“Billiards is a sport where geometry, tactical reasoning, and skillful execution
matter most—it is not about gender.”

By Sitki Kazanci
In the world of billiards, Eylul Kibaroglu is a name that resonates with excellence and determination. Born in Ankara in 1988, Eylul embarked on her remarkable journey into the sport at the tender age of 12, guided by her father, a former national billiards player. Over the past 25 years, her dedication and skill have earned her numerous accolades, including European and Turkish championship titles. Currently ranked ninth in the world, she has become a symbol of perseverance and a trailblazer for women in a predominantly male-dominated sport.
In this exclusive interview with TurkNetwork Magazine, Eylul shares her inspiring story—from her formative years in Ankara to her professional rise in the international billiards scene. She reflects on her challenges, triumphs, and the influence of her late father, whose passion for billiards continues to inspire her. Now based in Houston, Eylul is not only pursuing her own dreams but also inspiring the next generation of players through coaching and mentorship.
Join us as we dive into the life of a champion who is redefining the game and encouraging others to follow their passion with courage and determination.

Can you tell us about your early beginnings, your childhood, your original birthplace, your parents, and your siblings?
My name is Eylul Kibaroglu. I was born in Ankara in 1988. I graduated from Gazi University with a degree in physical education and sports teaching, and I have been playing billiards for 25 years. Throughout my journey, I have achieved significant success, including titles in both the European and Turkish championships. Currently, I am ranked ninth in the world.

When and how did you discover billiards? What drew you to the sport?
My father was a national billiards player. I began playing billiards at the age of 12 in the billiard room he owned in Ankara. Recognizing my talent for the game, he decided to train me in this discipline.
What challenges did you face as a beginner in billiards?
Having a father who was a billiards player significantly eased my ability to navigate challenges. Competing in a sport that is not very common in my country, I often found myself among a small number of female players. My father’s experience and the presence of our billiard room were my greatest advantages; I always had someone to turn to for answers to my questions, and I trusted him completely. This environment allowed me to play billiards whenever I desired.

How did your career evolve from being an enthusiast to becoming a champion?
Individual sports have always captivated me, and my father’s passion for billiards sparked my interest from a young age. After becoming acquainted with billiards, I began participating in inter-provincial and then national tournaments. Due to the limited number of young female players, I often found myself competing against older athletes. I won my first Turkish Championship title in 2005, which opened the door for me to compete in European tournaments as the Turkish champion. After winning the European Women’s Championship in 2007, I realized I wanted to pursue this sport professionally. For the past six years, I have been playing professionally, contributing to a 25-year journey in billiards. I proudly represent myself and my country in all European and World Championships, as well as the World Games.

What was your first major competition, and how did it shape your perspective on billiards as a professional sport?
My first major tournament was the Women’s European Championship in 2005, which I entered at the age of 16. I won this tournament in 2007. Competing in my first European tournament was a thrilling experience; I was deeply impressed by the atmosphere and the opportunity to compete against the best athletes from various countries. It brought me immense joy to showcase my skills in a setting where I felt successful. This experience fueled my curiosity to follow billiards games played around the world and learn about my opponents. It has always been my biggest dream to play in these prestigious arenas, and I was determined to improve myself and participate in World Billiards events.

Tell us about your journey to the US. What were your initial experiences? Highs and lows?
For the past three years, I have been traveling to America frequently to participate in tournaments across various states. I compete in the World Championships and American Professional Women’s Tours. Billiards is a prominent sport in America, and they host numerous important tournaments. To fully dedicate myself to my career and achieve greater success, I moved to Houston a year ago. This decision has allowed me to immerse myself in the sport and focus on my goals.

Could you tell us about your family in the US and Türkiye?
My mother is a former national volleyball player, my sister is a sculptor who graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts, and my father was a former national billiards player. My family lives in Türkiye. My father passed away many years ago, but I know he is still my biggest supporter.

There is a perception that billiards is not a women’s sport, though this view is changing. What would you like to say about this as a female billiards athlete?
Physical traits can certainly influence performance in different sports, but billiards stands out as a discipline where geometry, tactical reasoning, and skillful execution are what truly matter. Despite its reputation as a sport primarily for men, I can confirm that numerous female competitors surpass many male players in skill. From my perspective, there are currently very few professionals in my country, and I happen to be the only woman in that group. It is my aspiration that my involvement encourages and inspires others to follow their dreams in this arena.

What path should beginners follow to get into this sport? How can those who want to learn billiards from you reach you?
To start with, my key piece of advice is this: billiards is a challenging sport with endless opportunities for learning. This is why I emphasize the importance of seeking knowledge from credible sources, as it simplifies the learning process. A skilled instructor can help you uncover your potential. I currently offer online psychological counseling and training to many billiard players in Türkiye. For those interested in taking lessons in Houston, feel free to reach out to me via my social media platforms or email.

What hobbies and activities do you enjoy in your free time?
I really enjoy nature walks and discovering new cultures.

What is your favorite quote? What is your proudest moment in your life?
A quote from Roger Federer really impressed me: “There is no shortcut to hard work. Embrace it. You need to spend hours because there is always something you can improve.”
My 16 years of striving to become a professional have always been my proudest moments.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why?
The most influential person in my life has been my father. I lost him when I was 16, and perhaps he did not fully realize the talent that would guide my life. I am proud to be the only athlete in Türkiye to have achieved international success, and I am sure he is proud of me as well. I would have loved for him to be here to support me and to hear his encouraging words. I often hear from his friends that he loved billiards and was a wonderful person, and his memory continues to motivate me as I pursue the many tournaments I aspire to win in my career.

Would you like to share any message with our readers?
Thank you for listening to me. If anyone would like to support me in my career, please feel free to contact me. ■