The world’s largest pool tournament returned to Las Vegas in mid-August as thousands of amateur poolplayers competed for more than $1 Million in prize money! More than 1,800 8-Ball, 9-Ball, Doubles, Ladies and Masters teams made their way to Sin City to compete, Aug. 14-23.
In the 8-Ball Division, You Got Action of Cabot, Ark., defeated Nunos House of Pain of Linden, N.J., to take home $25,000 in cash and the championship title. As Runners-Up, Nunos House of Pain received $15,000 in prize money.
Teams in the 8-Ball Championships squared-off in a modified single-elimination format that ensured each team played at least twice before elimination. All 8-Ball Division teams automatically received $350 in national qualifier money, and the top 8 teams won at least $5,000. The 8-Ball Division began play on Aug. 17 and concluded on Aug. 23.
In 9-Ball Division, it was the Bench Warmers of Johnston, R.I., defeating Unapproved of Camarillo, Calif., in the finals. The Bench Warmers took home $15,000 in 1st Place prize money. As Runners-Up, Unapproved received $7,000 in cash.
The 9-Ball Division was held Aug. 14-18, with each team competing in a modified single-elimination format that ensured each team played at least twice before elimination. All national qualifiers received a minimum of $350, with the top 8 teams winning at least $2,000.
After winning their divisions in weekly APA 8-Ball and 9-Ball League play and then placing in Local Team Championships throughout the United States, Canada and Japan, 716 8-Ball and 458 9-Ball teams, all consisting of five to eight players, qualified to compete in the 2014 National Team Championships.
In the Jack & Jill Doubles Championship, it was Bison’s Double Jeopardy of Buffalo, N.Y., winning $3,500 in the finals with a victory over Broadstreet Bullies of Midland, Ont. Broadstreet Bullies received $2,000 as Runner-Up in the 256-team event.
The finals of the Masters Championship featured Watch Out for the Chubby Kid of Bay City, Mich., defeating Northeast Mass Masters of Lawrence, Mass. Watch Out for the Chubby Kid took home $10,000 in 1st Place prize money, while Northeast Mass Masters received $5,000 as Runner-Up in the 256-team event.
In the finals of the Ladies 8-Ball Championship, it was Gypsy’s of Youngstown, Ohio, defeating Chick-a-Waw Tribe of Lafayette, La., to win $8,000 in 1st Place prize money. As Runners-Up, Chick-a-Waw Tribe received $4,000 in cash.
In addition, the APA conducted nearly round-the-clock MiniMania tournaments, which took place daily and were open to all APA members. The MiniMania tournaments offered multiple formats with 100% prize money payback that awarded nearly $250,000.
The APA, based in Lake Saint Louis, Mo., sanctions the world’s largest amateur pool league, with leagues throughout the United States, Canada and Japan. More than 250,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9‑Ball League play. The APA is generally recognized as the Governing Body of Amateur Pool, having established the official rules, championships, formats and handicap systems for the sport of amateur billiards.
The APA produces three major tournaments each year—the APA National Team Championships, the APA National Singles Championships and the U.S. Amateur Championship—that, together, pay out more than $1.5 Million in cash and prizes annually!
The APA and its championships are sponsored by Aramith, Action Cues and PoolDawg.
For more information on the National Team Championships, visit the official APA website at www.poolplayers.com.
