End of the US Open?

[Bob Jewett]

pretty sure they will fill. figuring in a couple asia qualifiers and euro qualifiers, added to the many US based qualifiers, i think they'll have 128 + reserves.

I've had some experience setting up qualifiers for main events. It's hard. I think they depend on players who simply want to enter a competition with no intent or plan to play in the Open. I think they will need at least 50 events to fill 128 spots for the US Open.

I think they have a much better chance to fill the European Open which is in Germany in August.

For the UK Open, which starts in nine weeks, I think it's not possible. Only 12 qualifiers have been announced. I don't see taking 10 from each qualifier.

If anyone knows a room that might like to have a qualifier for any of the Opens, here is the contact to get more info: pool@matchroom.com

 

[Bob Jewett]

For the UK Open, here is the info on the last qualifier which is nine days before the tournament starts. It's at a room in London. The UK Open is in Telford, which is a 3 hour/ $100 train trip from London.

UK OPEN QUALIFIER
SUNDAY 28th April
£60 ENTRY MAX 64 Entries
Double Elim to Last 16, Last 8 Qualify ( Subject to 64 Entries)
Races to 8, (Losers Bracket to 6), Winner Breaks
Doors Open 10am. Start 10:30am

With them qualifying 8 players, this seems like the best chance for someone who is in the area. Seems like it's pretty well arranged.

 

[garczar]

A 750 player and a 650 player have about the same chance of making the final 8 so what’s the difference in which one gets to play? They are both dead money so why does it matter as long as they pay their entry.

i guess based on that 'logic' the US Open golf tournament should just let every 30+handicap hack play too. it IS a prestigious event, one the the most coveted events in all of pool and should be run like one. hey, if a 600+ Fargo got through a qualifier into the main field i think that would be awesome but i don't agree on just letting anyone enter regardless of skill level.

 

[The_JV]

Well I'm very happy I pulled the trigger last year with the Open. The writing has been on the wall for some time. I don't disagree with the move, but a little saddened that I won't have the option to empty my wallet in '24.

To that topic. Deadmoney players getting a spot because they managed to click the button fast enough. Well I threw my name in the wait list a day or 2 after registration opened. I got the call 2wks prior to the event. So I don't necessarily buy the whole massive demand by amatuers to play.

Glad I got it off my bucket list

 

[Jason Robichaud]

Agreed. I don't think a 650 player will embarrass themself on the stream. Nor should they slow down the event terribly. I would think below 600 would be the break point... None of them will be advancing anyway.

I played an 810 on stream in Qatar and lost 9-8. I'm in the 660s, so the stars can align at times. haha. I can't imagine not having the chance to play against them in future events. Its what separated us from all other pro sports IMO. The average local got to play the best in the world. Golf would get crazy as well. Be a line 5 miles long for chance to play a round with Tiger Woods.

 

[Jason Robichaud]

I've had some experience setting up qualifiers for main events. It's hard. I think they depend on players who simply want to enter a competition with no intent or plan to play in the Open. I think they will need at least 50 events to fill 128 spots for the US Open.

I think they have a much better chance to fill the European Open which is in Germany in August.

For the UK Open, which starts in nine weeks, I think it's not possible. Only 12 qualifiers have been announced. I don't see taking 10 from each qualifier.

If anyone knows a room that might like to have a qualifier for any of the Opens, here is the contact to get more info: pool@matchroom.com

I think turnout would be low. As other people here call it "dead money" players won't travel to lose to other "dead money". I've spent thousands traveling for a chance to play the Fillers, Earls, SVBs etc.. Why would I travel to US to play a qualifier that I can't win, and no chance of playing a big name? Be a tough sell IMO. Not sure who the market will be for these qualifiers, especially if the need 128 players from them. Maybe if they take like 4 players for US, maybe 1 from Canada, 8 from China... or something like that.

 

[Jason Robichaud]

Times are changing. Two big things that have changed are the number of players signing up for these events and the skill levels of those players.

20 years ago it was a mostly US event. Jeremy Jones, Gabe Owen, and John Schmidt won the event between 2003-2005. Out of the final 64 players, 40-50 had US flags next to their name. Today it is the opposite, with the events only being won by 800+ players and only 4-5 US flags in the final 64, and 0-1 in the final 32. So the skill level to be live to cash has dramatically changed.

As for demand, the increase in participation is staggering. The event is filling up within the hour they open registration, leaving many of the worlds best shut out from the opportunity to compete.

Due to these changes it makes sense that Matchroom would have to change with the times. The divide between good amateurs and world class pros is growing greater, and the talent is deeper. I can understand how events like the US Open may no longer be the place for good amateurs to take a shot, and instead it can be reserved for the elite.

In turn, other tournaments such as Turning Stone, DCC, Texas Open, etc, will take on the role of those hybrid events that allow players of all levels to compete.

The world of pro pool has changed dramatically and permanently in the last 10 years and we cannot blame Matchroom for evolving with it. They have been a large part of the growth of the sport both for professionals and for audiences around the world, and I support whatever direction they need to go to sustain their success.

If the players are under contract, they might not be able to play these events. So an event like Turning Stone could have no top pro players (potentially). I wonder how many would attend without the big names in the event?

 

[lfigueroa]

For an amateur it’s tough and expensive enough already to prepare and travel to a big event — adding another layer, such as a qualifier, is a nonstarter IMO.

Lou Figueroa

 

[iusedtoberich]

I didn't read all the replies....

It's a supply and demand thing IMO. Once MR took over, the US Open player entry was selling out within days. Making the "open" part of it available via qualifiers is a fair way to do it, IMO.

For these big open events to be filling up so fast is great for the game, IMO.

