At 13, Cedar Gauthier continues to be an outstanding junior billiards player.
Gauthier’s most recent victory - taking first place in the Girls U19 division at the 2025 Canadian Junior Championships in London, Ontario last weekend - earned her a spot on Team Canada at the World Junior Championships taking place in Spain in November.
“It feels awesome because I played against some of the best female players in Canada to win at the Junior Championships,” Gauthier told SooToday.
Her next competition is the 2025 VNEA (Valley National 8-Ball League Association) Junior International Championships in Rochester, Minnesota from July 17 to 20.
The annual VNEA Junior International Championships is the largest Junior Pool Tournament in the world.
“My favourite competition was the 2024 VNEA in Iowa. I came home with three trophies. I came in third in teams, first in Scotch doubles and I came in first in the female singles,” Gauthier said.
Gauthier, who balances her billiards and a lot of travelling with homeschooling, has already competed in 45 major tournaments and over 100 events across Canada, the United States, Puerto Rico, India, Australia, and England.
In 2025 alone, she has three first place finishes to her credit.
She challenged top-ranked male players at the Jayson Shaw Junior Open in England, competing against 17-year-old champions.
“It's a huge male-dominated sport. I feel proud of myself just to be up there with them,” Gauthier said.
She practices two to five hours a day.
Among her coaches is Erik Hjorleifson, a professional Canadian billiards player who is ranked within the top 10 players in Canada.
Her achievements have caught the eye of major sponsors including Predator Cues, Taom Billiards and Rock-it Billiard Products.
“When we were watching her play last weekend at the Canadian Junior Championships we knew it was hers to lose. She did awesome. We were so proud of the way that she played. It was so perfect. She’s above calibre,” mother Natalie Gauthier said.
Cedar is a member of Missanabie Cree First Nation.
“Representing her Indigenous roots and Canadian pride, Cedar brings more than just skill to every match - she brings heart, discipline, and the strength of her community.
"She continues to inspire young athletes, especially Indigenous youth, showing that with hard work and passion, even the biggest dreams are within reach. With Spain ahead, Minnesota next, and the world watching, Cedar Gauthier is shaping the future of junior billiards one tournament at a time,” said her father, Jason Gauthier, Chief of Missanabie Cree First Nation, in an email.
In addition to travelling to Spain for the World Junior Championships in the fall, Cedar also hopes to add China and Africa to her competition schedule.
“I plan to continue playing as long as I can. It's my passion and something I really care about. It’s very strategy-focused. Billiards is a great game,” Cedar said.