jjinfla said:
I really enjoyed the skins game. Especially the part where the winner stays at the table until he loses. I can watch all the pros play in one hour. Much more entertaining than watching just two pros play for one hour. Some of those matches can get pretty boring...It just proves that people will pay to be entertained. The pool pros have to figure out how to entertain the public. That is the only way you will get your hands on their money. And after all, that's what it's all about isn't it? Getting your hands on somebody else's money.
Good observations, JJinFLA! Keith McCready and MANY other pro players were approached by Allen Hopkins last September at the '04 U.S. Open about competing in the Skins Billiards Championship. The field was limited to 16 players in this pilot event. $50,000 in added monies, the total purse was $130,000. It was such a huge success that there is another exhibition in the making I recently heard about from Allen himself, and I'm sure we will all be reading about it as soon as it is released and finalized.
Having been absent from the pool world for about 20 years, the only thing I knew about Allen Hopkins was from what I read in print media and heard from the rumor mill. Fortunately, I not only got the chance to meet the man, but my recent interactions with him have led me to form the belief that he has the exact same goals and ambitions as others who desire to promote the sport. He doesn't toot his own horn and pump his chest about how unfair this pool world has been to him. On the contrary, he is one of the guys who makes things happen and continues to bring championship-level play in a variety of venues.
A good example of his fairness to all is that EVERYBODY is welcome to compete at the Super Billiards Expo, held in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, every single year. He does not exclude anybody from his events, whether you are a member of an organization or an independent.
For those who enjoyed seeing the first-ever Skins tourney, it is going to be broadcast again on these dates:
February 2, 6:00 p.m., ESPN2
February 3, 6:00 p.m., ESPN2
February 4, 8:00 p.m., ESPN2
February 10, Noon, 1:00, 4:30, and 5:30 p.m., ESPN2
February 20, 4:00 p.m., ESPN
Have you ever noticed that Allen Hopkins' tournaments, whether it is the pro event in Valley Forge or the Skins tournament held last November, ALWAYS fill up well ahead of time? Pool players have learned from experience that it is crucial to pay entry fees ahead of time, or else get left out. That speaks volumes about the quality of Allen Hopkins' events (IMO).
Kid Delicious procrastinated paying his entry fee to the Skins and had to remain on a waiting list, in case of any no-shows. I'll betcha he won't make that mistake again. He really wanted to compete for the $130,000 total prize monies. Matter of fact, ask any one of the 16 combatants who did compete at the Atlantic City Hilton Casino how much they enjoyed themselves, not to mention the fact that every single one of them was gunning for that money, one of the BIGGEST purses I have ever seen in my lifetime in pool. I can't wait for the next one.
Pool needs more folks like Allen Hopkins (IMO). I am grateful to have had the golden opportunity to get to know him a bit, and I look forward to MANY, MANY more of his topnotch events in the future. Whatever he is involved in, you can be sure it will be first class and attract the best pool players in the world.
JAM's pics of 2004 Skins Billiard Championship
Picture of Keith and Allen Hopkins.
JAM
Of course some might say that's pretty normal for me.
......i think its a good idea, but i think its being presented and handled the wrong way. i hope i'm wrong and it gets aired as much as no limit hold em........but i think the format they are using isn't the best.