Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the APA 8-Ball World Qualifier in Las Vegas. It was an amazing experience. For those unfamiliar, the 8-Ball World Qualifier is a tournament comprised of the best teams from around the world and the pinnacle of amateur billiards. It’s a gathering of skill, strategy, and most importantly, teamwork. I embarked on this journey with a team of friends hoping to walk away with a good tournament experience and a few stories along the way. I left Las Vegas with much more.
In order to attend the APA 8-Ball World Qualifier your team must have won your league division, played well at the Tri-cup tournament, and then advanced to the Cities tournament. Upon winning the Cities tournament you are then flown to Las Vegas to compete on the world stage. If you make it to Las Vegas – It’s not a fluke – It’s because you and your team played hard and earned the right to compete.
At the time of our attendance, it was stated that 756 8-ball teams would be competing. 756 out of nearly 50,000 APA teams globally! If you do the math, that places our team in the top 1.5 percent. In my book, just making it to the tournament in Las Vegas was a win!
Playing in the APA 8-Ball World Qualifier was a fantastic experience. The competition was fierce. It was clear to see each team member played a crucial role in the success or demise of our matches. However, it’s not just about individual skill but how well you function as a unit. Every shot, every decision, and every shred of advice offered during timeouts can be the difference between victory and defeat.
In sports, so much of the time, the spotlight often shines on individual performances. This also holds true for an 8-ball competition. However, the APA 8-Ball World Qualifier was a stark reminder that there is no “I” in team; the glaring fact is no one in this scenario can or will succeed alone. This is a TEAM sport. It’s about trust, communication, and understanding each other on and off the table. The beauty of the game lies not just in sinking the 8-ball but in how you work together to get there.
I was reminded of the importance of these dynamics throughout the competition. Each of us brought something unique to the table. Whether it was a strategic mind, a steady hand, or just a few words of encouragement at the right moment, every contribution mattered. And in those moments of high pressure, knowing that your team has your back makes all the difference.
One aspect of our trip I was not expecting went far beyond the tournament tables. We are all accustomed to spending a few hours once a week together as a team. However, after spending nearly an entire week with the team in Las Vegas, I realized how much more meaning these relationships have. In many ways, my role in the team reflects the various roles I play outside of it—friend, brother, son, and father.
As a friend, I cherished the camaraderie and laughter we shared, the stories told over meals, and the mutual support that kept us going. As a brother, I felt the unspoken bond that comes from standing side by side with people who have your back, no matter the outcome. As a son, I appreciated the wisdom and guidance exchanged, much like the advice I’ve received from my own father. And as a father, I found myself offering the same encouragement and support to my teammates that I would give to my own children.
The APA 8-Ball World Qualifier was a fascinating and unexpected reminder of how interconnected our lives are, how the roles we play in one aspect of life can reflect and enhance those we play in another.
The time we spent together as a team in Las Vegas was nothing short of amazing. We laughed, strategized, and fought hard. It was an experience that brought us closer together, not just as teammates, but as friends who share a passion for the game.
The journey to the APA 8-Ball World Qualifier was filled with hard work, dedication, and a lot of fun. While the competition was intense, the real victory was in the bonds we strengthened, and the memories we created together. In the end, it’s not just about the game; it’s about the people you play it with. And, I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with my friends as Team Shenanigans.
