Is Charlie Williams the most powerful man in pro-pool?

Seeing as how I can't sleep I might as well write my manifesto on the who's who of pool promoters in the US (because I don't care about the rest of the world. Merica. Insert pic of bald eagle with machine guns here)

Barry Behrman is on his last legs. He had a great run but it is what it is. Allen Hopkins deserves a lot of respect for the expo but he does one pro event a year and it now pays two dimes more than TAR does for a weekend challenge match in part thanks to Charlie Williams. I suppose an honorable mention could be given to Matt Braun for his ESPN events but those have wained considerably in the recent years.

Barry Hearn won't touch pool in the US with a ten foot poll. Once a year he needs a tv cast and that doesnt pay what it used to. Although the fact that they chose not to rely on BCA points this year, thereby making them completely meaningless does make a good point for arguing he has some power in the US.

Charlie has burned through most sponsors/donors/partners that he did large events with. He is doing stuff in pool rooms now every once in awhile when he finds a little money and the occasional tv deal in asia for whoever is in his clique at the time. When he's not helping get $25K added events turned into $8K added events. To his credit he managed to resurrect the 14.1 thing but I attribute that as much to Mr. Fedak (sp?) who puts up the dough. Also Cindy Lee has been making Charlie look good for a lot of years behind the scenes.

Pat Fleming is in the Hall of Fame for a reason. A case could be made that what he did with Accu-Stats is a big reason pro pool is around in the US right now. Don't believe me go find a pro player, fan or promoter under forty who says Pats videos haven't inspired them or fed their desire for the game. IMO its a way bigger deal than most people consider or give credit for. But...Pat doesn't actually produce that many events himself. Its not a knock. He does one or two a year not counting small stuff and not every year. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pat but again it is what it is when it comes to putting on events.

This brings us to Larry Chiborak who single handedly has caused more promoters and players headaches than anyone since Trudeau. Most of those headaches are related to simple lack of communication about scheduling...and the seeming inability to hire a plumber,electrician and dry wall guy. If you put a lot of weight on being able to shake things up from the norm then Chiborak is right at the top of the list. He also has paid out more for guys to show up and do nothing than Charlie has paid out in the last couple years. So he has that going for him. If/when Bonus Ball actually starts then he will have a lot of players tied to him so for the near future in the US. Chiborak is right at the top of people who will have a real affect on pro pool in the US. Whether it is good or bad remains to be seen.

So with all of the above said consider this.....

If Mark Griffin decides to go back to Alaska to ride grizzly bears or whatever they do up there, Mike Zuglan decides he has had enough and Greg Sullivan decides to move to the UK and build the worlds best dart boards then you can pretty much throw the last shovel full of dirt on pro pool in the United States.

Three dudes. Who without them pro pool in the US is gone. Those three men are responsible for eight "pro events" (another oxymoron) a year. I wouldnt call it power. I would call it "I hope those guys don't take up golf or get hit by a bus."

So I now give you my final ranking list of people who make things happen that affect the most players and fans in the pro pool industry. It is based solely on my opinion which obviously means its 100% correct.

8657863266_52141fcb5b_o.jpg


I know I will take shit for my number one spot but I didn't put Mark there because he's my friend and business partner. Look at the entirety of what CSI does in the US with and for pro pool and I think its a legit call. I do love to argue though so lets hear it.

While the above list is put together with some thought and reasoning behind it I it meant mainly as way to stir up some discussion...if someone wants to really know who the most powerful person in pro pool in the US is I will tell you. It's the fans. Sounds hokey right? Its true though. The guy who goes to Derby every year and buys a TV seat. The people who just paid $300 to sponsor the Accu-Stats event. The people who buy all of the online PPV's from TAR, BigTruck and Accu-Stats. The people who always buy a seat to sweat the pro's at any tournament they are at. Without the people willing to put up with all the bullshit surrounding pro pool and still support it by spending money then anything a promoter does is meaningless.

Did I ever tell you that you're extremely good at this and all you that you do?

