Biggest Straight Pool Prize Ever: The 71st World Tournament

[DP.News]

New Brunswick, New Jersey- For the sixth straight year, Dragon Promotions will produce the 71st Annual World Tournament of Straight Pool . In partnership with the support of Dr.Michael Fedak, this year's event will have the biggest payout in straight pool history with $20,000 going to the champion. The event is $35,000 added , boasting a total $70,000 in the prize fund. The luxurious Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick, NJ will host this year's event starting August 28 through September 2, 2011. Once again the greatest straight pool players from around the world will arrive on USA's east coast again to New Jersey, and attend this prestigious event to play for the coveted title of World Straight Pool Champion.

The World Tournament is the oldest tournament in history that still exists today. Invented by Jerome Keough and shortly after recognized as the official game of billiards. The first World 14.1 Tournament was held in 1911 and won by Alfredo DeOro. In its history due to war and economics, the World Championships had 29 tournaments that did not take place including a 15 year gap between 1990-2005 until Dragon Promotions revived the game and the World Tournament in 2006.

"This is my absolute favorite game, and this is my favorite event in the world. The World Tournament is the ultimate straight pool event, and the oldest testament of skill there is in pool. Dragon Promotions have been terrific caretakers of this prestigious championship, and I am pleased to help them continue the longest running tournament in history", said Dr.Michael Fedak, the event's patron sponsor.



The World Tournament Cup

This year marks the 71st World Tournament , and stars such as Two-time World 14.1 Champion Oliver Ortmann will come back to defend his title along with former World Champion Thorsten Hohmann, Niels Feijen, Allen Hopkins, Jasmin Ouschan, Johnny Archer, Mika Immonen, John Schmidt, and Stephan Cohen of France are just a few of the powerful list of world beaters who will come to play in the greatest straight pool tournament in the world. Players may also join qualifiers to get a chance to compete in the World Tournament with all the legendary greats. Qualifier info will be announced shortly and later can be found at www.DragonPromotions.com To host a qualifier or play, contact worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com

The format for the event will be the same as the past four years. 64 players divided into 8 groups of 8 players in a round robin format playing races to 100. The top 32 players will advance to a double elimination tournament races to 150. The top 16 players will then advance to a single elimination race to 200 points.




The World Tournament Champion will also have his/her name inscribed on the 14.1 Champion's Cup alongside the names of previous winners such as Mizerak, Sigel, Mosconi, Hohmann, Ortmann, Feijen, and Cohen.


"The World Tournament till this day has proven to have the most passionate fans and players. Myself and our staff at Dragon Promotions have really come to a true appreciation of this game and its rich history. We are very proud to have become the caretakers of this prestigious event", said Cindy Lee, CEO of Dragon Promotions.

Fans and players can make hotel reservations now at the Hyatt Regency by calling 732-873-1234 ask for "US Pool Players" Group and receive the tournament rate of $105 per night. Vendor spaces are also available, please contact dp.sally@gmail.com

The 2011 World Tournament is proudly co-sponsored by Amsterdam Billiards and straight pool aficionados Bill Austin of UT and Ralph Rubin of MD. For more information on player registration, sponsorship, or if you would like to submit a comment, please email worldstraightpoolchampionships@gmail.com or contact Dragon Promotions at 1-407-782-4978.
Full event info is at www.dragonpromotions.com

Dragon Promotions is one of the leading producers of billiard programming in the world today. Dragon produces over 40 events a year airing on networks in USA, Korea, and Europe such as ESPN, MBC ESPN, XTM, XPORTS, and Euro Sport. Events include The World Tournament of 14.1, The Predator International 10-Ball Championship, King & Queen of Carom, Empress Cup, Pro Pool Schools, DP Pro Classic, Women's Trickshot Challenge, World Junior 10-Ball Championships, Korea vs USA, Mezz Classic and many more. Dragon also manages some of the world's best players including Shanelle Loraine, Rodney Morris, Charlie Williams, Mika Immonen, Mike Davis, and many more.
Visit www.dragonpromotions.com or www.dragonpromotions.co.kr

 

[Bob Jewett]

In 1975 the prize fund of the US Open 14.1 was $35,000. An inflation calculator shows that the equivalent today would be $145,000. I think that for the purposes of comparison, you need to include inflation indexing.

It's interesting that the pro players in 1975 objected to what they felt was an inadequate prize fund and ran their own tournament the following year, 1976. The advertized prize fund in that tournament, the first of two in Asbury Park, was $50,000. The actual prize fund was just the entry fees with no added money and ended up at about $17,000.

 

[alphadog]

In 1975 the prize fund of the US Open 14.1 was $35,000. An inflation calculator shows that the equivalent today would be $145,000. I think that for the purposes of comparison, you need to include inflation indexing.

It's interesting that the pro players in 1975 objected to what they felt was an inadequate prize fund and ran their own tournament the following year, 1976. The advertized prize fund in that tournament, the first of two in Asbury Park, was $50,000. The actual prize fund was just the entry fees with no added money and ended up at about $17,000.

