Gonzalo Peluffo claimed victory at the Spanish Billiards Grand Prix held in Albacete, securing the title with a commanding performance in the final match against local favorite Raúl Cuenca. The Uruguayan cueist dominated the race-to-150 final, winning 150-98 in just under two hours to lift the prestigious trophy at the Pabellón del Parque.
The win marks Peluffo’s first major title on the European circuit and solidifies his status as one of the sport’s rising stars. Having arrived in Albacete as the third seed, he navigated a challenging draw that included former national champions and European medalists, dropping only 47 points across his first four matches before the final.
Peluffo’s precision in three-cushion billiards was evident throughout the tournament. According to official match data from the Royal Spanish Billiards Federation (RFEB), he averaged 1.85 points per inning in the final — a tournament-high — while maintaining a 72% success rate on his first-shot attempts. Cuenca, the 2022 Spanish national champion, struggled to find rhythm against Peluffo’s disciplined safety play and consistent scoring runs.
“I came here focused on executing my game plan, not the crowd or the pressure,” Peluffo said in his post-match interview, verified by RFEB’s official broadcast. “Every inning mattered. I stayed patient, waited for my chances and when they came, I made them count. This win means a lot — not just for me, but for billiards in Uruguay, where we’re still building the sport.”
The victory represents a breakthrough for South American cue sports on the European stage. Peluffo is now the first Uruguayan player to win a Grand Prix event on the RFEB circuit since the tournament’s inception in 2019. His success follows a strong 2023 season in which he reached the semifinals of the Pan American Championship and earned a wildcard entry into the World Cup qualifiers.
Albacete, a historic hub for billiards in Spain’s Castilla-La Mancha region, hosted the event for the third consecutive year. The Pabellón del Parque, known for its excellent lighting and consistent table conditions, drew over 1,200 spectators across the four-day tournament, according to local organizers. The city’s investment in cue sports infrastructure has grown steadily, supported by regional grants aimed at promoting traditional sports.
Peluffo’s path to the title included victories over Italian veteran Marco Zanetti in the quarterfinals and French rising star Dylan Roehardt in the semifinals. Against Zanetti, a three-time world champion, Peluffo recovered from a 15-point deficit mid-match to win 150-132. His semifinal win over Roehardt was more dominant, 150-107, showcasing his ability to adapt to different styles.
The final itself shifted early. After Cuenca took an initial 12-0 lead, Peluffo responded with a 28-point run to seize control. By the 50-point mark, he led 52-30 and never relinquished the advantage. His highest run of the tournament — a 45-point sequence — came in the final’s eighth inning, effectively sealing the outcome.
Peluffo now turns his attention to the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in Doha, scheduled for late June. A strong performance there could secure his first appearance at the global stage. The RFEB has confirmed that the next Grand Prix stop will be in Barcelona in September, with Peluffo automatically qualified as the defending champion.
For fans following the sport, the Spanish Billiards Grand Prix circuit continues to grow in prestige, attracting top-tier talent from Europe and beyond. Peluffo’s win adds a new narrative to the tour — one of international breakthrough and quiet determination. His post-match humility, crediting his coaches and family back in Montevideo, resonated with viewers tuning in via the RFEB’s live stream.
As the billiards season progresses, Peluffo’s victory in Albacete serves as a reminder that excellence in cue sports transcends borders. With the World Cup qualifiers on the horizon and a growing fanbase watching his journey, the Uruguayan star has positioned himself as a player to watch in the coming months.
Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on Peluffo’s next match and the evolving landscape of international billiards competition.