Freddie <~~~ if not, my bad
 
there is not such a person in pool hence all the problems, In snooker they have Barry Hearn and he makes things happen top players make huge money.

And Billiards needs one so badly. A great business minded person, a real go getter, who genuinely loves the sport and wants the best for it. One that is not just about chasing the dollar, can talk easily to promoters, companies, etc...
And it can be done. Just as you pointed out about snooker. I would not be surprised at all if Steve Davis has made more money than all top pool players combined.
 
How come Johnny Archer and the ABP didn't make your list? They single handily took away the free entries for past winners to The US Open. Anyone on your list accomplish that or even dream they could make that happen?

They got all Pro Events to be seeded --- oh wait, well maybe not. They got all Pro Events to be $25,000 Added, I mean $15,000 Added, no what I really mean is $7,000 Added.

They announced their 2013 Pro Event Schedule in relation to ABP Point Events and added a 2014 event to the timeline. Can anyone on your list change a calendar year?

Not only do they make people members of the ABP without them knowing it, they make people hold offices in their organization without them even knowing about it. Donald Trump couldn't even do that.
 
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How come Johnny Archer and the ABP didn't make your list? They single handily took away the free entries for past winners to The US Open. Anyone on your list accomplish that or even dream they could make that happen?

They got all Pro Events to be seeded --- oh wait, well maybe not. They got all Pro Events to be $25,000 Added, I mean $15,000 Added, no what I really mean is $7,000 Added.

They announced their 2013 Pro Event Schedule in relation to ABP Point Events and added a 2014 event to the timeline. Can anyone on your list change a calendar year?

In my defense the ABP is not a promoter in that they do not actually generate any money for any players. Actually they seem to have a solid track record of doing just the opposite. Maybe I should put an asterisk next to Charlies name for most bridges burned in a calendar year and as recognition for his part in the great ABP.
 
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When you read the bio of Charlie Williams, he's got a great life story. He and Max both got into pool as young'ns and elevated their game, some of which was with the help of the Billiards Education Fund (BEF), if memory serves me right.

When he created the UPA, though, and attempted to strong-arm pool promoters in a struggling pool economy, it didn't go over very good. He then proceeded to ban pro players from competing in any UPA event unless they signed a legally binding contract that protected the UPA and not the player. :frown:

The icing on the cake was at the Open when he dismissed Earl and prohibited him from competing in any UPA event because Earl asked to be paid after being knocked out of the tournament. Well, I'm sure there's more to that story, but that's one side of it. :o

After jumping the sinking UPA Titanic ship, realizing it was going under, Charlie Williams, used his business expertise and recieved sponsorship from existing pool industry members. He created Dragon from the ground up and does promote and produce, to his credit, many pool happenings today.

Love him or hate him, he's successful at what he does. Somebody told me a long, long time ago that you must be a [fill in the blank] if you want to suceed in business. Charlie is successful. Gotta give credit where credit is due.

Is he the most powerful man in pro pool? In 2003, I'd say he was. Since that time, not so much, but he's still in the mix. :)
 
Seeing as how I can't sleep I might as well write my manifesto on the who's who of pool promoters in the US (because I don't care about the rest of the world. Merica. Insert pic of bald eagle with machine guns here)

Barry Behrman is on his last legs. He had a great run but it is what it is. Allen Hopkins deserves a lot of respect for the expo but he does one pro event a year and it now pays two dimes more than TAR does for a weekend challenge match in part thanks to Charlie Williams. I suppose an honorable mention could be given to Matt Braun for his ESPN events but those have wained considerably in the recent years.

Barry Hearn won't touch pool in the US with a ten foot poll. Once a year he needs a tv cast and that doesnt pay what it used to. Although the fact that they chose not to rely on BCA points this year, thereby making them completely meaningless does make a good point for arguing he has some power in the US.

Charlie has burned through most sponsors/donors/partners that he did large events with. He is doing stuff in pool rooms now every once in awhile when he finds a little money and the occasional tv deal in asia for whoever is in his clique at the time. When he's not helping get $25K added events turned into $8K added events. To his credit he managed to resurrect the 14.1 thing but I attribute that as much to Mr. Fedak (sp?) who puts up the dough. Also Cindy Lee has been making Charlie look good for a lot of years behind the scenes.

