Do professional pool players really enjoy playing?

Being intense doesn't mean it ain't fun and havin fun don't have to be all giggles and smiles. Fun is inside the head, not necessairly on the face.
 
And that is before taxes and any contributions to SSA!:eek:

Well, you do have some sweet writeoffs. LOL! :wink:

The benefits of being a professional pool player are individualized. For most champions, their eyes seem to look at heights beyond our gaze, and it is a look of a spirit that can soar.

And after the game, set, and match, the almighty win is their reward. Monetary compensation just isn't there.

I'm sure glad I never quit my day job. Most people in the pool industry, not only confined to pro players, cannot survive unless they have a "sweet sugar daddy" paying their way. The higher they rise, unfortunately, the harder they fall after the dust settles. :frown:
 
I think there might be a difference between "having fun" and enjoying playing pool.

While I"m not a pro player, I do spend a lot of time in the pool room.

When I walk into a room, see a friend, and we decide to do a little sparring, I usually have fun. It's about playing, enjoying the company of a friend, a little friendly sharking and trash talking.

When I am in competition, either in league or in a tournament, my mindset changes. I look forward to my matches, not because it is fun, but because I enjoy the opportunity to put my skills (of lack of) to the test. I enjoy the atmosphere, I enjoy performing, and yes, when it comes together, I enjoy winning. I would not say that competition is "fun", but it sure is enjoyable.

Steve
 
When your seeing every shot clearly and the pockets look like they're the size of man-holes the game is a tremendous amount of fun.

When the pockets seem to be shrinking right before your very eyes, the game isn't fun anymore.

Either way, it's the game I'd rather be playing, more than anything else. Despite the small amounts of money available. No other game has given me the personal satisfaction or disappointment, I've suffered, playing this game. It's a high, no drug ever gave me. I love it.
 
Back in the day !

You use to always at least be able to make a living or get by in pool by hustling....Now the ones that still gamble spread the money back & forth...Gone are the days of hearing of a guy,say in mobile Alabama playing just about anybody that walks thru the doors..now the best players have to rely strictly on tournement money..with an occassional score for the ones that still gamble...It's really turning into more of a job...I know alot of top players that you can tell loss alot of passion for the game but still play because..well..that's what they do & know...All we can do is hope pool gets more money into it from sponsors and such...If there was more money in pool..then you'd see way more happpy players...You never see too many happy people in any area of the work force that are living from check to check...I really hope pool gets the money it deserves to suport all the great players out there...Hopefully Galveston is the start of something big & others will follow & we can see some happier players out there !
 
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I've watched alot of pool and it seems like some top players really enjoy playing more than others. Alex P, SVB really seem like there enjoying themselves. I've heard that Shane can play for hours by himself and not get bored. I watched Alex playing on TV against Bustamante and no look the nine( he missed it but laughed it off).
Do other pros have this much fun playing still or is it all work for them?

Yes, they love it.
 
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