There's two sides to the pool coin: topnotch professional play AND the mystique of gambling. It is difficult to separate the two because most, but not all, pool players in the States engaged in games of stakes in the past, still do in the present, and will continue. To date, I cannot name one player who has become rich from gambling in pool.
Having said that, though, you've got players like Kid Delicious who tried the on-the-road routine, and it didn't take too long for him to realize that it is not a very glamorous or economically feasible way of life. So he embarked on a new pool journey, deciding he'd take a shot at professional pool. Danny made it to the top in the year 2004, and I think we will be seeing more of him in 2005.
Good decision on Danny's part, and his sponsor, Pittsburgh Steel, has provided him well-deserved opportunities to continue his mission. There are MANY other aspiring players, though, who cannot afford to be a so-called "professional" because the monthly expenses are too high to keep up with the pack. So the current lot of male pros, due to the faulty UPA ranking system, will continue to dominate the tour, making it impossible for others to enjoy the benefits of being a member, unless, of course, they are independently wealthy and can afford expending $3,000 to $5,000 a month for professional play.
If the "sport," as I like to call it, had larger money payouts in competitive events, the gambling side would not be as prominent. However, for some folks who depend on playing pool for a living, it is difficult, as we all know, to make ends meet because of the huge expenses needed to keep up with the tournament trail. For the employed pool player, they have obligations and responsibilities, making it quite difficult to attend week-long events that could take place in 2 days. They ain't going to quit their day job to enter a career that is fraught with financial hardships.
I liken the gambling side to the study of human behavior, which also comes into play with poker. The woofing is part of the allure, watching players set the bait and seeing who bites, and it can be quite entertaining. The fact of the matter is that a pool player can win more money gambling than playing in tournaments, but the occupational hazards -- AND THEY ARE MANY -- create problems and make for an awful lifestyle, with absolutely no stability. We always hear about the big wins, like the fisherman who caught the Big Kahuna, but rarely do we hear about the players who hit rock bottom, a real pit of despair, and end up leaving pool entirely, sometimes beat up so bad because of self-induced substance abuse and poverty.
Years ago, I saw a documentary about a lady pool player from Europe. I am not able to remember her name at the time of this writing, but it followed her progress on the tournament trail, practice sessions, her family background, and it was actually quite interesting.
I cannot think of a better place than the Derby in Louisville for a documentary. If done correctly and tastefully, I think it will be a hit. I do believe that pool is on the brink of making it big time in the year 2005, and programs such as this would definitely be a boost in the arm.
I am looking forward to reading more updates in Louisville for us inquiring minds back home!
JAM