Pat Fleming is in the Hall of Fame for a reason. A case could be made that what he did with Accu-Stats is a big reason pro pool is around in the US right now. Don't believe me go find a pro player, fan or promoter under forty who says Pats videos haven't inspired them or fed their desire for the game. IMO its a way bigger deal than most people consider or give credit for. But...Pat doesn't actually produce that many events himself. Its not a knock. He does one or two a year not counting small stuff and not every year. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pat but again it is what it is when it comes to putting on events.

This brings us to Larry Chiborak who single handedly has caused more promoters and players headaches than anyone since Trudeau. Most of those headaches are related to simple lack of communication about scheduling...and the seeming inability to hire a plumber,electrician and dry wall guy. If you put a lot of weight on being able to shake things up from the norm then Chiborak is right at the top of the list. He also has paid out more for guys to show up and do nothing than Charlie has paid out in the last couple years. So he has that going for him. If/when Bonus Ball actually starts then he will have a lot of players tied to him so for the near future in the US. Chiborak is right at the top of people who will have a real affect on pro pool in the US. Whether it is good or bad remains to be seen.

So with all of the above said consider this.....

If Mark Griffin decides to go back to Alaska to ride grizzly bears or whatever they do up there, Mike Zuglan decides he has had enough and Greg Sullivan decides to move to the UK and build the worlds best dart boards then you can pretty much throw the last shovel full of dirt on pro pool in the United States.

Three dudes. Who without them pro pool in the US is gone. Those three men are responsible for eight "pro events" (another oxymoron) a year. I wouldnt call it power. I would call it "I hope those guys don't take up golf or get hit by a bus."

So I now give you my final ranking list of people who make things happen that affect the most players and fans in the pro pool industry. It is based solely on my opinion which obviously means its 100% correct.

8657863266_52141fcb5b_o.jpg


I know I will take shit for my number one spot but I didn't put Mark there because he's my friend and business partner. Look at the entirety of what CSI does in the US with and for pro pool and I think its a legit call. I do love to argue though so lets hear it.

While the above list is put together with some thought and reasoning behind it I it meant mainly as way to stir up some discussion...if someone wants to really know who the most powerful person in pro pool in the US is I will tell you. It's the fans. Sounds hokey right? Its true though. The guy who goes to Derby every year and buys a TV seat. The people who just paid $300 to sponsor the Accu-Stats event. The people who buy all of the online PPV's from TAR, BigTruck and Accu-Stats. The people who always buy a seat to sweat the pro's at any tournament they are at. Without the people willing to put up with all the bullshit surrounding pro pool and still support it by spending money then anything a promoter does is meaningless.

I pretty much agree with your list and what you have to say about promoters as you are as much in-the-know about these things as anyone in America. Just curious as to why Shannon Daulton/GSBT wouldn't be on your list? My reasoning being, if all the good promoters left pool (hypothetically), I think more top-notch pros would be forced to gravitate to his tour, if they are indeed "following the money" as we know they are.

Maniac
 
And Billiards needs one so badly. A great business minded person, a real go getter, who genuinely loves the sport and wants the best for it. One that is not just about chasing the dollar, can talk easily to promoters, companies, etc...
And it can be done. Just as you pointed out about snooker. I would not be surprised at all if Steve Davis has made more money than all top pool players combined.


Only thing that will organize pro pool is a benevolent dictator with enough money to fund a contained entity that can be ran in an organized fashion without worrying about whether or not players will show up. That entity will then have to have a structure that can be marketed and sold.

Show me one industry on earth that has had a bunch of smaller competing businesses come together in some kind of kum-by-ya moment to build something bigger. It doesnt happen. Ever. Someone kicks everyone elses ass then drags everyone along kicking and screaming until things start working.

