Good Hands
How TikTok Influencers Are Transforming Billiard Retail Dreams Kim “The Dragon” Young Named PBIA Instructor of the Year
IN THIS ISSUE
Charles S. Donnavan
EDITORIAL
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Keith Loria
billiardskeith@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Charles S. Donnavan
Jamie Lynch
Anthony Stoeckert
ADVERTISING
Steve Mathias steve@bca-pool.com (303) 243-5070 x124
DESIGN/LAYOUT
ART DIRECTOR
Julie Snee
julie.snee@gmail.com
BCA Board of Directors
CHAIR
Jacklyn Ady, The Brunswick Billiard Group
VICE CHAIR
Wes Bond, Koda Sports
SECRETARY
Ed Liddawi, Sandcastle Billiards
TREASURER
Colby Olhausen, Olhausen Billiard Mfg.
BOARD MEMBERS
Shane Bouchard, Maine Home Recreation
Kevin Henderson, Prestige Billiards
Michael Helbig, Legacy Billiards
Bill Dunne, Championship, LLC.
OPENING LETTER
I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible progress and vibrant community we’ve built together here at the BCA. This year has seen a remarkable period of growth, innovation and connection – proof that our dedication to the sport and our members continue to inspire success and foster new opportunities.
As we prepare for the busy fall season, I encourage everyone to take inspiration from our latest stories in BCA Insider. Our BilliardTV channel continues to bring us fresh updates, expert insights and exciting tournaments, all designed to keep us motivated and connected to our sport.
Now more than ever, our juniors are stepping into the spotlight, demonstrating their skills and passion, laying a strong foundation for the future of the game. Their enthusiasm fuels our mission to nurture young talent and ensure cue sports remain dynamic and exciting for generations to come. Meanwhile, our recent inaugural USA National Championships showcased the exceptional talent within our ranks, inspiring all of us to elevate our game and pursue excellence.
One of the most exciting developments is how social media, especially TikTok, is helping us reach new audiences. Additionally, we examine how the inspiring Color of the Year can breathe new life into a billiard space and how retailers can make the most of this year’s selection.
Playing pool and other table games isn’t just about fun; it’s a powerful tool for growth. It offers young players a healthy escape from screens and school stress, while fostering family bonds and friendships that last a lifetime. These moments around the table build skills like strategic thinking, patience and teamwork – traits that serve our members well beyond the game.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more vibrant billiard industry. The future is bright, and I am grateful to be part of this journey with you. Let’s continue to shoot for success as we head into the fall season – full of promise, opportunity and the joy of the game.
KEITH LORIA, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
P.S. If you have story ideas or would like to be featured in an upcoming edition of BCA Insider, please reach out to billiardskeith@gmail.com.
Maria Martinez-Trent, Pool Tables Plus BCA Insider is published by Billiard Congress of America © 2025 bcainsider.com
How TIKTOK INFLUENCERS Are Transforming Billiard Retail
By Charles S. Donnavan
In recent years, social media platforms have revolutionized the way brands market their products, and TikTok has emerged as one of the most influential channels for reaching younger audiences. For billiard retailers, this digital shift presents both opportunities and challenges.
Jack Johnson, marketing director at Rhino Rank, which works with thousands of brands to turn clicks into customers, especially through influencer-led campaigns, notes TikTok influencers are transforming the landscape of billiard retail marketing.
“By leveraging viral trends, authentic content, and community engagement, retailers can reach new audiences, boost sales, and revitalize interest in cue sports,” he says. “The key lies in understanding the platform’s unique culture, partnering with the right creators and creating content that resonates with viewers.”
As TikTok influencers continue to shape consumer behavior, understanding how to leverage this platform effectively can lead to increased brand awareness, higher sales and a revitalized interest in cue sports.
Logan Rosselli, founder of Rosselli Media Management, a California-based marketing and PR agency, notes the true power of the TikTok influencer is that they have rapport and trust with their audience.
