This was my first year playing APA Masters. My team took 17th place out of I'm guessing 300 teams. It was a fun trip for sure. My first observation is that there is a HUGE gap in playing ability between the teams. Some teams had no one over 550 fargo, while other teams had average fargos in the high 600's.
In my last match I was up 5-0 through the 8-ball portion. I broke dry playing 9-ball and my opponent won the next 7 games. I got up to the table three times in those games, kicking twice and jumping once. The guy played awesome!
More fun facts:
- There are a million people there. To get from one end of the playing venue to the other, you basically shuffle along with the crowd.
- The coffee and soda cost $4.
- Your table assignments weren't given until 10-15 minutes prior to your start time.
- The referees are volunteers and did the best they could. But I sure did see some questionable rulings.
- They switched to diamond tables this year. The tables played GREAT!
- The entire atmosphere seemed really nice, especially the arena for the final teams.
- I saw several players who are 730+ fargo rated, that was cool.
- The line for the mini tournaments was incredibly long. It seemed you had to sign up hours before you got to play.
- First time at the Westgate for me. The sports book was great and they had some good food choices there.
- I've never seen a dress code so relaxed for a big event, people dressed very "comfortably".
I can't think of anything else right now, but overall it was a good time. I think I'll go back next year and try again!
In my last match I was up 5-0 through the 8-ball portion. I broke dry playing 9-ball and my opponent won the next 7 games. I got up to the table three times in those games, kicking twice and jumping once. The guy played awesome!
More fun facts:
- There are a million people there. To get from one end of the playing venue to the other, you basically shuffle along with the crowd.
- The coffee and soda cost $4.
- Your table assignments weren't given until 10-15 minutes prior to your start time.
- The referees are volunteers and did the best they could. But I sure did see some questionable rulings.
- They switched to diamond tables this year. The tables played GREAT!
- The entire atmosphere seemed really nice, especially the arena for the final teams.
- I saw several players who are 730+ fargo rated, that was cool.
- The line for the mini tournaments was incredibly long. It seemed you had to sign up hours before you got to play.
- First time at the Westgate for me. The sports book was great and they had some good food choices there.
- I've never seen a dress code so relaxed for a big event, people dressed very "comfortably".
I can't think of anything else right now, but overall it was a good time. I think I'll go back next year and try again!
Last edited:
