Foreign Players-Why are they here?

[lee brett]

I think their are a few reasons for this.

1. To complete a players education, as you never stop learning at this game, and any small advantage helps.

2. Tournaments and Cash Games, a top player can still make a living playing in regular $1000 added tournaments when they dont have a major event on, something that you wont get in Europe on a regular basis like you will here.. And you also dont get Money games like you do here, its your bread and butter of pool, being brought up to gamble, in most cases its what makes a player..

3. If you want to take the game serious, in my opinion you have to live here, to compete with the best on a regular basis, and most of the top companies involved in pool are here for future sponsorship deals..

4.. The game still belongs to you

 

[SpiderWebComm]

I think their are a few reasons for this.

1. To complete a players education, as you never stop learning at this game, and any small advantage helps.

2. Tournaments and Cash Games, a top player can still make a living playing in regular $1000 added tournaments when they dont have a major event on, something that you wont get in Europe on a regular basis like you will here.. And you also dont get Money games like you do here, its your bread and butter of pool, being brought up to gamble, in most cases its what makes a player..

3. If you want to take the game serious, in my opinion you have to live here, to compete with the best on a regular basis, and most of the top companies involved in pool are here for future sponsorship deals..

4.. The game still belongs to you

He's baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaack...............

 

[Mr. Wiggles]

Working

Personally I'm sick of all the b1tching and whining about how bad pool is because every person who picks up a cue can't make a living off the game.

I used to work in a factory that paid $30 an hour. It sucked hard. We had a saying when people would constantly complain "I don't see anyone chaining you to that machine. You can leave anytime you want. " One day I did just that. I see pool or any other pursuit the same way. If it's that bad why do the people who complain the most even stick around to b1tch about it? If something is that terrible to me I put it behind me and move on.

I also worked in a plant. Union, good money, hard work. Weekends, 12 hour days. 34 years. Retired now and don't even get along with people who work! LOL. Let's go fishing or hit some balls. I think some people nowadays think the world owes them a living. Nobody deserves a job or a nice house or fancy cars. Get to work. Work all your life. Do that and you deserve something. If that's not your cup of tea then get in line and Mr. Obama will take care of you.

 

[westcoast]

Personally I'm sick of all the b1tching and whining about how bad pool is because every person who picks up a cue can't make a living off the game.

I used to work in a factory that paid $30 an hour. It sucked hard. We had a saying when people would constantly complain "I don't see anyone chaining you to that machine. You can leave anytime you want. " One day I did just that. I see pool or any other pursuit the same way. If it's that bad why do the people who complain the most even stick around to b1tch about it? If something is that terrible to me I put it behind me and move on.

I totally agree that there are too many people trying to make a living out of playing pool. You must have something else to fall back on.

However, once a person has made that full commitment, it is hard to turn back. For example, guys like Earl Strickland, Corey Deuel, Shane Van Boening, etc. It seems that it is all these guys have been doing since the age of 18 or earlier- playing pool. Say a day comes when Corey wakes up and decides he doesn't feel like playing any more, what's he supposed to do? He probably has no marketable skills for anything else (I'm just using Corey as a hypothetical example- I don't know him personally, so maybe he has an education or skills beyond pool).

I just think it would be wise for some of these guys to get a college education or some type of trade training so you can actually do something besides play pool if you hit a slump or decide you don't enjoy playing any more- a guy like Jesse Engel, for example- should probably go to college or get some type of education

 

[Blackjack]

Why are they here?

It's gotta be the women.

 

[lee brett]

Why are they here?

It's gotta be the women.

lol

ok, your women always make us come back for more..

when the European players say they went to Vegas for the pool, they me to sit by the pool and eye the women up:wink:

 

[PoolBum]

Its always being discussed how sad the state of pool is here in the United States. If this is so, why are so many foreign players moving here or at the very least spending a large amount of time here? I'm thrilled to have players such as Mika, Darren and others living here, just not sure what their reasoning would be if pool is so bad here.

We're easy pickins.

 

[bfdlad]

I am from England and have been here in the U.S.A for almost 20 years now. I have been lucky enough in my younger days that I have been all over the world and in just about every state.
Therefore I have the right and experience to tell anyone a little something about this country. I have got myself into trouble in the past for telling people to shut up. As someone once said "The great thing about America is that you have the right to leave if you are not happy"
This country has been very good to me and I love it and have the advantage of knowing what other places are like and what they have to offer. My conclusion is this. No matter who is in the white house or how bad the state of things are right now, this is still the greatest country in the world. If you doubt me, go live somewhere else for 6 months and maintain your standard of living. I'll bet unless you are independantly wealthy you will come home and kiss the ground every morning and say GOD BLESS AMERICA.