“For people who are unfamiliar with the game of billiards, this is a big deal because this existing relationship will likely cause them to give more attention to learning about the game than if it was just a random ad or account,” he says. “Many young people see billiards as an obscure sport for old people, bikers or something to just fool around with at the bar if it’s already there; an influencer partnership can be a really powerful way to show them it’s more than that.”
THE RISE OF TIKTOK
TikTok, launched in 2016, has grown exponentially, boasting more than a billion active users worldwide. Its short-form video format, algorithm-driven content discovery and viral trends make it a powerful tool for niche markets – including billiards – to connect with audiences that traditional advertising might not reach.
Unlike traditional marketing channels, TikTok allows for authentic, entertaining and highly shareable content. For billiard retailers, this means that showcasing products, demonstrating techniques or sharing behind-the-scenes footage can organically reach vast audiences, often without the need for hefty advertising budgets.
INFLUENCERS AS AUTHENTIC BRAND AMBASSADORS
One of TikTok’s defining features is the rise of influencers – individual creators who have cultivated large, engaged followings. In billiards, influencers often include skilled players, hobbyists or enthusiasts who share their passion through tutorials, trick shots or product reviews.
These influencers serve as authentic brand ambassadors, providing credibility that traditional ads often lack. When a respected player demonstrates a new cue or shows off a tricky shot, their followers are more likely to trust and consider purchasing similar equipment.
For example, a well-known trick shot artist showcasing a custom cue in a viral video can generate immediate interest and drive traffic to a retailer’s website or storefront. This peerto-peer recommendation effect is powerful, especially when combined with the influencer’s personal storytelling and engaging presentation style.
“If your goal is to get people who already enjoy billiards to your shop, then partnering with a billiards influencer already in the niche is what I would recommend, or simply running high quality, well-targeted ads,” Rosselli says. “The latter could be just as effective and possibly more cost efficient. If you are trying to bring new people to the sport and your shop, then it
would be worth going outside of the niche, finding an influencer who speaks well to your target audience and partnering with them to make the sport look fun and exciting.”
Rosselli suggests giving the influencer an idea of what you want and the key things they need to include, but they know their audience so let them do what they do best, which is make interesting content.
“Influencer partnerships can be a little difficult to manage if it’s something you’re unaccustomed to so I think it’s worth considering partnering with a marketing agency to get it done,” Rosselli says. “You may spend a bit more money, but I also think you're more likely to get a better return on the investment.”
John Robbins, a digital marketing strategist in Florida, recently worked with a billiard retailer who wanted to use TikTok but didn’t have the budget to team up with big influencers.
“He handpicked a few smaller creators and paid a reasonable amount for their work,” he says. “The video wasn’t professionally shot – it was casually filmed on an iPhone. It showed people playing pool, trying trick shots and just hanging out and having a good time. In just two weeks, he saw about 30 percent more people walk through the door. Many of them were younger folks discovering billiards for the first time.”
CONTENT IDEAS THAT DRIVE SALES AND ENGAGEMENT
Billiard retailers can harness TikTok influencers through various content collaborations:
For instance, influencers can showcase the features of cues, cases, balls or accessories, highlighting quality, craftsmanship and usage tips. They can also highlight tutorials and game tips. Sharing skill-building content encourages viewers to try billiards themselves, creating a new wave of enthusiasts who may seek out equipment from retailers.
Another great idea is creating or participating in viral challenges, such as trick shot contests, which can boost visibility and encourage user-generated content that promotes your brand.
Behind-the-scenes content is also valuable. Showing the manufacturing process, store tours or staff stories humanizes the brand, building trust and loyalty.
Lisa K. Sass, senior PR and social media manager for Proof Publicity, believes TikTok is an amazing and powerful discovery tool, especially for niche interests like billiards.
