What is a Pro Pool Player?

[realkingcobra]

Looking for a definition here. Also what is a Pro event? There doesn't seem to be anything that defines a pro player or a pro event in pool since anyone can pay the entry fee and play in any tournament except for maybe a couple of exceptions.

Until there is a line drawn in the sand that specifies all those standing on the left side of the line are to be considered PRO by skill level and have in fact separated themselves from the rest of the crowd standing on the right side of that line defined as ALL others....there is no such thing as PRO players.....there are only players that play at a high level of skill and those that THINK they do.

As far as Pro events, until the first requirements of a players eligibility to enter the tournament is that the player is standing on the left side of that line drawn in the sand....tournaments will always be considered to be open events to anyone willing to pay the entry fee to join.

 

[Carolina_Giant]

All of your points, 1 through 5, are good, but a "B" player can fill each of those 5 qualifications.

<== Time to sleep

I totally agree. That's why I put the caveat in that being a professional was both a mindset and a skill set. An amateur may have the mindset of a pro, but not necessarily the playing ability.

Let's use some arbitrary figures and three categories to distinguish: Pro, semi-pro, and amateur.

Jump Shot: A professional might be expected to make a jump shot and get shape on the next ball 85% of the time. A semi professional would be expected to make the jump shot 70% of the time, but only expected to make the shot and get shape on the next shot 50% of the time. An amateur would only be expected to make the jump shot 50% of the time, but may only get shape on the next shot 30% of the time. It is the consistency at which a player both makes the shot and gets shape after the shot that determine the level of skill, which also determines the ability to beat better players in high level events.

So being a professional is about three different pieces working together: Mindset (why you play), skill set (how consistently you play), and desired payout from playing (money, glory, self satisfaction, etc.)

Due to the nature of pool, it is very difficult to define a singular professional. Some have a pro skill set, but not a pro mindset. Some have the mindset, but not the skill set. Some have both, but still aren't concerned with the payout. Some are fixed on the payout, but never take the time to develop a mindset or skill set of a professional. And now the post is becoming cyclical, so time to stop and read more responses

 

[Ak Guy]

Ya got me

I consider SVB, Alex, and a handful of others as real pro players. They make money and invest it. I know how Webster's defines a professional.

It does seem like a rather poor and unsure way to make a living to me.

But, when someone is driven and has a passionate obsession with the game I doubt they see the down side to trying to make a living at it, at least till they get older and look at their retirement plan.

 

[justinb386]

My definition is that a pro makes "most" of his (or her) income by playing pool. This income can be from winning tournaments or from teaching or from hustling. It can't come from simply owing a pool hall.

I said from playing pool, not just being in the business of pool / billiards.

 

[justinb386]

My definition is that a pro makes "most" of his (or her) income by playing pool. This income can be from winning tournaments or from teaching or from hustling. It can't come from simply owing a pool hall.

Mark wilson for example is a pro level teacher, but that does not mean that he is a pro player.

 

[KMRUNOUT]

Brian Parks won his 4th amateur APA Championship. However I didn't see him listed in the top 100 U.S men fargo rate.

Brian works a full time job in addition to running a pool hall. He most certainly does not make his living playing pool. I would not consider Brian a pro. I would consider him a top amateur that plays pro speed.

Regarding Fargo, I don't believe Brian has competed in many events that use fargorate. I think he is in the high 600's, which is most certainly not accurate for his playing ability. Brian would probably be in the 710-730 ballpark I think. Still likely not in the top 100.

KMRUNOUT

 

[KMRUNOUT]

BINGO!
Of all the posts, I agree with yours, Iusedto.
There are tons of players that can play jam-up, some just as good as some top 100 in world, yet have (and choose) other vocations.
Donnie Mills is just one who rings a bell.

Income from an endeavor is fluid from year-to-year.
Playing ability usually stays around the same--in the context of high level pool playing.

I distinguish between the terms "pro player" and "pro-level player". Donnie Mills is a good example. Clearly there is no argument that he is a pro-level player. Is he a pro player though? Is pool his profession? I don't think it is, so I don't think he is.

We all hear the term "he plays like a pro". Ok, But is he a pro?

Personally, I think a pro player is a person who makes pool their profession. They make a living playing pool. There are lots of non-pros that are pro level players.

As for a tournament, I think any tourney open to any level of play and no handicap is a pro tournament. Habit and convention is what makes it easy for us to say "oh yeah the US Open is a pro tourney". We only say that because we associate it with pro players. I'm barely an A player and I could throw my $1k up an play the US Open. So could a bunch of other guys. Really, if planned well, the US Open could be filled with only A's and shortstops. Aren't there some tourneys that say "priority will be given to pro players." I would certainly consider those to be pro tourneys. So, there is a $50 buy in no handicap race to 7 tourney coming up near me. Is that a pro tourney?

Good question though.

KMRUNOUT