What is the Highest level of Tournament a Nobody can just walk in and Enter ?

Desmondp

AzB Silver Member
Silver Member
Here in Australia, i play snooker and english 8ball. I'm not one of the Top say 30 players in the state but i'm not bad. I rarely play on US style 9ball tables but the few times i have (usually on work trips to Asia), i've faired pretty well against the locals. I'm a pretty good potter, it's just the advanced position skills on the US table i struggled with, not used to using english for most shots. I run quite a few racks from the break.

Anyway in late 2011 or early 2012 i am planning to return to the US for a month or two (last time i visited a year ago, i just went to New York and Las vegas). If i wanted to entered tournaments as a nobody, no APA rating, nothing like that, how would i fair with the tournament entering process ?

What level of tournaments could i enter ? e.g. Derby city classic ? US Open ? or just local ones ?

I would only be playing the tournaments for experience, to meet fellow pool players and also the chance to play some of the legends of the game. I would have no expectations on how i would go etc.
 
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Here in Australia, i play snooker and english 8ball. I'm not one of the Top say 30 players in the state but i'm not bad. I rarely play on US style 9ball tables but the few times i have (usually on work trips to Asia), i've faired pretty well against the locals.

Anyway in late 2011 or early 2012 i am planning to return to the US for a month or two (last time i visited a year ago, i just went to New York and Las vegas). If i wanted to entered tournaments as a nobody, no APA rating, nothing like that, how would i fair with the tournament entering process ?

What level of tournaments could i enter ? e.g. Derby city classic ? US Open ? or just local ones ?

I would only be playing the tournaments for experience, to meet fellow pool players and also the chance to play some of the legends of the game. I would have no expectations on how i would go etc.

I would recommend playing is a Seminole Pro Tour stop.

Derby City, Us Open and Ultimate 10 Ball are all good too.

Ray
 
Ray, i have no problem paying whatever the entry fee is, but if the field is limited to say 200 and they have more than 200 entries, do they pick the better players based on previous results ?

Could i seriously get entered into the US open ? and have the priviledge of getting my butt handed to me by say Johnny Archer ? :grin:
 
Highest

Ray, i have no problem paying whatever the entry fee is, but if the field is limited to say 200 and they have more than 200 entries, do they pick the better players based on previous results ?

Could i seriously get entered into the US open ? and have the priviledge of getting my butt handed to me by say Johnny Archer ? :grin:

Yes, if you pay the 600 entry fee {I believe thats what it is , then you can play with the champions} in the US Open The last I knew if you paid your entry fee ahead of a world class player they did not bump you, but I haven't checked for 10 years or more.
 
Ray, i have no problem paying whatever the entry fee is, but if the field is limited to say 200 and they have more than 200 entries, do they pick the better players based on previous results ?

Could i seriously get entered into the US open ? and have the priviledge of getting my butt handed to me by say Johnny Archer ? :grin:

Sure. You would have a better chance of playing some top players at a Seminole Pro Tour though.

Ray
 
I believe U.S. Open spots are first paid, first in. Having said that, perhaps Barry holds back enough spots for the usual suspects but I think if they accept your entry you do not get bumped.

Just keep in mind that "walking in" to any major event is risky. I would enter and get your money in ahead of time to assure your spot.
 
Highest Level

For half the money you can play in all 3 events {Banks 1 Pocket and 9 ball} at the Derby City Classic and most of the same great players will be there. There will also be a lot of dead money , so if you play decent you have a chance to win some or all of your money back.
You need to be a mighty good player to win anything at the US Open.
Good luck, I hope I can play in the 1 pocket this year. {I'm dead money but I get lucky a lot}
 
... Anyway in late 2011 or early 2012 i am planning to return to the US for a month or two (last time i visited a year ago, i just went to New York and Las vegas). If i wanted to entered tournaments as a nobody, no APA rating, nothing like that, how would i fair with the tournament entering process ? ...
With that timing, you should definitely go to the Derby City Classic -- all entries are gladly accepted. You may soon find yourself playing one pocket against Efren or 9 ball with SVB. Bring warm clothing.
 
With that timing, you should definitely go to the Derby City Classic -- all entries are gladly accepted. You may soon find yourself playing one pocket against Efren or 9 ball with SVB. Bring warm clothing.

