Looking at the top pros who travel the most, the list hasn’t changed a great deal since 2023.
By and large, Europe leads the way. More than 80% of the top travelers are European. I wonder if some of these players, especially the Poles and Germans, get more government support than others.
The most notable new player on the traveler list is probably Kledio Kaci. He didn’t start attending the biggest events regularly until 2024, but even then, his participation was limited. Last year was when he really spread his wings.
Arseni Sevastyanov appears to be aiming to join the group or regular travelers in 2026. Veteran Ruslan Chinakhov has also reemerged as a semi-regular on the world circuit.
Future aspirants to become global regulars include Emil Gangflot, Felix Vogel, Karl Gnadeberg and Walter Laikre. Jesus Atencio and Vitaly Patsura (Green card issue) would probably like to be in the mix as well.
Asian players are more selective. Only Biado, Yapp, Duong, Oi, Capito and, to a lesser extent, Chua and Wu Kun Lin, hit most big events.
Some players are pulling back. The Ko brothers most notably, but Shane Van Boening appears to be becoming more selective. Tyler Styer has been somewhat quiet, too.
Mickey Krause has dropped off the radar this year. He’s missed the Las Vegas Open, European Open and 8-ball championship.
