Pool is one of the most popular casual games in bars and pool houses in America and internationally.
There are many different types of pool games. However, the 2023 Ultimate Pool Professional Circuit is a game that exclusively deals with an 8-ball pool variant, which is one of the more commonly known versions of the game.
The original version of the game dates back to the 15th century. The game became popular in many establishments across Europe and America and has stood the test of time. There are online sportsbooks for all popular table-based games, including both pool and snooker.
If you have what it takes to play in this competition, it is easier to enter than you may think. Although the top end of the competition is full of world-class talent, you can look to enter the competition by simply filling out an online form.
If you are successful, you will be contacted and can begin to test your skills against some of the best players on the planet. We will detail exactly how the competition works in this article.
What are the entry requirements?
Any pool player of any skill level can enter the tournament. There isn’t a minimum skill requirement, and the application requirements are broad.
Any nationality can apply, and players from any cue sport can also get involved. Irrespective of whether you are a Challenger or Women’s Series player, if you sign up, you will be given a fair chance, just like all the other entrants.
Ultimate Pool is one of the only competitions in the world where you can sign up yourself with no prior entry requirements. Even in similar games, such as snooker, professionals will need to qualify and rank highly in other tournaments before entering big professional tournaments.
How does this compare with other games?
Games such as poker also have a similar entry requirement where you need to participate and rank highly in a tournament before you can participate. For players to get a shot at participating in the biggest competitions, they need to demonstrate their skill in several different tournaments throughout the year.
The organizers’ innovation in lowering these requirements breaks down any perceived barriers. Any barriers that did exist between the best players and other skilled amateur players who had the skill but maybe didn’t have the time or money to pursue it as their career no longer exist.
The Ultimate Pool Professional Circuit 2023 has a promotion system and a relegation system in place. With a full breakdown of separating the best players from the rest of the pack, the added excitement for people looking to give it their best shot is now more palpable than ever.
With a relegation and promotion system in effect for the 2023 season, there have been talks of an 80-player cap being introduced. Pool fans generally agree there needs to be some cap and a promotion/relegation arrangement to ensure the best players rise to the top.
It will be intriguing to see how these entry requirements play out. Ultimately, it will encourage more amateur players to enter if it proves to be a success.
If there’s an amateur player who manages to cause a few upsets along the way, this will only add to the excitement of the competition. Who doesn’t love a good underdog story?
Conclusion
With such a huge number of exciting pool and billiards tournaments on the calendar, tournament organizers need to gain more publicity for their specific tournaments. Allowing entrants from all over the world and of any skill level is a great start.
This idea has gained some traction in the pool and billiards world and will be a method other providers will likely use moving forward.
Delivering a high-quality tournament that is full of excitement is the ultimate goal. Building up to any tournament with maximum buzz and publicity sets a good starting point. However, for the tournament to be considered a resounding success, there need to be other factors at play.
Over time, this may become the norm, and pool tournaments may look to open up their application process to all levels of players from all different nationalities. Events such as the US Open still carry more esteem.
Although the US Open is a 9-ball variant, other pool players will look to enter this tournament due to the $50,000 prize money involved. Francisco Sanchez Ruiz was this year’s winner and is now the world number one.
However, for amateur players looking to get into the ranks and test their skills against some of the finest players, the 2023 Ultimate Pool Professional Circuit could be the perfect way to enter the sport. If all goes according to plan, it could start an exciting new career path for amateur players gifted with the cue.