Bonus Ball could of done it. Unfortunately it seems that despite having the ability to find large amounts of money they can not do anything else with even the least bit of common sense.
 
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I pretty much agree with your list and what you have to say about promoters as you are as much in-the-know about these things as anyone in America. Just curious as to why Shannon Daulton/GSBT wouldn't be on your list? My reasoning being, if all the good promoters left pool (hypothetically), I think more top-notch pros would be forced to gravitate to his tour, if they are indeed "following the money" as we know they are.

Maniac

My list is for promoters who do pro events.

As of now Shannon runs an amateur tour and does a great job at it.

If all the pro's were to suddenly start flocking to Shannon's events I suspect it would not be long before he did what Mike Janis did.
 
Show me one industry on earth that has had a bunch of smaller competing businesses come together in some kind of kum-by-ya moment to build something bigger. It doesnt happen. Ever. Someone kicks everyone elses ass then drags everyone along kicking and screaming until things start working.

Bonus Ball could of done it. Unfortunately it seems that despite having the ability to find large amounts of money they can not do anything else with even the least bit of common sense.

This sums up pool today very well. It's sad...
 
Mark Griffin is the most powerful man in pool all day everyday.

I sure would like a diamond table Ill wear a patch and everything ;) lol
 
So I now give you my final ranking list of people who make things happen that affect the most players and fans in the pro pool industry. It is based solely on my opinion which obviously means its 100% correct.

8657863266_52141fcb5b_o.jpg

Although I don't agree with your "only in America" view, I definitely think you are missing Badi Nazhat (Ultimate 10 Ball) off this list. I've spent the last few weeks trying to prepare the upcoming WPBL schedule by asking the players which events they want to attend the most and the hands down response has been The Ultimate 10 Ball. I've heard rumors of Badi's plans moving forward and he definitely has a chance to be near the top of this list in the near future.
 
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Only thing that will organize pro pool is a benevolent dictator with enough money to fund a contained entity that can be ran in an organized fashion without worrying about whether or not players will show up. That entity will then have to have a structure that can be marketed and sold.

Show me one industry on earth that has had a bunch of smaller competing businesses come together in some kind of kum-by-ya moment to build something bigger. It doesnt happen. Ever. Someone kicks everyone elses ass then drags everyone along kicking and screaming until things start working.

Bonus Ball could of done it. Unfortunately it seems that despite having the ability to find large amounts of money they can not do anything else with even the least bit of common sense.
Bonus Ball already has many kicking, screaming, crying and complaining and it has not even begun yet which is funny. You will see members on this forum bashing it for no real good reason other then alliances they have or dislike they have for others which is childish. I think some in the industry are worried about how it hurts them financially or ego wise thinking about events they have put on for long periods of time losing attendance. I applaud the effort of many who have been doing it for years and paying the players but it will be nice to see the players make a living for once who are not in the top 5.

Bonus Ball is not going to take over the pool world so leagues like the APA, BCAPL, TAP and whatever else is out there have no need to worry but the world of pro pool will be changed and needs to be. All the old games will still be around and played, 8 ball will probably always be the most popular game also. I enjoy almost all of the games on a pool table, I still want to see all these big events and enjoy them as I have in the past but if they cannot make it worthwhile then why will players go to those events when they have a legit paycheck?

We always hear from the guy who won and what he thought about the event, try asking the guy who finished out of the top 3 and got enough for a happy meal what he thinks about the event. I get to hear what some of the players really think about the top guys in the industry and tournaments they play in and its not too good at all but what can they do when its the only game in town, they keep their mouths shut and play pool. Maybe if BB takes off and the players become popular then the player will be more marketable and other events can draw bigger sponsors and get the bigger money to get players to come to the events. I want to see Bonus Ball work not just because I am involved in it but because like many who enjoy watching pool at the highest level, I want to see those guys who have played pool their whole life make a real living at it.