“The key to sparking interest in billiards is to work with influencers who create content that’s less like ads and more like entertainment,” she says. “The more engaging the content, the more impact it will have. Think of creators who specialize in bar games, sports tricks, or ‘oddly satisfying’ videos. Even those who feature bars would be a good fit.”
Sass recommends tapping into influencers with an audience that already enjoys a fun, laid-back lifestyle, as well as gaming or recreational sports content.
“Videos should consist of trick shot challenges, funny fails or casual matches with friends, local billiard shops and more,” she says. “All that really matters, though, is that content feels authentic. Viewers are more likely to engage and want to join in on the conversation when influencers are truly enjoying themselves, which inspires them to visit a store to experience it for themselves.”
THE POWER OF VIRAL TRENDS AND HASHTAGS
TikTok’s algorithm favors trending sounds, hashtags, and challenges. Retailers can tap into these trends by aligning their products with popular themes, encouraging influencers to incorporate their cues or accessories into trending videos. Using hashtags like #Billiards, #PoolTrickShots, or #CueLife can increase discoverability.
A retailer that partners with influencers to create a viral trick shot or a humorous skit can see exponential growth in followers and potential customers. These viral videos often reach beyond core billiards enthusiasts, introducing the sport to a broader, younger audience.
BUILDING COMMUNITY AND LOYALTY
TikTok influencers foster a sense of community among followers. For billiard retailers, engaging with influencers and their audiences can help build a loyal customer base. Responding to comments, hosting live Q&A sessions or offering exclusive discounts to followers can enhance engagement and conversion.
Moreover, user-generated content – such as customers sharing videos of their own tricks or setups – can be reposted or highlighted, further strengthening the community and encouraging others to participate.
Deejai Riangkrul, founder and CEO of Volantt Marketing, has seen firsthand how TikTok can turn billiards into thriving online communities and real-world traffic drivers.
“TikTok influencers sell more than products – they sell lifestyles,” he says. “I partnered with a local creator to shoot casual billiards matches at a retail showroom, tagging the store and running a giveaway. Foot traffic spiked the next weekend because people didn’t just see a pool table – they saw a vibe they wanted to be part of. Influencers translate your offering into moments people connect with. For billiard retailers, it’s less about specs and more about storytelling that lives where your audience scrolls.”
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
While TikTok offers immense potential, billiard retailers must navigate certain challenges.
“Billiards has a visibility problem, but TikTok solves that in seconds,” Johnson says. “We have seen creators of charm and cue sticks that have contributed to three times more visits than normal advertisements. A single 15-second trick shot can outperform a $500 flyer campaign. Create a geo-tracked challenge and the local pool hall is now a viral cafe.”
During one of the campaigns, the traffic on weekends increased by 28 percent due to a single video published by a casual creator.
“That is the influence of local connection with the fuel of influencing,” Johnson says. “It cannot be viral but it has to be visitors. TikTok is not only entertaining, it is activating.”
Authenticity is key. Influencers are most effective when their content feels genuine. Overly scripted or insincere promotions risk alienating followers.
Finding the right influencers is also important. Micro-influencers (those with smaller but highly engaged audiences) often deliver better ROI than mega-influencers. Partnering with creators who genuinely love billiards ensures authentic promotion.
Tracking the direct impact of TikTok campaigns can be complex. Retailers should set clear KPIs, such as referral codes or specific links, to gauge effectiveness.
Despite these challenges, the opportunities outweigh the risks. TikTok’s dynamic environment fosters creativity, making it an ideal platform for billiard retailers to showcase their products in innovative ways.
A PEEK INTO THE FUTURE
As TikTok continues to evolve, so too will its influence on niche markets like billiards. Features such as live shopping, augmented reality filters and expanded e-commerce integrations will make it easier for retailers to convert viewers into customers directly within the app.
Furthermore, the platform’s emphasis on community and authenticity means that billiard brands that prioritize engaging, creative, and genuine content will thrive. Long-term success will depend on building relationships with influencers whose values align with the brand and who can authentically promote the sport.
