Archie Buskin Q&A

Archie Buskin made history at this year’s European Disability Snooker Championship in Sofia by becoming the youngest ever finalist at the prestigious tournament.

The 16-year-old defeated World Championship runner-up Yannick Piscador to reach the title match in Group 4 before losing out to world number one Carl Gibson.

It was the first WDBS final for the teenager, who had previously reached the last four of the 2025 UK Championship and has climbed to 8th in the Group 4 ranking list. He is also a former runner-up in the EPSB English Disability Championship.

We caught up with Archie following the European Championship to learn more about his journey:

You became the youngest ever European Championship finalist in Bulgaria last month – tell us about that experience and how it felt to reach your first WDBS final?

I had an amazing experience in Bulgaria for my first WDBS event outside of England! I was happy with how I played to reach the final, I really enjoyed the conditions at the European Championship and it was nice to feature on the WPBSA YouTube channel for three of my matches in the event.

The trip to Bulgaria was your first WDBS event outside of England – how was your time in Bulgaria and did the experience differ from competitions at home?

Playing abroad was a great experience for me. It was nice to compete with different players and nationalities rather than often playing against the same players in the events in the UK.

You made your WDBS debut at the 2024 UK Championship – how did you hear about the WDBS and what are your memories of your first event?

We first heard about the WDBS Tour through social media and also because my Dad, Dan, is a qualified Level 2 WPBSA Snooker Coach.

I have fond memories of my WDBS debut at the 2024 UK Championship in Leeds. It was my first major tournament and I managed to reach the knockout stages, beating some higher ranked players along the way!

You had previously reached the final of the EPSB English Disability Snooker Championship – what are your memories of that weekend?

I was really chuffed to reach the final of the EPSB English Disability Championship. I beat many top ranked players, including wins over the world’s number two and three in Group 4. I knew I was capable of competing but the success in that event was a great learning experience.

What are your earliest memories of snooker and when did you first start playing? Where do you practice and how often do you play per week?

I started playing snooker when I was 12-years-old when my Dad took me to Walmley Snooker Club in Sutton Coldfield.

Nowadays I play at the Landywood Snooker Club. The venue has amazing facilities and tables with many World Snooker Tour professionals and top amateurs playing there daily including the likes of Liam Pullen and Stan Moody. This inspires me and I try to practice most days!

I have also started playing in the Staffordshire & West Midlands Billiards & Snooker Association League for the Landywood Snooker Club – winning five of my opening seven matches.

Could you tell us a bit about your disability and how it affects you when playing snooker?

Due to being involved in a serious road accident at that age, I had my lower leg amputated and now have a prosthetic leg which was fitted in February of this year.

My disability can hamper me when I play due to have periods of pain and discomfort. It can be difficult getting into certain body positions for particular shots and I can often feel fatigue.

What are your goals for the rest of the season and long-term in snooker?

My goal for the rest of the season is to compete in as many events on the WDBS Tour as possible to try and climb up the world rankings. I will also continue to compete in as many EPSB English Junior Tour and English Amateur Tour events as it is all good experience.

Longer term, I just want to keep improving and get as far as possible in the sport with an end goal of becoming the world number one player on the WDBS Tour.

What would you say to someone who is thinking of playing in a WDBS event for the first time?

I would really encourage them to get involved and enter the tournaments. Playing on the WDBS Tour has brought me so much joy and I am really grateful for the opportunities that the WDBS has provided. The players and the tournament officials are a great bunch of people.

I am really excited for the future and being a part of the Tour as it continues to grow. I have formed many new friendships and had some exciting playing experiences I never dreamt of going.