Whether its the guy on the street performing, an athlete in a stadium, a stripper on a pole or a guy who plays pro pool, it nice to see people paid for talent and time invested to obtain skills. Pool players attitudes might change when they are actually successful and I mean successful as in making money. People wonder why Earl is so screwed up, well he has been from the bottom to the top and back to the bottom, he speaks his mind and its not all so crazy or far from the truth either. I believe the game attracts crazy people and creates crazy people too which is why I fit right into it. :grin-square:

Oh on another note, I have drawn up the plans for that heated pocket billiard table with a built in ball cleaner. The table lights up the diamonds on the rail when you make the game winning ball too along with pocket markers, you go and push the pocket button and inside of the pocket lights up. No more worries about the balls being dirty anymore, ball goes in the hole and comes out of the return spotless. It is about time pool tables really change and become more modern and electronic, kind of like dart boards. ;)
 
Although I don't agree with your "only in America" view, I definitely think you are missing Badi Nazhat (Ultimate 10 Ball) off this list. I've spent the last few weeks trying to prepare the upcoming WPBL schedule by asking the players which events they want to attend the most and the hands down response has been The Ultimate 10 Ball. I've heard rumors of Badi's plans moving forward and he definitely has a chance to be near the top of this list in the near future.


He didnt make the list because he didnt do anything in 2012 and his 2013 event hasnt happened yet. I do kind of like his style though. But again I dont think he really knows what he's doing other than managing to get a bunch of money and jumping in with an established event to get out of the logistics hassle. His first event was kinda meh but he did pay the bills and that goes a long way. You have to respect someone putting that kind of money in pool. I heard he made some personell changes that I think are a move in the right direction so we will see.

If he has access to the money the grapevine says he does then he could make some big waves.

Next time you talk to him let him spots on the 2014 list can be bought.
 
Bonus Ball already has many kicking, screaming, crying and complaining and it has not even begun yet which is funny. You will see members on this forum bashing it for no real good reason other then alliances they have or dislike they have for others which is childish. I think some in the industry are worried about how it hurts them financially or ego wise thinking about events they have put on for long periods of time losing attendance. I applaud the effort of many who have been doing it for years and paying the players but it will be nice to see the players make a living for once who are not in the top 5.

Bonus Ball is not going to take over the pool world so leagues like the APA, BCAPL, TAP and whatever else is out there have no need to worry but the world of pro pool will be changed and needs to be. All the old games will still be around and played, 8 ball will probably always be the most popular game also. I enjoy almost all of the games on a pool table, I still want to see all these big events and enjoy them as I have in the past but if they cannot make it worthwhile then why will players go to those events when they have a legit paycheck?

We always hear from the guy who won and what he thought about the event, try asking the guy who finished out of the top 3 and got enough for a happy meal what he thinks about the event. I get to hear what some of the players really think about the top guys in the industry and tournaments they play in and its not too good at all but what can they do when its the only game in town, they keep their mouths shut and play pool. Maybe if BB takes off and the players become popular then the player will be more marketable and other events can draw bigger sponsors and get the bigger money to get players to come to the events. I want to see Bonus Ball work not just because I am involved in it but because like many who enjoy watching pool at the highest level, I want to see those guys who have played pool their whole life make a real living at it.

Whether its the guy on the street performing, an athlete in a stadium, a stripper on a pole or a guy who plays pro pool, it nice to see people paid for talent and time invested to obtain skills. Pool players attitudes might change when they are actually successful and I mean successful as in making money. People wonder why Earl is so screwed up, well he has been from the bottom to the top and back to the bottom, he speaks his mind and its not all so crazy or far from the truth either. I believe the game attracts crazy people and creates crazy people too which is why I fit right into it. :grin-square:

Oh on another note, I have drawn up the plans for that heated pocket billiard table with a built in ball cleaner. The table lights up the diamonds on the rail when you make the game winning ball too along with pocket markers, you go and push the pocket button and inside of the pocket lights up. No more worries about the balls being dirty anymore, ball goes in the hole and comes out of the return spotless. It is about time pool tables really change and become more modern and electronic, kind of like dart boards. ;)

My case of the ass with Bonus Ball just comes from the perspective of someone who does stuff on a shoestring budget and has to pretty much eat what I kill. I see a tremendous amount of resources and time being completely pissed away and it just tilts me. The kind of soft sell argument that people who are not 100% behind bonus ball are somehow against the players making money is simply bullshit. Also...its not like Bonus Ball is paying the players that much money anyway when its all said done. A couple teams will make a good score. Everyone else will average out to about a $25 an hour job. Before taxes. There are so many players involved all that money gets spread thin.

