prospects for pro players

[deanoc]

Is there any chance for a player to make an honest living playing tournaments?How many tournaments are there each year in the usa,and how much do they pay?

Do people really enjoy watching?Is the derby city the best tournament?It is the only one that I hear people talking about or going to.

 

[Drawman623]

It would seem to me that no one can feed their family on tournament winnings alone. But tournament success coupled with endorsement money, exhibition money, lessons and perhaps even a book or video might sustain a player.

I know several players who have been careful with their winnings and have done well for themselves, but I believe they are the exceptions.

As for the best tournament, the question is truly a subjective one. The Derby had the advantage of being held inside the host hotel and on a 24/7 basis. One could stagger downstairs at 3am and catch world class action. It is also a rare opportunity to watch top level bank pool and one pocket.

I prefer the US Open 9-ball event. There is tension in the air and as a tournament, I have enjoyed it more. The action at Qmasters is great too. I have seen great hustles go down and titan players match up for days at a time.

Both tournaments draw many people who like watching pool, myself among them. Both tournaments afford close access to the players, but when the Derby is over, everybody vanishes with their winnings...at the US Open, Barry throws a party for all to celibrate the new champion.

 

[wahcheck]

I don't think so

With all the travelling expenses, I can't see how the average pro level player can make a decent living. There is so much competition that even the top tier pros can't rely on winning tournaments. No, I can't see playing pool as a livelihood unless you can settle for just trying to survive......(that might include hustling and gambling)

Maybe the top 2 or 3 make or approach $100K a year, but what about the other 200 or so? And do the ones that make that much, do so every year? I doubt it. Of course, there are exceptions, like Jeannette Lee, who is probably one of the best self-promoters out there.......

 

[TheBook]

The Derby is my Favorite because it is within driving distance.

Reasonable in price both as a spectator or player.

There are a lot of world class players that participate.

There is always some action going on.

The BCA also has a tournament at the same time.

A lot of vendors

The Derby also has tournaments for all types of games.

AZ has a room

It is a great time period!

 

[jason]

Is there any chance for a player to make an honest living playing tournaments?How many tournaments are there each year in the usa,and how much do they pay?

Do people really enjoy watching?Is the derby city the best tournament?It is the only one that I hear people talking about or going to.

The bottom line is absolutely NO for 99.999% of the players in the world to make an honest living.

Rumor has it that LN (http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000showplayer2008.php?playernum=315) has quit to get a "real" career.

Check the AZ main page for a list of tournaments and career winnings.

Remember winnings do NOT account for food, travel, hotel, gas, taxes, gambling loses or winnings, insurance, emergencys, etc. And, if you put Efren back on the list for 2009, knock everyone down a notch.