Pool as a "sport" has been stagnating here in the States. From reading this forum, I believe today that it has been and still is a cultural thing. The Philippines and other Asian countries have always viewed pool quite differently than we Americans do. Many European top guns have emigrated to the States because it is thought there are more opportunities for pool players to be all that they can be. Women players from all over the world have come to America because of the opportunities available to lady pros. Yet, as we all know, pool has been and still is stuck in the mud.
I won't clutter up this response with a detailed description of the politics which has thwarted pool as a sport in the U.S., but due to greed and personal gain, those in charge many times did NOT have the players' interests in mind. Rather, they reaped the benefits to fill their own DEEP pockets, leaving few crumbs for players to receive any financial gain. I have been told by a reliable source that at a major event in New York City, it cost more to rent out Grand Central Station than the total prize purse for the event, and the playing conditions were difficult. I still wonder WHY the BCA holds an "invitational" open each year with only a $15,000 first-place prize purse when some of its employees are earning six figures annually.
It is a glaring fact that the payouts pre-IPT were the same monies as in the '70s, '80s, and '90s. Yet, as we all know, the cost of living has skyrocketed. It is difficult for a pool player to travel mega miles to a competition and can only hope to break even if he/she comes in third or fourth place. The week-long events are brutal on the pocketbook, often costing upwards of $2,000 to attend an event in its entirety. For an aspiring player who is hoping to turn pro, try doing that once a month and you'll go broke.
I never attended the high-profile events from years ago, but from what I have heard, Johnson City and Tahoe are worthy of top honors as far as competitive tournaments.
Fast forward 20-plus years, and the IPT enters the pool scene. Each player who came to see the King of the Hill Shootout in Orlando was completely awe-struck by the layout, and, of course, the tournament payout of a million-dollar purse was history in the making. The IPT has given some pool players, at least the ones I know and have talked to, a new sense of pride and hope. Eddie Kelly gave counsel to Keith at Orlando by saying, "Keith, grab this opportunity with the IPT while you can still play. I only wish something like this would have come along 20 years ago."
The IPT is hoping to attract a large TV viewing audience as opposed to filling up the bleachers at an event, as it used to be with Johnson City and other legendary tournaments. Whether it can do so here in America is a big question mark. However, the IPT's approach to filming its events is to utilize state-of-the-art technology. As well, there is a whole slew of topnotch professionals who bring their expertise to the table in their given fields. I had NEVER heard of a green room for pool players until Orlando, where the players were treated like the professionals that they are.
I think we are all entering a new frontier, and pool, THANKFULLY, at least here in the United States, will never be the same again. I truly believe with all my being that every single one of us will benefit, whether a railbird, a fan, a player, an industry member, or a vendor.
In sum, it's not about filling up the stands as much as it is about raising pool to a higher platform via the broadcasting of the various events. Time will tell if this is the right approach. JMHO, FWIW!
Picture of Keith and Eddie Kelly. What a delightful gentleman! He currently hangs his hat in Las Vegas where he is gainfully employed as a card dealer.
JAM