You can still play in tons of other MR WNT satellite events, which pretty much have a very similar field.

 

[briclops]

One thing that is interesting that Emily mentioned in the interview with Karl Boyes was that only Matchroom signed players will be playing in the Mosconi Cup. Just how many US players are signed up as I think now it will pretty much be the same roster every year for the US unless there are wild cards outside of the 128 players.

 

[Bob Jewett]

... Why would I travel to US to play a qualifier that I can't win, ...

Organize a qualifier in your own area. You might even get some of the locals to defray your costs.

 

[iusedtoberich]

The first and last of the BIG qualifiers was for the IPT. They were $1000 entry and I don't think any of them ever filled. I believe the fields were 16 players. Some of them even skipped sending the winner to the IPT and instead made it a local event only. I believe that happened to a qualifier in CA, maybe Oscar was in it. G Breedlove won one of them and landed his spot on the tour. I can't recall if these qualifiers were for a full tour spot, or for a single tournament entry.

I recall towards the end the qualifiers might have been $200 instead. I'm not certain if I'm remembering that correctly.

 

[Jason Robichaud]

One thing that is interesting that Emily mentioned in the interview with Karl Boyes was that only Matchroom signed players will be playing in the Mosconi Cup. Just how many US players are signed up as I think now it will pretty much be the same roster every year for the US unless there are wild cards outside of the 128 players.

Not only that, but I think the top 128 only can get invited to those types of events... And also, players using qualifiers as entry can will be limited to number of open events allowed to play.

 

[mnorwood]

We had a top level event in Galveston many years ago. They had a pro event and an amateur event. None of the amateurs came over to the pro side to sweat matches. It was me and few other people watching the worlds best. The final table didn't have more than 30 people watching. It was a massive event and it failed massively. Based on that experience I don't see where amateurs care at all about pros. If an amateur goes to a big event I think most would rather play.

 

[King T]

Business model is broken! Venue is the Main reason! Pool needs to change Venue to places like round house theater! Set up a table on the stage!

Have the pro players have proper attire! Make it a formal affair! Something that you could take a girlfriend or wife on a date to!

Mind you, that eliminates bleacher cost ! Plus, you can leverage the local APA and BCA to support the event! Prizes and giveaways to generate and retain members should include tickets to the theater to watch the Matchroom !

They need a schedule of towns/cities appearing in! Pre sale tickets! Create a tour! This hotel / casino venue is awful ...


They should consult with a theater troop! They do productions and go from city to city! That model works much better. Those venues are always looking for something new!

Put the table in the center and pump the commentary through the sound system for all.


Kd

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

Not a bad idea.., but you wouldn't be able to see the table from most of the seats? I do think they need to arena style the events so that the viewers are always above the action with a better viewing angle, not easy, not cheap.

 

[SBC]

He'll half the field would always be amateurs. They gonna lose lot of entry money. Fuck matchroom

This is what happens when America sold its game to the Euros

 

[Kid Dynomite]

Not a bad idea.., but you wouldn't be able to see the table from most of the seats? I do think they need to arena style the events so that the viewers are always above the action with a better viewing angle, not easy, not cheap.

Just like the nfl NBA use the jumbo tron....


Kd

Sent from my SM-G998U using Tapatalk

 

[lfigueroa]

We had a top level event in Galveston many years ago. They had a pro event and an amateur event. None of the amateurs came over to the pro side to sweat matches. It was me and few other people watching the worlds best. The final table didn't have more than 30 people watching. It was a massive event and it failed massively. Based on that experience I don't see where amateurs care at all about pros. If an amateur goes to a big event I think most would rather play.

Played in a few US Open One Pockets in Vegas.

Hundreds if not thousands of CSI bar table players at a concurrent event. Stands would be near empty for the Open. As you said: amateurs dont care about pros.

Lou Figueroa

 

[lfigueroa]

I didn't read all the replies....

It's a supply and demand thing IMO. Once MR took over, the US Open player entry was selling out within days. Making the "open" part of it available via qualifiers is a fair way to do it, IMO.

For these big open events to be filling up so fast is great for the game, IMO.

You can still play in tons of other MR WNT satellite events, which pretty much have a very similar field.

Buuuuuuuuuut satellite events are not “The Open” — screw satellite events.

Lou Figueroa

 

[sjm]

Although I think the dead money players have made the US Open a better event over the years, no other sport lets the underqualified participate in their premier events. That's because the spots in those fields are in very high demand and those who get in have to earn it by either earning a tour card or by winning a qualifier, which takes very strong play.

The US Open will still be "open" because given the emerging presence of qualifiers, all who think they are worthy will have a chance to prove they belong in the field.

Some choose to bemoan these changes in pool, but I embrace them 100%. There are now enough great players that fields in the majors can consist almost entirely of Fargo 740+ players, and the growing prize money available makes it much more enticing for the worthy to try to earn a spot in a major.

As our sport grows, we should not only embrace getting stronger fields over time but should demand it. Matchroom is making the dreams I've always had for pool come alive. The majors are bringing the strongest fields ever seen in majors, and especially the Matchroom majors. Matchroom envisions a Q-school in which emerging talent can earn a touring card, so the door will always be open for the truly worthy players to join their tour.

Dead money players will still have ample opportunities to compete against pro level players, but it will be away from the majors, in Euro-tour, Joss Tour, Mezz Tour, many Asian events and countless regional and local tours and events.

Transition can certainly be painful for some and I'm not without compassion for those whose access to the top events is about to decline, but our sport is advancing in a big way and it's something to get excited about.

Pool is evolving and we're reaching the point where the revenue derived from dead money players with a dream isn't needed to make the business model work at the majors. At least in the eyes of this fan, it's about time!