Explore the US Open Pool: History, Highlights, & Trends

Key Takeaways

• Debuting in 1976, the US Open Pool Championship is an annual professional men’s nine-ball tournament with double-elimination and single-elimination formats.
• Renowned athletes like Efren Reyes, Shane Van Boening, Earl Strickland, Francisco Sanchez Ruiz, and Joshua Filler have participated in the event.
• The tournament’s format has been emulated in various countries worldwide. However, it encounters numerous challenges in today’s sports landscape. Refer to the article for more in-depth insights.

Introduction To The US Open Pool Championship

What Is The US Open Pool Championship?

The US Open Pool Championship, previously known as the US Open Nine-ball Championship, is a prestigious annual tournament in the world of professional nine-ball pool. Historically, this event has been exclusive to men.

History And Development Of The US Open Pool Championship

Barry Behrman organized the inaugural US Open Pool tournament in 1976, originally hosted at Q-Master Billiards in Norfolk, Virginia. Initially, the game featured just 16 players, but participation has grown significantly over the decades, reaching 256 players in recent years.

After Barry Behrman’s passing in 2016, his children managed the tournament until 2018, when Matchroom Sport took over its operations.

Importance And Prestige Of The US Open Pool In The Billiards Community

For over 40 years, the US Open Pool Championship has consistently ranked among the most prestigious and attractive pool tournaments worldwide. As of 2019, the prize fund is guaranteed $300,000, the largest in the event’s history. The 2022 event saw 256 participants registering within six hours of the registration opening.

Traditionally, champions are awarded a green blazer and free entry to all future US Open tournaments.

Ko Ping Chung won the US Open Pool 2023.

List Of The US Open Tournaments

The term “US Open Pool Championships” can refer to various tournaments. It most commonly denotes the nine-ball event, but five other annual tournaments also bear the “US Open” title. Here is a list of 5 of these tournaments:

• US Open Eight-Ball Championship
• US Open Ten-Ball Championship
• US Open Bank Pool Championship
• US Open Straight Pool Championship
• US Open One-Pocket Pool Championship 

Types Of Competitions In The US Open Pool By Matchroom

1. Format: The primary competition format for the US Open Pool Championship is nine-ball.
2. Double-Elimination to Single-Elimination Transition: The tournament employs a double-elimination format until the final stages (typically the last 16 players, it transitions to a single-elimination format. This rule means that players move to the loser’s bracket when they lose for the first time, where all non-winners compete to qualify for the final sixteen.
3. Match Length: Matches progress as follows:

• The first two rounds are a race to 9 racks.
• From round three onwards, matches are a race to 11 racks.
• The final is a race to 13 racks. The winner of each match breaks.

4. Double Elimination Details: Double elimination continues until the last 8 players remain in each winners’ and losers’ brackets.
5. Final Stages: The final 16 players engage in a single-elimination knockout on a single table in a large arena.
6. Rack 9-Ball and Equipment: Specific rules include:

• Club Rack is used, with referees responsible for racking.
• Tables: 33 Diamond pool tables for competition and 4 for practice.
• Cloth: Simonis cloth and Aramith Tournament Black balls.

7. Break Procedure:

• Players lag for the break, with the winner breaking.
• The winner of the previous rack breaks in the following rack.
• Cue ball placement and breaking strategy are player choices.
• Insufficiently powerful breaks result in warnings or fouls (ball in hand).

8. Entry Fee and Prize Fund:

• Entry fee: $1000 per player.
• Prize fund: In 2023, the total prize fund was $300,000, with the champion awarded $50,000.

Filipino professional cueist Carlo Biado won the US Open Pool 2021.

Memorable Moments In The History Of The US Open Pool

Breathtaking finals, classic shots, and extreme emotions make it challenging to summarize the entire history of the US Open Pool in a few lines. Still, the following moments will always have a place in the historical memory of this prestigious tournament.

Classic And Thrilling Matches

1997: Efren Reyes vs Earl Strickland (Finals): Reyes had previously bested Earl Strickland twice in the 1996 Color of Money. But the tables turned dramatically in the 1997 US Open Championship final. Strickland put on a masterclass, overpowering Reyes with a decisive 11-3 victory. This win secured Strickland his fourth US Open title and a $25,000 prize.

