Super Billiards Expo 2026

Yes, there are plenty of Americans at the SBE, but I was specifically referring to American Mosconi hopefuls.

A lot of the American players competing aren’t in that conversation at all and many probably have no interest in being there. And that’s perfectly fine. The SBE draws a wide range of players and fans for all kinds of reasons.

For many, it’s about convenience, especially with the location. For others, it’s one of the best places to check out the latest and greatest in pool, new gear, new products, all under one roof. And honestly, a big part of it is just the atmosphere. It’s fun to connect, catch up, and hobnob with fellow pool enthusiasts who share the same passion.

But that said, being this is a so-called “WNT ranking event,” I still find it surprising that some of the American Mosconi Cup hopefuls, the ones who do want to make the Cup, aren’t in attendance. If you’re chasing a spot, every ranking opportunity matters. Showing up, competing, and putting yourself in the mix seems like part of the deal, especially at an event like this.

Maybe there are reasons like scheduling, finances, or other commitments, but from the outside looking in, it does raise an eyebrow, thus, the reason for my original post.
Not sure what you have in mind.

Yes, SVB and Sky are absent, but SVB has not been playing in WNT events this year so far and Sky, arguably the only successful member of Team USA over the last decade and a two-time Mosconi MVP, may feel he can still pick his spots and find his way onto Team USA. Fedor, of course, is in this field, but he is a lock for inclusion on Team USA.

... but Nathan Childress, Eric Roberts, Lukas Verner, BJ Ussery, Shane Wolford, Landon Hollingsworth, Billy Thorpe, Tyler Styer, Donny Mills and Thorsten Hohmann are all possible Team USA members, and every single one of them was in this field. Yes, a couple of teens who might have a shot down the road are missing, such as Lazaro Martinez and Payne McBride. but I feel most of the realistic hopefuls showed up.

To me, the only supposed Mosconi aspirant missing of note is Justin Bergman who has still yet to play in even one WNT ranking event in the over four-year history of the tour. Perhaps years of absence from all 9ball competition makes him believe he'd be overmatched here. but even if that is the case, he needs to get more experience in events using the Matchroom break. For now, it is not easy to take his candidacy seriously.

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