“In an era where digital influence shapes consumer decisions more than ever, billiard retailers who embrace TikTok’s potential will position themselves at the forefront of the sport’s future growth,” Johnson says. “As the platform continues to grow and innovate, so too will opportunities for brands willing to adapt and engage in this vibrant, dynamic space.”
JUNIOR CHAMPION EDDIE VONDERAU Turns His Championship Mentality to The International Scene
By Jamie Lynch
South Dakota native Eddie Vonderau has been drawn to billiards since he was just 3 years old. He would watch his father play pool on the table in his childhood home, a fixture that would later turn his curiosity into a passion.
After spending years crawling on and climbing that very table, Vonderau was eventually gifted a cue stick for Christmas when he was 5. At age 6, he began to play in a junior league, and started competing in tournaments four years later.
Vonderau is now 17 years old and reaping the success of his lifelong dedication to the sport. He has won four consecutive VNEA Junior National titles in 8-ball, a testament to his grit despite facing the challenges of being in the spotlight.
“I felt like I had a target on my back,” he says. “It was very difficult to have success over those four years.”
This championship mindset recently propelled Vonderau to a title in the 2025 BEF Junior National Championships, where he earned the crown in 18U 8-ball and 10-ball.
Though he eventually came out on top at Junior Nationals, Vonderau overcame setbacks in an 8-ball match early in the tournament before running the table. After dropping the first match of the week to Jordan Witkin, Vonderau needed to turn things around in order to claim victory.
“From then on, I won a few tight matches,” he says. “I had a close, 5-4 win against Kaden Hillman, which could have gone the other way. I felt very fortunate to get past that match.”
It all came full circle when Vonderau faced Witkin again in the final eight redraw. This time, he got the best of his opponent.
“I was able to avenge myself from the first match,” he says.
Resilience was a theme for Vonderau in the 18U 8-ball tournament. In the final round, he found himself in a 5-3 hole. He was able to flip the script on the match, surging ahead to win 6-5 and claim the championship.
“After my first match, I really dialed in every individual game,” he says. “Going into the tournament, I made the mistake of fo-
cusing a little bit too much on the big picture. So I took something big and I tried to break it down into smaller steps.”
Vonderau’s path to the 10-ball title was smoother. He won many of his draws decisively, in a tournament which featured two more rematches against Witkin.
For Vonderau, tournaments on a big stage motivate him. He thrives in the limelight and has honed his ability to turn negative thoughts into productive energy.
“Sometimes I can get nervous for the big tournaments, but I think it’s important to peel back that nervous feeling,” he says. “A lot of it is just you. A lot of times you feel nervous just because you have a chance of doing something great. It’s just a chance. The opportunity is there, and you have to feel excited instead of nervous.”
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
As a result of Vonderau’s success, he earned a spot to represent the United States at the World Championship in Spain.
“It means a lot. I take a lot of pride in where I’m from,” he says. “It means a lot to me to try to win some matches with USA on my back.”
Vonderau’s training for the Worlds will be very similar to his preparation for Junior Nationals. He tries to keep as much consistency as possible in order to ensure a sense of familiarity.
“I try not to treat the international competitions much differently than the national competitions,” he says. “I always just try to play the table and focus on what I can control.”
A large component of getting ready for both national and international competitions is repetition. Playing in smaller tournaments helps keep Vonderau confident in his abilities. The Hanna Cup, Rally in the Shenandoah Valley, and Matchroom Florida Open and Junior Open are events that he has found recent success in.
In the Hanna Cup, Vonderau teamed up with Joey Tate to form Team Lambo. Tate is a great competitor, so teaming up not only made for a strong duo, but also allowed Vonderau to breathe a little easier knowing he wouldn’t have to face him.
“I think our play styles complement each other very well,” he says. “It was awesome playing with him rather than against him.”