2007: Shane Van Boening vs Ronnie Alcano (Finals): The 24-year-old Van Boening faced off against the experienced Alcano. The match was filled with intense safety battles and clutch shots, showcasing the brilliance of both players. Van Boening eventually triumphed with a 13-10 victory, capturing his first US Open Championship title.

2016: Shane Van Boening vs Jung Lin Chang (Finals): Chang dominated the start, winning the first two racks, while Van Boening struggled. The match gradually became tense as both players showed remarkable shots and comebacks.

In the final moments, victory seemed within Chang’s reach after Van Boening’s crucial scratch. Yet, Van Boening seized an opportunity from Chang’s error, securing two pivotal wins to clinch a 13-9 victory and his fifth US Open title.

Outstanding Scoring

In the US Open Pool finals annals, three names stand out for their remarkable score gaps: Mike Sigel, Tommy Kennedy, and Corey Deuel.

• In 1976, Mike Sigel dominated Pete Margo with a commanding 11-1 victory.
• In 1992, Tommy Kennedy left a lasting impression by defeating fellow American Johnny Archer with a decisive 9-1 score.

• In 2001, Corey Deuel achieved an extraordinary 11-0 whitewash over Mika Immonen.

Famous Techniques By Players

The history of the US Open Pool has also witnessed the creation of techniques and amazing shots by players that fans cannot help but mention to this day. Here are the highlights:

1. Efren Reyes’ “The Z shot”: Since its debut at the 1995 Sands Regency Open 9-ball, this now-iconic Z shot, known for its winding beauty, has remained a staple in “The Magician’s” arsenal, captivating audiences in the 1997 US Open Pool and beyond.
2. Johnny Archer’s one-handed nine-ball run: Archer, famed for his unconventional one-handed playing style, achieved a remarkable feat. Trailing in a match, he sank the nine-ball with a one-handed bank shot, eliciting awe from the crowd.
3. Earl Strickland’s aggressive breaks: Strickland was renowned for his forceful breaks. He often left his opponents scrambling amidst scattered balls and gained a significant early advantage.

Earl “The Pearl” Strickland

Unexpected Events During The Tournament

1996: Rodney Morris vs. Efren Reyes (Finals): While Morris gave his all, Reyes appeared disinterested, disappointing fans. It later emerged that Reyes had just learned his father was seriously ill back home. Tragically, his father passed away a week later, explaining Reyes’ demeanor.

2018: Matchroom Sport Takes Over: This event marked a new era for the tournament with higher production values, expanded global reach, a revamped competition format, and an increased prize fund of $300,000.

Cancellation: There were no tournaments in 2018 due to venue relocation and in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prominent Champions Of The US Open Pool

Mike Sigel

Mike Sigel was the US Open Pool champion in 1976, 1980, and 1983. He is known by the nickname “Captain Hook” for his ability to combine safe play techniques. Sigel dominated the 1980s in both 9-ball and straight pool, with a high run of 339 balls in the straight pool. He gained wide regard as one of the greatest pool players ever.

In 2000, Billiards Digest magazine honored Sigel with the title “The Greatest Living Player of the Century.”

Legend Mike “Captain Hook” Sigel

Shane Van Boening

Shane Van Boening, nicknamed “The South Dakota Kid,” is one of the most successful players in the history of the US Open Pool Championship. He won five times (2007, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2016).

Known for his consistent performance and powerful breakthroughs, Van Boening has become a formidable force in the sport. At 41 years old (as of 2024), Van Boening shows no signs of slowing down.

Earl Strickland

Earl Strickland, a five-time champion (1984, 1987, 1993, 1997, and 2000), is renowned for his striking play and dynamic personality.

Nicknamed “The Pearl,” Strickland’s powerful breakthroughs and tactical prowess have made him a worthy opponent. His career is marked by skill and occasionally controversial actions, making him one of the most colorful figures in the sport.