Bob is too modest to say it but I will. For the past several years he has also sponsored a 14.1 Straight Pool challenge where ANYONE can compete.

I put my vote in for the Derby City Classic as it's the true mecca of pool in my opinion. Not only can you play against pros but you will get to see and experience all sides of pool.
 
I agree 100% on the DCC and a more intimate test of your skills can be had at a Seminole Tour stop, as Big Truck mentioned.

Best,
Brian kc
 
Thanks guys, the entry fee is no problem, quite happy to lose that just to be part of the action.


I will definitely check out the Seminole Tour stops.

Cheers
 
Thanks guys, the entry fee is no problem, quite happy to lose that just to be part of the action.


I will definitely check out the Seminole Tour stops.

Cheers

Oh how I wish I could say that..smh, the life of a college student haha.

I would second the Derby City Classic, it seems like the most bang for your buck from what I see.
 
The Derby City Classic is probably the biggest collection out talent out there. Don't forget that it is not a traditional double-elim event, you have to "buy back in" after that first loss, so don't forget to bring enough $$ for that.
 
As for a direct answer to question in the title: the World Pool Championships. There is always (or nearly always) a set of qualifying tournaments at/near the venue in the week or so prior to the tournament. I think 8-10 players in the past have gotten into the main event through such qualifiers. This means that for about $100 and transportation you could be the World Champion if you played well enough.
 
Able to enter most U.S. national events

As far as CueSports International (CSI) events you would be eligible to enter most of the events we produce. Some have field size limits and fill up prior to the event, thus entering ahead of time is suggested.

In the case of the U.S. Open events CSI produces, a portion of the field are invited and a portion are open spots for anyone to pay and enter.

We will start taking on-site entries for the below events in early - mid January. However we currently have entry forms on two of our three websites. I've included direct links to those that have the entry forms available at this time. We will start taking entries in Jan. for the U.S. open events.

Feb. 12-13, 2011
15th Jay Swanson Memorial 9-Ball Championship
$3000 Added Guaranteed / $4000 Added with Full 192 field
The field has been full the past 3 years with a 10-15 person wait list)
Hard Times Billiards, Bellflower, CA
http://playbca.com/Events/201115thAnnualJaySwansonSwaneeMemorial.aspx

February 21-27, 2011
18th U.S. Bar Table Championships
$25,250 Added

(men's and women's 8, 9 and 10-Ball singles divisions. Bonus to the top three men and top two women point leaders for those who entered all three of their respective divisions. 2010 had 500+ players)
Played on 7' Diamond Tables
Terrible's Sands Regency, Reno, NV
http://playbca.com/Events/201118thAnnualBarTableChampionships.aspx

May 13-15, 2011
12th U.S. Open One Pocket Championship
$10,000 Added

Field Limit: 32 (looking into expanding to 48)
Played on 9' Diamond Tables
Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

May 16-21, 2011
3rd U.S. Open 10-Ball Championship
$25,000 Added
Field Limit: 96 players
Played on 9' Diamond Tables
Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV

May 11-22, 2011
35th BCAPL National 8-Ball Championships

(Player Members / Non League Players are eligible to play in the Grand Master Singles division. We do take on-site signups for this division to allow for those who were knocked out of the U.S. Open One Pocket event to participate). BCAPL National divisions played on 7' Diamond Tables
Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
http://playbca.com/Events/2011BCAPL8BallNationalChampionships.aspx
For more information about the above and all CSI events visit:
http://playbca.com/Events/UPCOMINGEVENTS.aspx

Additionally the host venue for all May events, The Riviera Hotel & Casino, has a tremendous rate schedule this year for BCAPL / U.S Open particiapants and guests. ALSO NO RESORT FEES are being charged for our players and guest in the room block rates. For more information visit the Hotel Reservation area of the following page: http://playbca.com/Events/2011BCAPL8BallNationalChampionships.aspx

If you have any additional questions feel free to email me. Email address in signature line.
 
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Thanks Holly, appreciate the info :)

I do want to experience the big US Pool tournament experience so it seems i have quite a few options :)

I also bring plenty of money when i travel so may partake in some minor money match action on the practice tables (something i really want to experience).
 
Town?

Where do you live in OZ?
I know a few places where you can play on "Yankee" tables.
 
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