The 2011 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship was held March 10th – 13th at the Allen Hopkins Super Billiards Expo in the Valley Forge Convention Center (King of Prussia, PA). 33 finely tuned players from around the globe competed for 9 World Titles consisting of 8 World Artistic Pool Discipline Champions and 1 Overall World Artistic Pool Champion. The WPA (World Pool Billiard Association) sanctioned this prestigious event.
The stellar group of artistic pool playing artists competed in 8 skilled and varied disciplines of the sport as follows: Trick and Fancy, Prop / Novelty / Special Arts, Draw, Follow, Bank / Kick, Stroke, Jump, and Masse. In addition, a special Sportsmanship award was presented to one player selected by player vote. Over $15,000 in prize money was paid out.
The sport of Artistic Pool made billiard history once again as players in the semi - finals and finals were filmed for television in 3-D, which has never been done before. Center City Film and Video did the production for Comcast, and it was absolutely amazing. Helping the film crew, I was fortunate to get a sneak preview back stage at several artistic pool shots the players were demonstrating for the cameras – balls jumping off the screen and players moving around the table in special depth perception effects via a process that created a totally awesome and unique viewing experience.
By Sunday the field was reduced to 4 players with Andy Segal (USA) vs. Gabi Visoiu (Romania) in one semi final match, and Tim Chin (USA) vs. Jamey Gray (USA) in the other semi final match. The finals found Jamey Gray and Andy Segal battling for the title. This head to head shootout started very close, but a little over half way through the match, you could tell that Andy was in dead stroke. Taking no chances Andy finished strong, leaving nothing in question as to who was the 2011 WPA World Artistic Pool Champion.
Players and fans alike had a wonderful time as they expressed special appreciation to Allen Hopkins for hosting this championship. Valued sponsors that made it all possible were Allen Hopkins Productions, Dr. Cue Promotions. Professor Q-Ball Promotions, the USBA, Simonis Cloth, Diamond, Mueller, Run Out Sportswear, and Crown Cues. A special thanks also goes out to the WPA Artistic Pool Division and APTSA boards and select player / staff members for their dedication and effort in making this event a complete success.
If anyone has an interest in becoming part of our growing artistic pool movement as a player, fan, or sponsor, please go to the official website for Artistic Pool – APTSA.US. Artistic Pool event and sport history, tour updates, membership options, special player and event features, and detailed information for the APTSA (Artistic Pool and Trick Shot Association) new tour initiatives program for 2011 and beyond can be found there.
