Galveston big money tournament head count.

Will you be attending the World Classic pool tournament in Galveston, TX in September

  • I will be playing in the tournament.

    Votes: 29 47.5%
  • I will be a spectator only.

    Votes: 32 52.5%

  • Total voters
    61
  • Poll closed .
I already took two weeks of vacation so I wouldn't miss anything. This is gonna be fun. Now I know how folks who live in Louisville, Valley Forge, Las Vegas, and Chesapeake feel. :thumbup:
 
I'll probably sit this one out and see what happens. It's an expensive trip (airfare, hotel, entry fees) and there is still too much uncertainty for me. One concern I have is that with so much money guraranteed on top, what the payout structure will be like. I suspect it may look something like 50K for first and 10K for second (or less). In this case, there will be some serious dealmaking going on.

I wish them the best and maybe by year two they will sort out the details a little better. I still have gotten only vague answers to my inquiries. I must be asking the wrong questions. :rolleyes:
 
That's one way to save some bucks!

You can also find out from Moody Gardens how many people can sleep in a room.

At the DCC I've seen as many as 5 people in one room so I know it can be done.

JoeyA

Yep, it can be done, but, at our age Joey, 4-5 to a room is just like pure torture.

It is going to be quire intresting to see how this event unfolds. I wish them well and fear they will need a bit of luck.
 
I'll probably sit this one out and see what happens. It's an expensive trip (airfare, hotel, entry fees) and there is still too much uncertainty for me. One concern I have is that with so much money guraranteed on top, what the payout structure will be like. I suspect it may look something like 50K for first and 10K for second (or less). In this case, there will be some serious dealmaking going on.

I wish them the best and maybe by year two they will sort out the details a little better. I still have gotten only vague answers to my inquiries. I must be asking the wrong questions. :rolleyes:


I kinda feel the same way. Given the dearth of information on this event, I just don't get a warm fuzzy feeling about it. Don't get me wrong -- it'd be great to have a big event that time of year. But it just doesn't add up for me.

I'd also be concerned about the potential of a hostage situation. I can't recall where I read it, but someone posted somewhere that the plan was to hold the finals of all the events at the end of the schedule. That, along with the promoter's advertised intent to run several events concurrently on the 48 9-footers (and who knows what commitment they have on hotel occupancy rates) and I'd be worried about long, long, long waits to play matches. I hope I'm wrong.

Overall, it always surprises me a bit: pool players pride themselves on being such savvy, street-smart operators, but are always the first to jump off the pier after not much more than a carnie's ballyhoo. Just look at how this has been handled to date and the lack of info out there on this. (I think Bernie Madoff and AIG put out more info than this :-) In any case, I think players should go in with their eyes open. Do the math on the back of an envelope for yourself and ask yourself how, just as an example, their payout schedule makes any sense. Or, how, in today's financial times, they're going to get a turn out at a venue that is anything but centrally located.

The way they're handling things so far does not make me want to go. Still, I wish them well.

Lou Figueroa
 
News releases.

I kinda feel the same way. Given the dearth of information on this event, I just don't get a warm fuzzy feeling about it. Don't get me wrong -- it'd be great to have a big event that time of year. But it just doesn't add up for me.

I'd also be concerned about the potential of a hostage situation. I can't recall where I read it, but someone posted somewhere that the plan was to hold the finals of all the events at the end of the schedule. That, along with the promoter's advertised intent to run several events concurrently on the 48 9-footers (and who knows what commitment they have on hotel occupancy rates) and I'd be worried about long, long, long waits to play matches. I hope I'm wrong.

Overall, it always surprises me a bit: pool players pride themselves on being such savvy, street-smart operators, but are always the first to jump off the pier after not much more than a carnie's ballyhoo. Just look at how this has been handled to date and the lack of info out there on this. (I think Bernie Madoff and AIG put out more info than this :-) In any case, I think players should go in with their eyes open. Do the math on the back of an envelope for yourself and ask yourself how, just as an example, their payout schedule makes any sense. Or, how, in today's financial times, they're going to get a turn out at a venue that is anything but centrally located.

The way they're handling things so far does not make me want to go. Still, I wish them well.

Lou Figueroa

Lou,

You play things to carefully. You and Jay have to learn to loosen up. This is a first tournament for these well off tournament promoters. They don't expect to make money and don't plan to make money. They are attempting to plan and build for the future.

I doubt that they will burn anyone in the process of trying to build a better future for pool. Yes, there are questions that haven't been answered. Some of them will be forthcoming in NEWS RELEASES, soon.

