He's also using the 1 as the apex ball in 8 ball. My idea is that it's better to use another ball for 8 ball since the 1 gets punished enough in other games as the head ball and to even out the wear in the set, if the 1 does not need to be in front, use another ball.
Pretty cue and in great shape, should be hovering around the 1k range in value.