LIFE BEYOND THE TABLE
When not practicing or competing, Vonderau likes to lead a balanced lifestyle to the best of his ability. While he is enrolled in online classes through Liberty University to help with the demanding commitment pool requires, he still finds joy in taking time for himself.
“I think it’s very important to have hobbies outside of pool,” he says. “You need to have some sort of escape, because pool can become really stressful.”
For Vonderau, that escape comes in many forms. He enjoys playing basketball with friends and going fishing near his current home in Virginia.
But while these activities may provide a temporary escape from pool, Vonderau inevitably finds himself returning to the table. While the workload may become intense, pool is an escape unto itself, a refuge from the stressors of schoolwork and his personal life.
Vonderau is drawn to the challenge and unpredictability of pool.
“There’s no way to perfect it, every game is different. I just love that about pool,” he says. “I think it’s interesting that every time you go to the table, it’s a different scenario.”
Looking forward, Vonderau aims to be as successful as he can, aspiring to play on the professional circuit. He admires the work ethic of his favorite player and fellow Rapid City townsman, Shane Van Boening. Vonderau hopes junior pool programs will continue to thrive in the United States, so the next generation of youth will be drawn to pool just as he was as a child.
As Vonderau continues to make a name for himself in the billiards world, he stays humble and true to his identity, giving glory to God and thanks to his parents for their continued encouragement during his journey.
“It’s important to have support around yourself to be able to do great things,” he says.
COLOR MY WORLD
The announcement of Pantone’s Color of the Year opens up a treasure chest of creative possibilities for those in the billiard industry.
The choice of Mocha Mousse, a warm, rich brown with hints of taupe, presents an excellent opportunity to rejuvenate product lines and enhance the aesthetic appeal of billiard establishments and homes alike.
Retailers and manufacturers are already finding innovative ways to weave this evocative color into their offerings, creating an atmosphere of indulgence, comfort and contentment for billiards enthusiasts.
Amra Beganovich, a product development and customer engagement specialist, notes there are definite implications for billiard retailers that are interested in embracing trendy merchandise like Mocha Mousse to grab attention and prompt a sale.
“Mocha Mousse is most successful as a low-key dramatic design refresh,” she says. “Billiard retailers can bring it in through pool accessories like cue cases, ball racks and table felts to provide a modern but relatable update. Updating only a few
How billiard retailers can make the most out of the 2025 Color of the Year
By Charles S. Donnavan
key pieces allows customers to embrace the trend, without feeling out of touch with the traditional styles they already know and love.”
For in-store design, Beganovich advises retailers use Mocha Mousse as a pop of excitement at retail, showcasing it in limited-edition collections or with customizable upgrades like cue sticks to match, and customizable trim, which can help to make the trend feel exclusive and special.
UNDERSTANDING MOCHA MOUSSE
Mocha Mousse is more than just a shade; it encapsulates the essence of warmth and familiarity. It evokes feelings of relaxation and sophistication, making it perfect for social and recreational spaces, such as billiard rooms.
“This color connects with consumers on an emotional level and reflects a broader desire for cozy environments in the wake of challenging times,” says Lori Evans, a licensed designer in Florida. “Recognizing how this color can transform spaces will be crucial for billiard retailers seeking to stay ahead in a competitive market.”
Jehann Biggs, president and owner of In2Green, which specializes in curating luxurious, eco-friendly products that blend modern design with quality materials, feels billiard manufacturers and retailers can apply Mocha Mousse to provide a warm and sophisticated finish.
“It is a welcoming, earthy color that will complement both timeless and contemporary billiard room décor,” she says. “Combining this color with table felt, cues or even wall accents is a way that companies can appeal to purchasers interested in a sophisticated yet understated appearance that feels pleasant.”
A prime example is designing special, limited-edition billiard tables with Mocha Mousse as the predominant color.