This is why people want to be hear and the pool world is just a small part of the puzzle that one day will be back.

Yes, things are tough in the pool world right now but they are tough everywhere. Just remember we are all very lucky to live in a country where I can say " screw Obama" if I feel like it. I don't because even Obama on his worst day beats living in Russia or somewhere else.

 

[peteypooldude]

Imports

IMO They are just pool players wanting to play. If it is a Philippines player
who happens to be the BEST, That is who the top US players want to play.
It saves them a trip. I think Pool is and should be.... May The Best Man Win.

 

[justadub]

Why are they here?

It's gotta be the women.

All I can say is God Bless America!

Wow...

 

[the420trooper]

I totally agree that there are too many people trying to make a living out of playing pool. You must have something else to fall back on.

However, once a person has made that full commitment, it is hard to turn back. For example, guys like Earl Strickland, Corey Deuel, Shane Van Boening, etc. It seems that it is all these guys have been doing since the age of 18 or earlier- playing pool. Say a day comes when Corey wakes up and decides he doesn't feel like playing any more, what's he supposed to do? He probably has no marketable skills for anything else (I'm just using Corey as a hypothetical example- I don't know him personally, so maybe he has an education or skills beyond pool).

I just think it would be wise for some of these guys to get a college education or some type of trade training so you can actually do something besides play pool if you hit a slump or decide you don't enjoy playing any more- a guy like Jesse Engel, for example- should probably go to college or get some type of education

Great post. From what I've heard, Corey has been more interested in chasing tail and playing golf than playing pool for years now. But, pool is the skill he has the greatest chance to make money with, so he still goes through the motions sometimes.

If he had the passion for pool that he had when he was 20, we wouldn't be wondering why Corey is in a slump, we would be awestruck (awestricken?) at the way he is beating everyone in the world...easily.

That's my interpretation, for what it's worth.

 

[cleary]

Don't worry, JCIN, I'm not sticking around if you are referring to me.

It sounds like he is referring to pool players who are trying to make a living. You gotta stop taking things so personal.

It reconfirms my thoughts about not traveling to Vegas this month. Thank you!

Oh come on!!!! There is more to do in Vegas than pool! Come get drunk and lost with me.

 

[JAM]

It sounds like he is referring to pool players who are trying to make a living. You gotta stop taking things so personal.

When my posts are quoted, then I respond.

Oh come on!!!! There is more to do in Vegas than pool! Come get drunk and lost with me.

I don't drink.

Those who are sponsored in the pool world, i.e., receiving funds to survive, attend events, pay bills, et cetera, from pool-related entities, don't walk in the same shoes as those who pay their own way. Two different scenarios.

 

[Jude Rosenstock]

Girls. The U.S. has hot girls. That's why they're here.

 

[the420trooper]

@JAM, the question about awestruck vs. awestricken was meant for you.

('Cause I know you know) :thumbup:

 

[cleary]

I don't drink.

Well, its the desert, Im sure you could find some peyote.

Those who are sponsored in the pool world, i.e., receiving funds to survive, attend events, pay bills, et cetera, from pool-related entities, don't walk in the same shoes as those who pay their own way. Two different scenarios.

If you're referring to me, Mezz USA rejected my "sponsor me" videos because of the nudity and foul language. Apparently I don't play good enough either....

 

[JAM]

Well, its the desert, Im sure you could find some peyote.

I don't do drugs, either. I drink coffee, though. I love Starbucks!

If you're referring to me, Mezz USA rejected my "sponsor me" videos because of the nudity and foul language. Apparently I don't play good enough either....

Now who's taking things too personal?! :grin-square:

I didn't even know anything about Mezz USA and you. Why do you need to be sponsored? Are you going to start to shoot pool professionally on the tournament trail? If so, good luck.

But I'm sorry it didn't work out with the Mezz USA. One door shuts; another one opens.

BTW, is it Usama bin Laden or Osama bin Laden? I can't keep up with the correct spellings.

 

[8balljohn]

Better living here & more opportunity. Everyone wants to make it in America! jmho.
(Had to break the ice, first post.)

 

[JAM]

@JAM, the question about awestruck vs. awestricken was meant for you.

('Cause I know you know) :thumbup:

I think it's "awestruck."

 

[Black-Balled]

Well, its the desert, Im sure you could find some peyote.

I don't do drugs, either. I drink coffee...

It's OK, JAM. Peyote is not really a drug...

Coffee! The secret to staying excited about work!