People like to compare the state of pro pool with that of poker, which happens to still be enjoying huge popularity in this country (and abroad). I would like to put a few things in perspective for the pro pool players in regard to tournament prize money being awarded in the two endeavors.
Last year the U.S. Open had a full field of 256 players at $500 per entry for a total of $128,000. Barry contributed approximately $10,000 to this amount in terms of free entries and partial entries. He also ADDED $50,000 to the purse to make the total prize money $178,000! First prize was $40,000. Ninety six of the 256 players finished in the money, with last place (65th thru 96th) receiving $750 I believe.
Now in a comparable poker tournament with 256 players paying a $500 entry, creating a $128,000 purse, a typical event would have 10% (or more) deducted by the house, to now make the purse about $115,000. Of the 256 players, maybe 27 would finish in the money and the winner might get about $35,000, with last place (19th thru 27th) paying a similar $750. Pretty tough action in my book! And that's why it's a feat just to make the money in a pro poker tourney. A very good player might cash one out of four times! So in three out of four tournaments, they are leaving with a big fat ZERO! For every poker player you hear about making a big score, there are literally hundreds (if not thousands) struggling to survive out there. They are lucky to get a backer who will give them 1/3 of their winnings. And they have to "make up" any losses incurrred first! HELLO!
So now which event is better in terms of prize money awarded to the participants? Whether they realize it or not, the pool players are getting a much better deal then the poker players in similar sized events. I hope I've made my point that they should consider themselves fortunate to have Barry Behrman's around to support professional pool and provide them with an opportunity to ply their trade and perhaps make a living.
I've always believed that to make a living in pool, a player must do more than just play tournaments, with players like Ralf Souquet, Mika Immonen, Darren Appleton and Shane Van Boening being the exception rather than the rule. A pro would do well to be a house pro at a major poolroom, perhaps drawing a salary, giving lessons, running a pro shop or making cue repairs. Perhaps some of these players think all this is beneath them. My opinion is that if you want to make a living as a professional pool player, you must "create" a niche for yourself. Many of the top pros of my generation aspired to (and ultimately did) open a poolroom of their own. Even all those years ago we were aware that trying to make a living off tournament winnings alone was a near impossible endeavor.
Saying all this, I think a successful players association is a good thing. There have been countless attempts to create one over the last forty odd years. But to threaten a boycott of one of the biggest events in pro pool is probably not the best course of action for such a fledgeling organization. I can think of several more constructive things they could do as a group that might be more beneficial to them in the long run. But no one asked me and frankly I'm not surprised about that either.
I still say Jeanette Lee has the highest recognition among poolplayers. Whether it's "Janet" Lee, Jeanette Lee, The Black Widow, "that chinese chick" or whatever...they KNOW who she is! LOL
.