Their ideas are NEW, innovative and FRESH. Maybe I am an optimist but I am also a realist. These promoters are attempting to provide pool with a NEW PROMISING FUTURE and while they haven't done everything by the book or exactly like we would like to see them do it, I feel like they are earnest, honest and they deserve our support, especially on this new model that they are attempting to create.

I think pool players amateur and professional alike will be supporting this event not only because they are hoping for a good pay day but because these individuals deserve our support.

As time goes on, there may be some additional information that will sway others who are on the fence. For me, I am going to go and play even if I don't do commentary. The promoters deserve my support based upon everything that I have heard and seen.

The professionals are lining up to play and I'm sure the Texas amateurs will be flocking to this venue. Hopefully, the amateur teams from other parts of the country will see this as an opportunity to be part of something new.

For me the www.moodygardens.com website shows a lot of other interesting reasons why I want to go. The things that are available to do and see at Moody Gardens appear to be spectacular for any hotel. The pool tournament event is icing on the cake.

I didn't attempt to take part in the INternational Pool Tour for personal reasons. Those personal reasons don't exist for this event. So I am going all in for this one.

Looking forward to the PRESS RELEASES (NEWS).

JoeyA
 
Lou,

You play things to carefully. You and Jay have to learn to loosen up. This is a first tournament for these well off tournament promoters. They don't expect to make money and don't plan to make money. They are attempting to plan and build for the future.

I doubt that they will burn anyone in the process of trying to build a better future for pool. Yes, there are questions that haven't been answered. Some of them will be forthcoming in NEWS RELEASES, soon.

Their ideas are NEW, innovative and FRESH. Maybe I am an optimist but I am also a realist. These promoters are attempting to provide pool with a NEW PROMISING FUTURE and while they haven't done everything by the book or exactly like we would like to see them do it, I feel like they are earnest, honest and they deserve our support, especially on this new model that they are attempting to create.

I think pool players amateur and professional alike will be supporting this event not only because they are hoping for a good pay day but because these individuals deserve our support.

As time goes on, there may be some additional information that will sway others who are on the fence. For me, I am going to go and play even if I don't do commentary. The promoters deserve my support based upon everything that I have heard and seen.

The professionals are lining up to play and I'm sure the Texas amateurs will be flocking to this venue. Hopefully, the amateur teams from other parts of the country will see this as an opportunity to be part of something new.

For me the www.moodygardens.com website shows a lot of other interesting reasons why I want to go. The things that are available to do and see at Moody Gardens appear to be spectacular for any hotel. The pool tournament event is icing on the cake.

I didn't attempt to take part in the INternational Pool Tour for personal reasons. Those personal reasons don't exist for this event. So I am going all in for this one.

Looking forward to the PRESS RELEASES (NEWS).

JoeyA


Joey, KT has a lot of money too. So that they are well off/well heeled promoters does not do much to inspire confidence :-) And, no matter how new and refreshing their model is, they have to make money, or we all know where this ends up.

As I've said, you seem to have good intel and therefore, perhaps, reason(s) to be optimistic. But be realistic: pros are going because an Efren or Johnny has a shot at the big money. You or me, or practically anybody else on this board? On a good day, with a fortuitous draw, and the alignment of the stars, we're happy to finish 15-30th in an open event. Soooo, do I care that first is $25K? Or that second will be maybe $10K? Frankly, no. I'm more interested in that 15-30th sweet spot and, just as importantly, whether or not there's any cheese for those finishing a little lower. I also want to know something about the scheduling. Are they going to have the players sitting around for days just to keep the hotel full, or are things going to move along in a timely manner?

I don't need a lot to jump, and have frequently driven or flown to events on just the promise of a fun weekend of pool. But for me to blow $1000 on air, car, hotel, food, gimcracks (and beer -- don't forget the beer monies) on a pool tournament, there's got to be some decent bait in the trap. So as far as deserving my support: nope, don't see why that should be so. To date, the trap looks pretty empty...

Lou Figueroa
knows all about
news releases
 
John Schmidt

You can add another champion to the roster that will be going to the Galveston Tournament.

I just spoke to John's sponsor who confirmed that Schmitty will definitely be there. Now if I can just get him in the commentary booth. :smile:

There was some conversation about Schmitty playing another very well known player who I will not name right now. ;)

JoeyA
 
Joey, KT has a lot of money too. So that they are well off/well heeled promoters does not do much to inspire confidence :-) And, no matter how new and refreshing their model is, they have to make money, or we all know where this ends up.