Sir with all due respect to "inflation Calculators",if one had invested in Kmart stock in 75,they would have worthless stock in a bankrupt co.If they had bought silver they would probably have "new friends"!
See I am just glad there will be a World Tournament! And besides how many times have the
players ever thought the prize fund was "big enough"?

 

[allprobilliards]

I agree with Alpha 1000%.
No one should down this. its exciting that the$ is now doubled! I would think Mr.Jewitt of all people could understand this is big deal to come up with 35k. This years Derby 14.1 went down in prize $, so more $ for straight pool is music to the players ears im sure

 

[dmgwalsh]

This years Derby 14.1 went down in prize $, so more $ for straight pool is music to the players ears im sure

The Derby 14.1 Prize money did NOT go down this year. It was $10,000.00 added, the same as last year. There were more paid entries (28) than last year (26) so the prize money was actually more.

Day one
Darren Appleton 183- $300
Corey Deuel- 125- $200
Niels Feijen 102- $100

Day two
Mike Davis 146-$300
Dennis Orcollo 74- $200
Beau Runningen 64 $100

Day Three
Beu Runningen 96 -$300.00
Alex Pagulayan 81- $200
John Schmidt 73- $100

Day Four
Johnny Archer 71- $300
Mike Davis 69- $200
Sasch Tege 55- $100

The top eight runs qualified for the single elimination tournament.

Appleton 183
Davis 146
Corey 125
Niels 102
Beau 96
Alex 81
Dennis Orcullo 74
Schmidt 73

Final Results of the tournament:

1st Darren Appleton-$2,500.00
2nd Alex Pagulayan- $1,800.00
3rd-4th Niels Feijen and Mike Davis-$1,150.00
5th-8th John Schmidt, Corey Deuel, Beau Runningen, Dennis Orcollo-$700.00

High Run Darren Appleton-$1,000.00

Sponsored by Diamond Billiards, Bob Jewett, Angel Levine, Richard Burns, Stu Mattana, and Ultimate 10 Ball ultimate10ball.com/

 

[allprobilliards]

oh sorry. i was under impression it went down from some players that said that.
kudos then!

still think World 14.1 doubling added money is pretty stout for straight pool.
$2500 1st is sweet at derby, but $20,000 is friggin awesome. its more than 9ball/10ball events !!

 

[Bob Jewett]

I agree with Alpha 1000%.
No one should down this. its exciting that the$ is now doubled! I would think Mr.Jewitt of all people could understand this is big deal to come up with 35k. This years Derby 14.1 went down in prize $, so more $ for straight pool is music to the players ears im sure

You misspelled my name.

It's good that the prize fund is higher than last year, but it is not higher than the 2000 US Open (at the Roseland Ballroom, and recently re-reported here by Lou F.) That tournament had a prize fund of $96000.

It is unfortunate that the organizers could not reach the amount of required added money to have it sanctioned as an official world championship. That bar has been raised by the WPA to $75,000.

 

[Ron F]

Non-sanctioned Event

You misspelled my name.

It's good that the prize fund is higher than last year, but it is not higher than the 2000 US Open (at the Roseland Ballroom, and recently re-reported here by Lou F.) That tournament had a prize fund of $96000.

It is unfortunate that the organizers could not reach the amount of required added money to have it sanctioned as an official world championship. That bar has been raised by the WPA to $75,000.

Being a non-sanctioned event will make a difference on who shows up and who doesn't. Any reason why the announcement came in at $70K? Was an extra 5K available or attempted to be picked up from private donations?

Ron F

 

[elvicash]

Sir with all due respect to "inflation Calculators",if one had invested in Kmart stock in 75,they would have worthless stock in a bankrupt co.If they had bought silver they would probably have "new friends"!
See I am just glad there will be a World Tournament! And besides how many times have the
players ever thought the prize fund was "big enough"?

If they investested in gallons of gas they would be way ahead. I have no idea what gas,hotel and food cost for a week in 75 but I know we are way up on that era currently. I feel an inflation index is not really out of line when comparing now and then tournament purses.

It's good that the prize fund is higher than last year, but it is not higher than the 2000 US Open (at the Roseland Ballroom, and recently re-reported here by Lou F.) That tournament had a prize fund of $96000.

It is unfortunate that the organizers could not reach the amount of required added money to have it sanctioned as an official world championship. That bar has been raised by the WPA to $75,000.

Being a non-sanctioned event will make a difference on who shows up and who doesn't. Any reason why the announcement came in at $70K? Was an extra 5K available or attempted to be picked up from private donations?

Ron F

I think they need 75k added not 35k added like this tournament with the 70k total including entry fees. So they are 40k from that threshold.

 

[14-1StraightMan]

World Tournament

It is exciting to see that straight pool is alive & well in today's times.
This is going to be a great tournament with I hope many DVD matches for us to purchase. I sure would like to see an American take the honor's.
This is the closest that Billiards can get to the Olympics, until the Olympic community wakes up and realizes how great a Sport we have.

