The 12th WPA World Artistic Pool Championship finished after 4 days of exciting competition from July 18 – 21, 2013 at the luxurious Rio All-Suites Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. This event was held during the 37th BCAPL National Championships under the sponsored venue umbrella of CSI (Cue Sports International). There were 31 Artistic Pool Playing Artists from around the world competing for 9 separate world titles (1 overall + 8 discipline champions).
Thirteen competitive sessions were conducted over the 4-day period with the final session showcasing the top 6 scoring players (after the 1st 6 disciplines). Andy Segal, Nick Nikolaidis, and Sebastian Giumelli were neck and neck on the final few challenges, but Andy displayed great poise and burning focus to capture the “overall” title, posting a very impressive score of 254 points out of 320 points possible for the 40 shots / challenges done. Nick and Sebastian were tied at 245 points each, but Nick finished in 2nd place based on more 1st attempt makes. Congratulations, Andy for a great championship victory!!
Artistic Pool focuses on specific cueing challenges skillfully attempted under 8 discipline categories as follows (title winners are listed after each category): 1) Trick / Fancy Shots – Nick Nikolaidis (perfect score), 2) Special Arts – Florian Kohler (perfect score), 3) Draw Shots – Nick Nikolaidis (perfect score), 4) Follow Shots – Gabi Visoiu, 5) Bank / Kick Shots – Javier Gomez, 6) Stroke Shots – Jamey Gray, 7) jump Shots – Abram Diaz, and 8) Masse Shots – Steve Markle. Congratulations to each discipline champion!
Two awards were also presented for special recognition. A Sportsmanship Recipient voted on by the players was awarded to Michael “Sergio” Andrusko. A new award this year called the Rising Star Recipient Award was presented to Steve “The Steve” Murphy as the highest scoring player based on designated factors of eligibility. This award idea and medal / ribbon was sponsored by Tim Chin to recognize “up and coming” players in our sport. The APD would like to thank Tim for this special sponsorship effort and congratulate Sergio and Steve for their special recognitions / achievements.
We would like to thank: CSI (Mark Griffin, David Vandenberghe, Bill Stock, and staff) for their hard work and sponsorship in organizing this great event at such a fantastic venue; all of the players that participated / helped to make this a very memorable event; Dr. Cue for directing the Championship; the APD committee members for their administrative help; players, fans, and special guests that performed various duties; plus each performer entertaining a large audience during the Saturday night media / fan / sponsor appreciation experience!!
We extend a special “thank you” to all of our valued Artistic Pool monetary / product / service sponsors – WPA, CSI, Badboys Billiard Productions, Dr. Cue Promotions, Robertson Custom Cues, Dr. Popper Jump Cues, Diamond Tables, Cyclop (Phenolic Billiards), Aramith (TV Pro Cup Cue Balls), Executive Billiards (Delta Racks), Simonis Cloth, McDermott Cues, Jason Lynch for his professional streaming and electronic scoring services; and Brenda Lee’s Mobile Entertainment (special photography / CD / video services).
On behalf of the WPA APD committee board, the 2013 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship was a highly successful event sanctioned under the WPA umbrella for the growing sport of Artistic Pool. Look for future Artistic Pool information at: www.facebook.com/artisticpoolworldwide.