As I've said, you seem to have good intel and therefore, perhaps, reason(s) to be optimistic. But be realistic: pros are going because an Efren or Johnny has a shot at the big money. You or me, or practically anybody else on this board? On a good day, with a fortuitous draw, and the alignment of the stars, we're happy to finish 15-30th in an open event. Soooo, do I care that first is $25K? Or that second will be maybe $10K? Frankly, no. I'm more interested in that 15-30th sweet spot and, just as importantly, whether or not there's any cheese for those finishing a little lower. I also want to know something about the scheduling. Are they going to have the players sitting around for days just to keep the hotel full, or are things going to move along in a timely manner?

I don't need a lot to jump, and have frequently driven or flown to events on just the promise of a fun weekend of pool. But for me to blow $1000 on air, car, hotel, food, gimcracks (and beer -- don't forget the beer monies) on a pool tournament, there's got to be some decent bait in the trap. So as far as deserving my support: nope, don't see why that should be so. To date, the trap looks pretty empty...

Lou Figueroa
knows all about
news releases

Lou DOES make some good points!!

Ray
 
Lou's trap. (The mirror)

Joey, KT has a lot of money too. So that they are well off/well heeled promoters does not do much to inspire confidence :-) And, no matter how new and refreshing their model is, they have to make money, or we all know where this ends up.

As I've said, you seem to have good intel and therefore, perhaps, reason(s) to be optimistic. But be realistic: pros are going because an Efren or Johnny has a shot at the big money. You or me, or practically anybody else on this board? On a good day, with a fortuitous draw, and the alignment of the stars, we're happy to finish 15-30th in an open event. Soooo, do I care that first is $25K? Or that second will be maybe $10K? Frankly, no. I'm more interested in that 15-30th sweet spot and, just as importantly, whether or not there's any cheese for those finishing a little lower. I also want to know something about the scheduling. Are they going to have the players sitting around for days just to keep the hotel full, or are things going to move along in a timely manner?

I don't need a lot to jump, and have frequently driven or flown to events on just the promise of a fun weekend of pool. But for me to blow $1000 on air, car, hotel, food, gimcracks (and beer -- don't forget the beer monies) on a pool tournament, there's got to be some decent bait in the trap. So as far as deserving my support: nope, don't see why that should be so. To date, the trap looks pretty empty...

Lou Figueroa
knows all about
news releases

Lou,
It is not their well-endowed bank accounts and businesses that I am most impressed with. There are other things far more important and they will be coming to the surface in the near future. They are just becoming known to me. "Character" is one thing that comes to mind.

As to bait for you.......You have never needed much bait to trap you. Afterall, you fall for the DCC thing practically every year just like me. :p :D

JoeyA
 
Lou,
It is not their well-endowed bank accounts and businesses that I am most impressed with. There are other things far more important and they will be coming to the surface in the near future. They are just becoming known to me. "Character" is one thing that comes to mind.

As to bait for you.......You have never needed much bait to trap you. Afterall, you fall for the DCC thing practically every year just like me. :p :D

JoeyA


Joey -- "near future" -- it's like four freapin' months till the tournament!

Don't you agree that the "NEWS RELEASES" should have been out long ago. Just one example: I can go, via SW, St. Louis to Houston (Hobby) for like $230. But that's today. By the time they let their NEWS RELEASES go, my price will probably be up. The same goes for hotels and cars. From other markets, further away, it'll be worse.

IMO, what all these promises mean is that these guys don't really have a plan -- they're making it up as they go along (or are forced to), and, character or not, it's no way to run a railroad.

And don't get me started on the DCC (computer breakdown for the draw anyone ;-)

Lou Figueroa
 
AZers,

This just in..........MAJOR press release coming tomorrow. No details, just that it's was gonna ROCK the pool world! There is a meeting taking place RIGHT NOW with major players from all over, in Houston!! Also, posters going out to every pool hall in the US tomorrow.

I invited The World Classic promoters to do a live CHAT for one hour to answer any questions that you would like to. The one I spoke with liked the idea. We will have more details by 11:00am tomorrow.

Ray
 
AZers,

This just in..........MAJOR press release coming tomorrow. No details, just that it's was gonna ROCK the pool world! There is a meeting taking place RIGHT NOW with major players from all over, in Houston!! Also, posters going out to every pool hall in the US tomorrow.

I invited The World Classic promoters to do a live CHAT for one hour to answer any questions that you would like to. The one I spoke with liked the idea. We will have more details by 11:00am tomorrow.

Ray


This would be good.