No one is against someone putting a bunch of money into pool and trying something. What people are against is getting jerked around for a year and told how if they dont believe in the dream they are against the players. At least I am against that. I am also against being called childish for looking at something based on experience in the industry it is trying to get into. I have yet to hear a single person not drawing a Bonus Ball check say "Man I really think this thing has a chance to do something." Actually I have yet to hear anyone who IS drawing a check tell me honestly one on one the same thing.

Bottom line BB is not going to work. You know it, I know it, the players know it. If the thing was run properly then ok maybe it has an outside shot but its not. Hell now the guy who calls himself the VP is officially on the outside of the tent pissing in talking about lawyers and courts. If you stepped back and looked at it with an unbiased critical eye at the track record of performance and decisions made so far you tell me honestly that you think it has a legitimate prayer to work.
 
My case of the ass with Bonus Ball just comes from the perspective of someone who does stuff on a shoestring budget and has to pretty much eat what I kill. I see a tremendous amount of resources and time being completely pissed away and it just tilts me. The kind of soft sell argument that people who are not 100% behind bonus ball are somehow against the players making money is simply bullshit. Also...its not like Bonus Ball is paying the players that much money anyway when its all said done. A couple teams will make a good score. Everyone else will average out to about a $25 an hour job. Before taxes. There are so many players involved all that money gets spread thin.

No one is against someone putting a bunch of money into pool and trying something. What people are against is getting jerked around for a year and told how if they dont believe in the dream they are against the players. At least I am against that. I am also against being called childish for looking at something based on experience in the industry it is trying to get into. I have yet to hear a single person not drawing a Bonus Ball check say "Man I really think this thing has a chance to do something." Actually I have yet to hear anyone who IS drawing a check tell me honestly one on one the same thing.

Bottom line BB is not going to work. You know it, I know it, the players know it. If the thing was run properly then ok maybe it has an outside shot but its not. Hell now the guy who calls himself the VP is officially on the outside of the tent pissing in talking about lawyers and courts. If you stepped back and looked at it with an unbiased critical eye at the track record of performance and decisions made so far you tell me honestly that you think it has a legitimate prayer to work.

So sad but true, and I agree.
 
The number of viewers are mostly casual fans that wouldn't known Johnny Archer from Johnny Cash.
Nick

What Barry Hearn knows is that General Motors, Budweiser and Bank of America don't care if "viewers are mostly casual fans that wouldn't known Johnny Archer from Johnny Cash."

The advertisers want to sell cars, beer and loans. You don't have to know anything about pool to buy any of those...just watch the ads.
 
I have yet to hear a single person not drawing a Bonus Ball check say "Man I really think this thing has a chance to do something." Actually I have yet to hear anyone who IS drawing a check tell me honestly one on one the same thing.

DING! DING! DING!

Bottom line BB is not going to work. You know it, I know it, the players know it. If the thing was run properly then ok maybe it has an outside shot but its not.

The structor of the whole thing will be it's biggest reason for failure. How do they plan on making money? If you're going to invest 2 million, you better make 6 million. Where is this money coming from? PPV sales? If it were 10ball (a game 90% of this forum would love to watch a league of) it still wouldn't generate the type of PPV sales to give the BB investors a return on their investment that's worth continuing. It won't take long for investors to back out and the well will dry. I'm glad some people are gonna clean up on the investors money and I don't blame them for wanting it to work (because it benefits them) but I keep it real and say how I really feel. Shameless+ruthless is a deadly combination.
 