 

[dmgwalsh]

It is exciting to see that straight pool is alive & well in today's times.
This is going to be a great tournament with I hope many DVD matches for us to purchase. I sure would like to see an American take the honor's.
This is the closest that Billiards can get to the Olympics, until the Olympic community wakes up and realizes how great a Sport we have.

Hopefully, John Schmidt and Danny Harriman will play in this event. Neither of them played the last two years. John hurt himself one year and had just bought his pool hall the next. I think Danny got away from playing 14.1 somewhat and maybe did not like the looser tables. It may be back to the Diamonds at the hotel this year. I hope the bigger money and better venue will bring them out again.

 

[beetle]

Wow, what an outpouring of support and recognition for someone who just took $35,000 out of his wallet to add to this event.

 

[dmgwalsh]

Wow, what an outpouring of support and recognition for someone who just took $35,000 out of his wallet to add to this event.

Some did mention him in an earlier thread. http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=228924

This one took a different turn.

 

[beetle]

Thanks! That one is much better.

Some did mention him in an earlier thread. http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=228924

This one took a different turn.

 

[cityboy]

Mr. Jewett.......do you think that maybe we could look at this glass as half-full instead of half-empty......and not dwell on what these sponsors aren't doing.... instead of what they are? It's not like straight pool is exactly rolling in money these days. Take a deep breath, pal.

Why would anyone voluntarily spend their private money on 14.1 in the future if all we do is whine and nitpick about a tournament that otherwise might not be held?

Gosh, I hope that I spelled your name correctly.

 

[AtLarge]

... It's good that the prize fund is higher than last year, but it is not higher than the 2000 US Open (at the Roseland Ballroom, and recently re-reported here by Lou F.) That tournament had a prize fund of $96000. ...

I see nothing wrong with disclosing false claims if, in fact, they are false.

But, Bob, where did you get the $96,000 figure for the 2000 event? Here's a prize list for the top 24 in that event. First prize was $15,000 and the total through 24 places was $46,000: http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000showtourney2000.php?eventnum=77

 

[Bob Jewett]

I see nothing wrong with disclosing false claims if, in fact, they are false.

But, Bob, where did you get the $96,000 figure for the 2000 event? Here's a prize list for the top 24 in that event. First prize was $15,000 and the total through 24 places was $46,000: http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000showtourney2000.php?eventnum=77

There were both men's and women's divisions and in what was perhaps a first, they had equal prizes. I may have had the total for each side wrong by a little. My info is from the Billiards Digest that had the results. ....

 

[AtLarge]

There were both men's and women's divisions and in what was perhaps a first, they had equal prizes. I may have had the total for each side wrong by a little. My info is from the Billiards Digest that had the results. ...

You are correct, Bob; I entirely overlooked the separate prize money for women. They paid 24 places as well, for a total of $46,000. So that makes $92,000 in total for both men and women (unadjusted for cost of living changes!).

Maybe Dragon Promotions will read this thread and find a way to up the total to make good on their claim. But I doubt that. First prize will be $20,000. Has a 14.1 tournament ever had a larger first prize than that (without inflation adjustment)?

 

[Spade]

this is the largest purse paid for a SINGLE event. the other event produced a womens event seperately. DP's only one tournament with one division, not two.
Yes, if you are talking about combining 2 tournaments and both prize funds, then the other event would be bigger. Keep in mind, the men could not win the womens prize fund and vice versa in that event.

So it depends on how you look at it in which perspective .

I think the bigger point is the one everyone should focus on is that Dragon Promotions has successfully and alsmot single handedly revived and kept 14.1 alive for all of us.
Can people just applaud and support them instead of dwelling on particluars and inflation stats? lol.

There were both men's and women's divisions and in what was perhaps a first, they had equal prizes. I may have had the total for each side wrong by a little. My info is from the Billiards Digest that had the results. ....

View attachment 180909

 

[dmgwalsh]

this is the largest purse paid for a SINGLE event. the other event produced a womens event seperately. DP's only one tournament with one division, not two.
Yes, if you are talking about combining 2 tournaments and both prize funds, then the other event would be bigger. Keep in mind, the men could not win the womens prize fund and vice versa in that event.

So it depends on how you look at it in which perspective .

I think the bigger point is the one everyone should focus on is that Dragon Promotions has successfully and alsmot single handedly revived and kept 14.1 alive for all of us.
Can people just applaud and support them instead of dwelling on particluars and inflation stats? lol.

I am sure that everyone is glad that the World Tournament is taking place and I, for one am applauding Dragon and Charlie Williams for their efforts in reviving our game.

I submit, however, that Mr. Jewett has earned the right to put things in historical perspective. He is a very big supporter of 14.1 who has bankrolled the Derby City Challenge for the past five or so years. In addition to the money, he has worked tirelessly at the event. I am sure I have just seen the tip of the iceberg because I know he supports many other events as well.

Lets relax, enjoy what we have, and work toward achieving more.