Great to hear from you guys!
Most of you reading are competitors and have had plenty of experience in pressure situations, but just when you think you know what these guys are going through you get a hint that there are deeper waters out there you never even knew about. I wanted to share one that happened to me in 2017. At this time I'd played for over 20 years with a reasonable amount of gambling and tournament experience.
I played in the US Open and drew Klenti Kaci first round. Lost 11-5 which stung until I saw what he did to everyone else that year (he finished 3rd). On the B side I had to win 3 matches to make the money. I got my first two, including a pretty sporty set I put on Brandon Shuff (I was up 8-6 and came with a hero shot and ran out the last couple). The next set was for $2,000. I was scheduled to play Reymart Lim in 3 hours.
Then something strange happened. I was in my hotel room and my heart just started beating fast. Adrenaline started coursing through my body. I wasn't even close to being in the action, but for some reason my body didn't understand that. I was breathing in short breaths, almost like a panic attack. And it didn't go away.
I tried to relax. Deep breaths, meditation. I called a friend to try to talk out some nervous energy. Then I turned to a recording I use occasionally which has a customized hypnosis session. This has been really useful in the past to feel relaxed, rested, and present during multi-day high pressure tournaments. Well, this day it did nothing.
Those three hours were a roller coaster. Finally my match was up and I started warming up at the table. I was missing everything. I didn't get it. My timing was off. Routine shots weren't going in. I was lost and confused. I shrugged it off, thinking I'd play better once the match started and my focus dialed in.
But I didn't. Normally I get 'good nervous' and I get a shot of adrenaline which helps me focus, widens my pupils, and keeps me in the moment. Instead I felt drained and weak. My game was off, I didn't have much fight, and even routine layouts looked like the balls were all tied up. Somehow I vultured my way to 2-2, but then he caught a gear and took advantage of the opportunities I gave up. He rattled off a bunch of racks and beat me 11-2. I was left scratching my head and wondering what happened. I didn't even show up in that match.
Later someone told me that was an 'adrenaline dump'. That it can happen to fighters and other athletes. A pre-match rush of adrenaline that leaves you feeling totally gassed during your event. Well, I've dealt with nerves before, but nothing like this before or since.
I learned a lot from that experience. I didn't beat myself up or quit pool. I got back in the ring. And since then I've had some of my best tournament performances and finishes. I'm playing the best I've ever played. And my last tournament I entered the zone in match 1 and stayed their all the way to the finals.
This event is one of the most historic pool tournaments I've ever witnessed. It is single elimination and they are playing against the highest level of opposition in history. Given these circumstances we are seeing inhuman amounts of pressure. The best players in the world are breaking down, not because they are weak, but because this is a test like nothing we've seen before.
This is what makes pool thrilling. Routine outs become exciting because anything can happen at any time. Winner breaks and elite skill sets allow for amazing swings and dominant performances. And in the midst of this battle, a few players are transcending the adversity and reaching unbelievable levels. It is an epic event and the players who are participating are showing heart and game that is beyond inspiring to me. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!
Most of you reading are competitors and have had plenty of experience in pressure situations, but just when you think you know what these guys are going through you get a hint that there are deeper waters out there you never even knew about. I wanted to share one that happened to me in 2017. At this time I'd played for over 20 years with a reasonable amount of gambling and tournament experience.
I played in the US Open and drew Klenti Kaci first round. Lost 11-5 which stung until I saw what he did to everyone else that year (he finished 3rd). On the B side I had to win 3 matches to make the money. I got my first two, including a pretty sporty set I put on Brandon Shuff (I was up 8-6 and came with a hero shot and ran out the last couple). The next set was for $2,000. I was scheduled to play Reymart Lim in 3 hours.
Then something strange happened. I was in my hotel room and my heart just started beating fast. Adrenaline started coursing through my body. I wasn't even close to being in the action, but for some reason my body didn't understand that. I was breathing in short breaths, almost like a panic attack. And it didn't go away.
I tried to relax. Deep breaths, meditation. I called a friend to try to talk out some nervous energy. Then I turned to a recording I use occasionally which has a customized hypnosis session. This has been really useful in the past to feel relaxed, rested, and present during multi-day high pressure tournaments. Well, this day it did nothing.
Those three hours were a roller coaster. Finally my match was up and I started warming up at the table. I was missing everything. I didn't get it. My timing was off. Routine shots weren't going in. I was lost and confused. I shrugged it off, thinking I'd play better once the match started and my focus dialed in.
But I didn't. Normally I get 'good nervous' and I get a shot of adrenaline which helps me focus, widens my pupils, and keeps me in the moment. Instead I felt drained and weak. My game was off, I didn't have much fight, and even routine layouts looked like the balls were all tied up. Somehow I vultured my way to 2-2, but then he caught a gear and took advantage of the opportunities I gave up. He rattled off a bunch of racks and beat me 11-2. I was left scratching my head and wondering what happened. I didn't even show up in that match.
Later someone told me that was an 'adrenaline dump'. That it can happen to fighters and other athletes. A pre-match rush of adrenaline that leaves you feeling totally gassed during your event. Well, I've dealt with nerves before, but nothing like this before or since.
I learned a lot from that experience. I didn't beat myself up or quit pool. I got back in the ring. And since then I've had some of my best tournament performances and finishes. I'm playing the best I've ever played. And my last tournament I entered the zone in match 1 and stayed their all the way to the finals.
This event is one of the most historic pool tournaments I've ever witnessed. It is single elimination and they are playing against the highest level of opposition in history. Given these circumstances we are seeing inhuman amounts of pressure. The best players in the world are breaking down, not because they are weak, but because this is a test like nothing we've seen before.
This is what makes pool thrilling. Routine outs become exciting because anything can happen at any time. Winner breaks and elite skill sets allow for amazing swings and dominant performances. And in the midst of this battle, a few players are transcending the adversity and reaching unbelievable levels. It is an epic event and the players who are participating are showing heart and game that is beyond inspiring to me. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!
