Recently the pool world was surprised by a new entry in the men's professional pool scene; New Sports Marketing announced a series of six events sponsored by the Hilton Hotel chain with over $200,000 in added money. The man behind these events, Jim Dawson, is now a very busy man. We recently got the chance to get some answers from Jim about his plans and how this whole venture got started.
AZB:
Thanks for taking time from your busy schedule to answer some questions for us Jim.
Jim:
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. Yes, things are very hectic as the first stop on the tour is getting real close now.
AZB:
Most of us were completely shocked when the announcement of your tour came out. How long have you been planning this?
Jim:
I started planning the tour over a year ago. It just took a long time to select the best hotel system to make this possible. The Hilton Hotel system was, and is, the perfect fit for a billiard tour.
AZB:
Was it you that originally had the idea of doing something in the pool world?
Jim:
I left the world of pool for about 34 years, when I came back to it I noticed many changes. There are more and better products for sure. However, I noticed that the popularity of the game had dropped. I felt that to bring the game back to a more popular status, there had to be more prize money, in larger amounts and at more events. Prize money is
a great motivator in any sport. With larger prize money and more events it would make it easier to get the attention of the public in general as well as more national, non-billiard related advertising. When that happens, the sport will bounce back fairly quick and, hopefully, to new heights in the US.
AZB:
What was it about pool that got you and the Hilton Hotels interested?
Jim:
I wanted to promote an event and quickly noticed that there was a lack of billiard related sponsors that would be willing to put up the money. It was then that I put logic to the test. I noticed that people that play in tournaments often traveled distances to play. It didn't matter who played the best in the tournament, the one constant winner was the
local hotel or motel. That was the key to larger prize money. From there it was researching all the major hotel brands to find the best fit. After interviewing all the major hotels it became clear that the Hilton Hotel system was by far the best fit. It took a long time to make the proper contact and get approval.
AZB:
What is your history in the world of pool?
Jim:
I started playing when I was in Jr. High school in my Uncle Stan McDowell's basement. Some of the older players knew him or of him as "The Goose". It was there on his 9ft, tight pocket Brunswick table that I was introduced to the game. It was also at his house I met several well known players, one of which was a young player who wanted to be a teacher, Steve Mizerak. My uncle told me I would hear a lot about that kid.
AZB:
Are you working with anyone in the pool world that we would all recognize?
Jim:
Am I working with anyone? No, not really. I have met and talked to a lot of great people offering a lot of helpful advice. I consider them partners. They all want to see this project grow. It's to everyone's advantage to build the sport.
AZB:
I see that your first two events are in conjunction with the UPA, how did that happen?
Jim:
I became aware of the UPA a few years ago while attending the Super Billiards Expo. I think the UPA is a good organization. They have a lot of valid points and are working hard to bring more current championships to the public viewing through ESPN. It can only be good for the billiard industry. Like any organization, they have growing pains and will survive and thrive.
As hard as that organization is trying, the Hilton system, other sponsors and promoters and I have noticed that the participation by the UPA membership to their sanctioned events has been less than anticipated. Signs like that open doors to competition from other professional organizations. It happens in all sports and business areas. I wouldn't be surprised if a new pro organization appears on the horizon to compete with them. However, I don't think the timing is right yet and probably won't be for years. The up side is that it could draw excitement in the billiards industry much like the Mosconi Cup.
AZB:
Two of your events are listed as possibly having ESPN involvement. Can you fill us in on that?
Jim:
I have had offers from a couple of organizations to do ESPN projects on the last two stops because of the large "Added" ($50k and $75K). I haven't made up my mind. It is possible that I, and the Hilton system, may do it on our own to stay out of the political element.
AZB:
The season finale mentions bonus money. Can you tell us how that will work?
Jim:
The bonus money will be given to the player or players that have made the most investment in the tournament. By that I mean, the player who has attended all, or most, of the events and has supported the tour the most.
AZB:
Is this a one year thing, or is there commitment from Hilton to continue doing this if they feel it is a success?
Jim:
We are thinking of long term and going international very soon. However, the first couple of events will tell. All will be watching closely. If there is little support and interest by the touring pros and the local or regional players, we could all be playing poker very soon.
Seriously, poker is one of the options, the other is changing the games from 9-ball to 10-ball as well a more one pocket games. This not only adds diversity it brings more players into the arena because you are leveling the field of play for big money. A 10-ball match is just a little longer and you seldom see a break and run out. One-pocket, through slow playing, brings out highly skilled players. A lot of mature and even lesser or unknown players will be spotlighted.
The North American Open Tour is a great opportunity for the billiard industry. The more successful each stop is, the more money gets added. More stops will also be added throughout North America. The professional player can not lose. The pro has a chance to virtually double his income this year and even more so the following year. Most of the events will be a double header format. The players that do not make it into the money in the first event may do very well in the second event. The players even get a chance to clean up in the mini-events. With the double header format, the traveling player gets to play in a minimum of two events without the additional cost of travel or the loss of time. The players will also be staying at a prestigious hotel, a Hilton, and doing so at low group rates. The local and regional players also get an excellent chance of winning, They can test their skill against the pro and gain a great deal of valuable experience and doing so at very affordable entrance fees. Just having fun! Vendors have more opportunity to display and sell their products and services.
There is an advantage to everyone attending the North American Open Tour events.