Seeing as how I can't sleep I might as well write my manifesto on the who's who of pool promoters in the US (because I don't care about the rest of the world. Merica. Insert pic of bald eagle with machine guns here)

Barry Behrman is on his last legs. He had a great run but it is what it is. Allen Hopkins deserves a lot of respect for the expo but he does one pro event a year and it now pays two dimes more than TAR does for a weekend challenge match in part thanks to Charlie Williams. I suppose an honorable mention could be given to Matt Braun for his ESPN events but those have wained considerably in the recent years.

Barry Hearn won't touch pool in the US with a ten foot poll. Once a year he needs a tv cast and that doesnt pay what it used to. Although the fact that they chose not to rely on BCA points this year, thereby making them completely meaningless does make a good point for arguing he has some power in the US.

Charlie has burned through most sponsors/donors/partners that he did large events with. He is doing stuff in pool rooms now every once in awhile when he finds a little money and the occasional tv deal in asia for whoever is in his clique at the time. When he's not helping get $25K added events turned into $8K added events. To his credit he managed to resurrect the 14.1 thing but I attribute that as much to Mr. Fedak (sp?) who puts up the dough. Also Cindy Lee has been making Charlie look good for a lot of years behind the scenes.

Pat Fleming is in the Hall of Fame for a reason. A case could be made that what he did with Accu-Stats is a big reason pro pool is around in the US right now. Don't believe me go find a pro player, fan or promoter under forty who says Pats videos haven't inspired them or fed their desire for the game. IMO its a way bigger deal than most people consider or give credit for. But...Pat doesn't actually produce that many events himself. Its not a knock. He does one or two a year not counting small stuff and not every year. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Pat but again it is what it is when it comes to putting on events.

This brings us to Larry Chiborak who single handedly has caused more promoters and players headaches than anyone since Trudeau. Most of those headaches are related to simple lack of communication about scheduling...and the seeming inability to hire a plumber,electrician and dry wall guy. If you put a lot of weight on being able to shake things up from the norm then Chiborak is right at the top of the list. He also has paid out more for guys to show up and do nothing than Charlie has paid out in the last couple years. So he has that going for him. If/when Bonus Ball actually starts then he will have a lot of players tied to him so for the near future in the US. Chiborak is right at the top of people who will have a real affect on pro pool in the US. Whether it is good or bad remains to be seen.

So with all of the above said consider this.....

If Mark Griffin decides to go back to Alaska to ride grizzly bears or whatever they do up there, Mike Zuglan decides he has had enough and Greg Sullivan decides to move to the UK and build the worlds best dart boards then you can pretty much throw the last shovel full of dirt on pro pool in the United States.

Three dudes. Who without them pro pool in the US is gone. Those three men are responsible for eight "pro events" (another oxymoron) a year. I wouldnt call it power. I would call it "I hope those guys don't take up golf or get hit by a bus."

So I now give you my final ranking list of people who make things happen that affect the most players and fans in the pro pool industry. It is based solely on my opinion which obviously means its 100% correct.

8657863266_52141fcb5b_o.jpg


I know I will take shit for my number one spot but I didn't put Mark there because he's my friend and business partner. Look at the entirety of what CSI does in the US with and for pro pool and I think its a legit call. I do love to argue though so lets hear it.

While the above list is put together with some thought and reasoning behind it I it meant mainly as way to stir up some discussion...if someone wants to really know who the most powerful person in pro pool in the US is I will tell you. It's the fans. Sounds hokey right? Its true though. The guy who goes to Derby every year and buys a TV seat. The people who just paid $300 to sponsor the Accu-Stats event. The people who buy all of the online PPV's from TAR, BigTruck and Accu-Stats. The people who always buy a seat to sweat the pro's at any tournament they are at. Without the people willing to put up with all the bullshit surrounding pro pool and still support it by spending money then anything a promoter does is meaningless.
Here is my take on it.. I can't believe I made the F'ing list. Thanks for seeing that I do something though.
 
Here is my take on it.. I can't believe I made the F'ing list. Thanks for seeing that I do something though.

Of course, you do! :smile:

About yesterday, there will be follow-up today to you. :cool:
 
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