Lou Figueroa
but not holding
his breath :-)
 
AZers,

This just in..........MAJOR press release coming tomorrow. No details, just that it's was gonna ROCK the pool world! There is a meeting taking place RIGHT NOW with major players from all over, in Houston!! Also, posters going out to every pool hall in the US tomorrow.

I invited The World Classic promoters to do a live CHAT for one hour to answer any questions that you would like to. The one I spoke with liked the idea. We will have more details by 11:00am tomorrow.

Ray

The meeting with the major players ran until midnight last night!! I spoke with Bobby Rone this morning to schedule the live chat. He was just getting going for the day and said that he or Clark would call me back shortly.

Get your list of questions ready.

Ray
 
I met Clark Rone at DCC. We had a pleasant conversation and I offered my advice and support for what they were doing. It ain't my first rodeo by any means and I know the ins and outs of putting a tournament together. Clark seemed very appreciative when I gave him my contact info. He said he would be in touch with me soon. I have yet too hear from him. That speaks legends to me.

I've seen many new promoters (with grand ideas) come and go. With no added money and knowing that pool players are slow to pay their entry fees. it will be interesting to see how this plays out come September. I remember Allen Hopkins Million Dollar baby. How many players did he get? Twelve I think. If they somehow manage to get 100 players in the Pro Ten Ball division (which is doubtful), that would make a total purse of $60,000. With $50,000 GUARANTEED for first place, that leaves $10,000 to be divided among the rest. Maybe $5,000 for second etc. The money breakdown is a little too funny to interest me at this time.

Sorry to put a damper on things, but I'm a realist. I want to see how this one plays out first before I ante up my time and money.
 
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I met Clark Rone at DCC. We had a pleasant conversation and I offered my advice and support for what they were doing. It ain't my first rodeo by any means and I know the ins and outs of putting a tournament together. Clark seemed very appreciative when I gave him my contact info. He said he would be in touch with me soon. I have yet too hear from him. That speaks legends to me.

For what its worth, that doesn't mean they aren't going to do things "the right way". There are others outside of yourself that have a few rodeos under their belt buckle that they might've talked to instead.
 
Bashing

Jay,

Who will you be bashing next? The BCA?

Your math is very fuzzy. The total, 100% of entry fees will be divided among the top 25% of the field, then money will be added,as necessary, to make first the guaranteed amount. It's like the BCA in vegas with first place money known up front!!

Ray
 
I am hoping of a TEXAS size success with this tournament.
Seems like the 1st place guaranteed prizes are very promising. The Venue has a Resort type surroundings, the equipment is also 1st class (aren't Diamonds just awesome?) the tournament staff has a proven background and is very well respected and the entry fees aren't too expensive.

Jay is just stating what a lot of players are thinking. The expenses might just not be made without a decent finish. This is a difficult NUT to meet without a deep and fair payout. I don't recall an 1st place Winner in any major event paying out $50,000 and 2nd place not getting at least close to half of that amount ($25,000 or $20,000). $5-$10,000 would be very disappointing and a deal breaker if done that way next year. IMHO.

Otherwise, I will be paying for the live stream and hope the entries are in the mid 200s for all the events and this will be the first of many.



With $50,000 GUARANTEED for first place, that leaves $10,000 to be divided among the rest. Maybe $5,000 for second etc. The money breakdown is a little too funny to interest me at this time.
 
Jay,

Who will you be bashing next? The BCA?

Your math is very fuzzy. The total, 100% of entry fees will be divided among the top 25% of the field, then money will be added,as necessary, to make first the guaranteed amount. It's like the BCA in vegas with first place money known up front!!

Ray


I like your math way better than mine, even though I have no idea how it works. My problem is that I know how to add and subtract. Like I said we'll just have to see how this one plays out.
 
You know how to subtract for sure! lol

I remember hearing about this a while ago. In any venture, business, or recreation, a plan needs to be recognized, and fully supported to make it a success. Holding back support will surely make the event seem as though it was a mediocre venue. The same thing has been happening in bass tournaments all over the country.... and the bashing.
 
Thanks Ray,
I looked all over the website and listened to all the interviews and still couldn't find any money breakdown except for the 1st place being guaranteed.
You must be 'in the know' about these things. Why did you wait so long to let us know?
Do you know what the % of the total amount of entry fees, for each place will be?


Jay,

Who will you be bashing next? The BCA?

Your math is very fuzzy. The total, 100% of entry fees will be divided among the top 25% of the field, then money will be added,as necessary, to make first the guaranteed amount. It's like the BCA in vegas with first place money known up front!!

Ray
 
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