“Combining it with a wood or metallic finish will enhance the design, giving a rich and appealing touch to wealthy buyers,” Biggs says. “Manufacturers will draw buyers searching for distinct, fashion-forward items by designing custom pieces in this particular color.”
Retailers can also market Mocha Mousse as part of seasonal collections, especially in the fall and winter months. This color fits well with cozy interiors and the desire for comfort during colder weather, helping to drive sales at key times of the year.
INFUSING COLOR INTO BILLIARDS GOODS
At the core of any billiard retailer’s offerings is the pool table itself. Manufacturers should consider introducing new models and finishes that prominently feature Mocha Mousse in their designs. This could be achieved through the use of high-quality veneers or painted finishes that embody the soft brown hue.
For instance, a blend of Mocha Mousse with complementary colors, such as soft greens or creams, can create a stunning focal piece that elevates the aesthetic of any game room.
Billiard accessories such as cues, balls and table covers can also benefit from this warm palette. Retailers should leverage the color through unique designs and patterns. For example, cue sticks can be designed with grips and inlays in Mocha Mousse, while billiard balls can feature limited-edition prints that incorporate the shade. Customizable felt options in this beloved hue can attract customers looking to personalize their tables.
In addition to tables and accessories, retailers should look to complementary furnishings such as sofas, bar stools and lighting. Offering home decor that aligns with Mocha Mousse will entice customers to create a cohesive and inviting game room environment. For instance, plush seating in soft textiles
that match or complement Mocha Mousse can enhance comfort while contributing to the overall aesthetic continuity of the space.
THEMATIC DESIGN
To fully embrace Pantone's Color of the Year, billiard retailers should also consider designing immersive marketing experiences.
“Creating spaces where Mocha Mousse is the star can inspire customers to see the potential of their own billiard areas,” Beganovich says.
Billiard retailers can utilize their showrooms as a canvas to showcase the versatility of Mocha Mousse as well.
“By painting walls in this color and incorporating tables, accessories, and furnishings that are harmoniously selected, retailers can create inviting atmospheres that suggest the comfort of a cozy pub or the elegant feel of an upscale lounge,” Beganovich says.
Evans feels the best way for billiard retailers to incorporate Mocha Mousse this year is by creating a beautiful envelope to set their existing billiard tables in.
“Contrasting a billiard green or even a neutral billiard table with a Mocha Mousse room that is drenched in color shows clients that your existing products work with the new and trendy colors,” she says. “It also signals to them that you know what’s going on in the design world and are part of it. Every year there will be a new color and a new trend and a new style that’s hot but showing that your existing products can work nicely and seamlessly with those new trends I think is the key.”
VIRTUAL REALITY
With the Color of the Year changing every year, it might not be practical to make big changes in a store each time a new color is named.
With technology increasingly shaping the shopping experience, billiard retailers can incorporate virtual reality (VR) to allow customers to envision how Mocha Mousse can transform their play spaces.
“By creating interactive environments where users can customize their ideal billiard room featuring Mocha Moussethemed designs, retailers can bridge the gap between desire and purchase,” says Paul Mayer, a VR design specialist from Larchmont, New York. “This is an exciting way businesses can employ VR and really show their customers unique ideas.”
MARKETING STRATEGIES
To effectively engage potential customers, retailers can utilize strategic marketing campaigns that play on the emotions connected to Mocha Mousse. By focusing on themes of relaxation, indulgence and social connection, billiard retailers can craft messages that resonate deeply with audiences.
Engaging floor spaces in retail can be mirrored in online presence through social media campaigns. Billiard retailers can launch photo contests inviting customers to showcase their game rooms that employ Mocha Mousse. Featuring user-generated content can also drive community engagement while simultaneously displaying practical applications of the color.
Retailers can also create blogs, videos and tutorials that provide styling tips for home billiard spaces using Mocha Mousse. Content that discusses complementary colors, decor styles, and accessories would not only position retailers as thought leaders but also inspire consumers to embrace the color.
