Championship earlier this year, where he secured his first official world ranking on Tour – 547th in the world.

With a total prize fund of $225,000 up for grabs in the Sunshine State, the popular British television presenter and radio broadcaster is determined to give a better account of himself, as he returns to play in the second edition of the Florida Open, which UK fans can also watch via TalkSPORT YouTube Channel and WNT TV.

Looking ahead at his next challenge in 9-ball pool, Andy Goldstein commented: “I’m always looking for boxes to tick. First, it was to win a rack, then a match. Then get a world ranking. My aim now is making it in to the final 128 and then 64, while making enough noise to spread the fantastic world of 9-ball pool.”

Emily Frazer, CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport and the leading figure behind the World Nineball Tour, welcomed Goldstein’s return to the Tour: “Andy has become a fantastic ambassador for the World Nineball Tour. What started as a one-off opportunity has grown into a genuine passion for the sport, and it’s been brilliant to see his progression on Tour. His enthusiasm helps introduce 9-ball to new audiences, and with talkSPORT bringing even more fans along for the journey, we’re excited to welcome him back to the Florida Open.”