Organization And Management Of The Tournament

Sponsors And Partners

Since Matchroom Sport acquired and promoted the US Open Pool, the event has seen enhanced exposure and financial support from key partners and sponsors:

1. Venue Partner: Harrah’s Resort, situated in Atlantic City, NJ, USA (operated by Caesars Entertainment), has been the esteemed host of the US Open Pool from 2021 to 2024. This coastal destination ensures players and fans a top-tier experience with additional perks, including hotel discounts.

Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City has hosted the US Open Pool Championship four times.

2. Broadcast Partners: Nineball enthusiasts in England and Ireland catch the action on Sky Sports, while viewers in the USA can tune in via DAZN. Viaplay provides coverage in the Netherlands, Poland, Scandinavia, and the Baltic regions.
3. Equipment Sponsors: Diamond Billiards supplied the Official Table, with the cloth provided by Iwan Simonis, and the Official Balls by Saluc. The Predator is the Official Event Cue, and Kamui is the Official Chalk and Tip supplier.

Technological Support

Matchroom Live is an online platform that allows fans worldwide to watch live or recorded events organized by Matchroom Sport. These include its five major pool tournaments: the US Open Pool Championship, Mosconi Cup, World Pool Championship, World Pool Masters, and World Cup of Pool.

Future Of The US Open Pool

Innovation: Establishing An Independent Integrity Unit

Matchroom Sport is taking steps to enhance the integrity of the US Open Pool and Nineball by establishing an independent integrity unit. The unit will focus on implementing anti-corruption measures and drug testing to ensure fair play and professional conduct among all players participating in World Nineball Tour events.

Additionally, Matchroom Sport plans to appoint a full-time Tournament Director and a top sports referee to ensure consistency across Nineball events. Players will also have two-player ambassadors appointed to facilitate communication and present creative ideas.

Worldwide Expansion: Introducing The New “Open Pool” Tournaments

Building on the success of the US Open Pool model, Matchroom Sport has expanded the World Nineball Tour by partnering with global federations to organize Pool 9 championships. This initiative aims to provide opportunities for players in developing countries to improve their skills by competing with world-class players.

The Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2023 in Vietnam exemplified this success and drew approximately 75,000 fans. The upcoming Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2024 will occur from October 8 to 13.

Jayson Shaw won the Hanoi Open Pool Championship 2023 in Vietnam.

Opportunities And Challenges For The US Open Pool

1. Opportunities: According to Matchroom and top players, the US Open Pool has a bright future due to its ties to Nineball’s significant influence. 

Barry Hearn OBE, Chairman and founder of Matchroom Sport, stated that this is an opportunity for all players worldwide, regardless of gender, nationality, age, or faith. Current UK Open and World Pool Masters champion Joshua Filler expressed excitement about the tournament’s growth and expansion, indicating a promising future for 9-ball.

2. Challenges: The popularity of the US Open Pool, akin to other billiards tournaments, can vary due to several factors. Here are potential reasons for its decline:

• Changing entertainment trends: With the rise of digital entertainment options such as esports, video games, and social media, traditional activities like billiards may face competition for people’s time and attention.
• Demographic shifts: Younger generations may show less interest in billiards than older ones, leading to changes in the demographics of billiards players.
• Shifts in marketing trends: The tournament may be outdated if it does not adopt modern marketing methods. Incorporating performances by famous artists, similar to the Super Bowl Halftime Show, could help attract a broader and younger audience.

In conclusion, the US Open Pool remains a coveted title for millions of professional players worldwide. To maintain accessibility and relevance, Matchroom Sport should focus on reducing participation costs, offering tiered ticket pricing, and providing virtual attendance options during economic challenges.

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Frequently Asked Questions

• Can Anyone Play In The US Open Pool?

Yes. The US Open Pool Championship is open to everyone, including men, women, and people who use wheelchairs. Anyone can join by paying the entry fee. Even if players are outside the top 128 rankings, they can still qualify by playing in the US Open Pool Championship Qualifiers.

• How Much Does It Cost To Enter The US Open Pool?

The event will keep its $1,000 entry fee, but the goal is to make it accessible in the future. Also, all past, still-living champions will get to play for free.

• Where Is The US Open Pool 2024?

The US Open Pool Championship 2024 is scheduled for August 19 to 24 at Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City, New Jersey, USA.