Artistic Pool

Description

Prior to 1990: Before the advent of “artistic pool” events, competitions were referred to as “trick shot”, “fancy shot”, and / or “skill shot” challenges / tournaments. Local, regional, national, and international events were held, some conducted by specific associations, such as the BCA (Billiard Congress of America), and others were sponsored and produced by private firms / organizations. Designated “world” and/or “open” title attachments were awarded to the champions of these competitions. The terms – “world” and “open” – were the point of controversy for many years, since each group conducting an event searched for rights, so to speak, for official status over such challenges. “Trick shot” competitors earned event “titles” and used them for market promotion as needed. Each claim to “world” and / or “open” title was generically validated within its own domain or organizational structure. Note: Paul Gerni pioneered several special “trick shot” events in the international arena during this time…up until the start of the WPA sanctioned “World” Artistic Pool events in 2000. His efforts in this regard were a major catalyst in developing player interest on the competitive scene via a selective “invitation only” process his trick shot organization created. This entity name was the WTSAA (World Trick Shot Artist Association). Some “titles” were determined by a shot/challenge program, ranging in number of shots from six to seventy-six, and others were determined by something as simple as seeing who could make the most number of balls in one legal stroke. Some were held on the pocket billiard table, and some on the snooker table. Some drew small audience numbers, and large arena groups witnessed others. Some were open to all players and some were restricted to a select few. Some were documented, but most have no public record today with detailed results. Through it all, a common thread was evident – A champion emerged, exhibiting highest skill levels and achieving victory in a competitive format challenging each would be participant. These titles and/or victories etched a mark of excellence in the minds of those players achieving them, and created a following by thousands of fans…believing that each particular victor was a “true” champion. Each champion, no matter how competitively recognized, was a “world” and/or “open” champion at the time. Aside from the “hype” and marketing validity of each, a continued effort to provide the billiard industry and general public with the truest of “true” champions was warranted. 1979 – BCA National Trick Shot Competition / Championship (Steve Geller – Champion) 1980 – BCA National Trick Shot Competition / Championship (Steve Geller – Champion) 1982 – McDermott Masters “World Open” Trick Shot Championship (Tom Rossman – Champion) 1983 – Fredric Fechter of CueSport College International in Peoria, IL and others discovered and founded the discipline of the “Artistic CueSports”. It was developed and practiced as a non-competitive teaching and learning discipline tool to obtain self awareness of right thinking. It is the core of all artistic cueing disciplines.

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