I derive all of my income from playing this game. I sponsor myself, and my playing is an investment. I incur losses on that investment, and I also collect profits from that investment. I market books, t-shirts, provide instruction, train other players, etc. So yes, I consider myself a professional at what I do.
Do I play in every professional event? No. There are many reasons for that, mostly due to scheduling conflicts and various other issues.
Do I win at the very top level consistently? No... but neither does half of the field. That's life. Can I win against the top players in the world? I already have on several occasions - in and out of tournaments.
Am I an easy match for anybody? Definitely not. As a mater of fact I can be a real pain in the ass to play against because of my safety play, and my banking and kicking ability. This week I'm working on making those straight in 2 foot pocket hangers.
Do I have the ability to challenge George Breedlove even for $10-$20K?
No, and I know a lot of guys in the top 10 that wouldn't touch that either, so I won't feel bad about that. I don't judge players by how high they can bet, I judge them by how they put the balls in the pockets, control the rock, win games, win matches, etc. I also judge them by how much heart they have. That's what's the most important to me.
There is a clear line that is drawn in the ability of the top players and the players that exist in the middle and bottom of the rankings. Believe it or not, most of the people I know that are on the pro tour play the game at the same level I do. There are some that play below my level, and that's okay too. I've watched some of those guys get lucky and knock off some of the top guys. It happens. Some guys play much more consistently than the others. Some have an easier time adapting to table conditions and the playing environment than the others. All in all, I think its a pretty even playing field, and no matches are "gimmes" out there.
Of course you're always going to have people try to tear you down because you don't play like Efren, Johnny,Alex, or any of the top tier players in the world. That's fine with me. I have the balls to put myself out there and test the water against the greatest players in the world while the critics sit back at home acting as if they know everything. IMO, they are jealous because they never had the ability or the cajones to at least show up and try.
One of the best players I have ever seen and played against in my entire life is someone that many people have never heard of - his name is Richie Peck. He ain't no pro, but he counts upon the fact that you've never heard of him or seen him play - and boy can he play! He has sent world champions out the door with their tail between their legs on many occasions. So save the nonsense that someone has to have won this or that or has to meet this standard or that standard. In the end, your game speaks for itself. I know that because my good friend showed up at the 1992 US Open - unseeded - unranked - undaunted - and when the smoke cleared, he was holding the trophy while the number one player in the world sat there wondering what the hell had just hit him. On any given Sunday the same thing can happen... like these two going out to eat while everybody left in the tournament were inside playing their matches this past Sunday... You won't win them all, no matter who you are.
I sit here at work all day thinking about pool.. Hell I would be happy if it was just owning and running a pool hall. At least I'd be able to play whenever I wanted whatever day I wanted and be able to help others out who want it.
