Evan Lunda Buffalos 2026 One Pocket Champion
- Main Forum
- 21 Replies
We
Well said from the former world champion.For the guys that don’t have Facebook I thought I’d post this here.
This is a very nice post from Evan Lunda.
2026 Buffalo’s Pro Classic Champion.
I’ve taken a little time to let this one soak in before putting anything into words.
This one means a lot.
I’ve been fortunate enough to win this event before, but in many ways this one feels even more special.
Not because I won it.
But because of what it took to win it.
What started as another tournament turned into one of the toughest mental, emotional, and physical battles I’ve ever faced at the table. Against one of the deepest fields in professional one pocket and Fedor Gorst in the finals, every match felt like a fight.
For most of that final, I was behind.
The pressure was heavy. Momentum wasn’t on my side. Every mistake felt bigger than it normally would, and at times it felt like the title was slipping away.
Somewhere in the middle of all of it, I had to slow myself down and remind myself of something simple:
“You can still win. You only need two games.”
That moment changed everything.
Pressure doesn’t build character—it reveals it.
It reveals your composure, your belief in yourself, and your ability to stay present when everything around you feels like it’s moving too fast.
This victory wasn’t won in one moment. It was earned one shot, one decision, and one rack at a time.
There were times along the journey when I questioned myself, questioned the path I was on, and wondered if all the sacrifices were worth it. Moments like this remind me exactly why I kept going.
The truth is, no championship is ever won alone.
To my friends, family, supporters, fans, and everyone who has believed in me over the years—thank you. Every message, every conversation, every word of encouragement, and every person who supported me through the highs and lows played a part in this moment whether you realize it or not.
I carried that support with me throughout the week and especially through every pressure-filled rack of that final.
To James Leone, Steve Tesvich, the Buffalo’s staff, PoolActionTV, the commentators, and everyone behind the scenes who continues to make this event one of the greatest in our sport—thank you for everything you do for the game.
And to Fedor, nothing but respect. That final was an absolute war. Competing on a stage like that against a player of his caliber is something I’ll never take for granted.
When it was all said and done, the entire tournament came down to one final game with everything on the line.
Those are the moments every competitor dreams about. The moments that test everything you’ve worked for.
This title means far more to me than prize money, and in many ways it’s even more special than my first Buffalo’s Pro Classic victory in 2023.
Not because I won it.
But because of what it took to win it.
Being behind for most of the final, having my back against the wall, and finding a way to stay composed when everything was on the line taught me something about myself that I’ll carry long after the tournament is over.
Knowing my portrait will hang on that wall once again alongside so many great champions is an incredible honor, but what I’ll remember most is the battle it took to earn it.
Grateful for the journey.
Grateful for the people around me.
And grateful that I’m still growing.
This is only the beginning.
I’ve been quietly working on a few projects behind the scenes for a long time now, and I’m excited to finally start sharing more of that journey with all of you in the months ahead.
Hungry. Humble. Motivated.