COLLABORATIONS WITH DESIGNERS
Collaborations with interior designers and lifestyle influencers can further amplify the color’s appeal. By showcasing how
Mocha Mousse fits into contemporary design trends, retailers can tap into broader lifestyle marketing that extends beyond the billiard niche.
More than just a retail experience, billiards represents a community – a gathering place for friends and family. By fostering this social aspect in alignment with Mocha Mousse, retailers can take their business beyond just selling products.
Building a sense of community can involve creating loyalty programs that reward frequent customers with exclusive access to new Mocha Mousse-themed products. This can enrich the customer experience while deepening brand loyalty.
As the billiard industry heads into the end of 2025, the warm, rich tones of Pantone's Mocha Mousse offer a unique opportunity for retailers to reinvent their product offerings and marketing strategies. By thoughtfully incorporating this evocative color into pool tables, accessories, furnishings, and creative environments, retailers can enhance consumer appeal while facilitating an atmosphere of comfort and indulgence.
As the billiard community continues to evolve, embracing the colors that resonate with consumers can create pathways toward growth and innovation in a vibrant and engaging market. Retailers willing to seize this trend will find themselves leading the pack in a colorful year.
*This custom table creation is shown with carbon fiber laminate, walnut veneer in natural finish, and black leather wrapped rails.
Building on the RR GA MES LEGACY
Ever since Jim and Jana Wanser bought RR Games almost a decade ago, they have dedicated themselves to building on the store’s already outstanding reputation by offering excellent products and the best possible customer service while also making positive contributions to their community. And though neither of them had any experience in the billiard and home recreation industry before buying the business, Jim says they have been successful because they have a “passion for other people’s passions.”
“I just thrive on helping people envision what they want and helping cus-
By Anthony Stoeckert
tomers fulfill their passions,” Jim says. “And I treat the games we sell to them as heirloom pieces.”
That idea of “heirloom pieces” is especially important to Jim, who may have been new to the home recreation business, but knew what it was like to be a home recreation customer. In fact, Jim and Jana knew exactly what it was like to be customers of RR Games.
Back in the late 1990s, the couple purchased their first home, which had been built in 1908. Jim had long wanted to restore a home.
“This home happened to have a real speakeasy in the basement, and I just really wanted to fix that up,” he says. “I also always wanted a pinball machine and some other games, so we stopped at RR Games at its original location and we bought the pinball machine and an air hockey table. That was our first experience at that store. Later on we purchased a home bar from the store, and both interactions were always great.
The couple now owns two billiard and home recreation locations: RR Games in its longtime home in Birdsboro, PA, and Bethany Beach Billiards
by RR Games in Ocean View, Delaware, which opened in Spring of 2024. Known as “The toy store for big kids,” RR Games offers pool tables, shuffleboards, air hockey, ping-pong, poker tables, arcade games, pinball, and dartboards. The store also has more than 850 pool cues in stock, along with billiards accessories, as well as bars, barstools, counter stools, lighting, wall art, sports art and more.
The new store is ideally located for people from beach towns, like Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and Ocean City Maryland.
“We’re in the middle of all these different locations, and that’s a huge thing for us,” Jim says.
THE RR GAMES STORY
RR Games’ history dates back to 1975, when Rich Kotzen established his original location in Pennsylvania. Kotzen, whose son is a successful guitarist and former member of the band Poison, sold the store to Tony Cusimano in 2001. After 15 years of successfully
running the business, Cusimano decided to sell RR Games.
“He was getting close to retirement, so he put it up for sale,” Jim says. “He thought it was going to take him about two years to sell it, because it’s a unique business, but my wife and I found it within 10 days of him listing it.”
Jim had been working in retail and was looking for something different, ideally to buy a retail business of his own.
“My kids were young and I was trying to find something that would allow me to spend more time with them,” he says.
The family went to visit the store, and Jim liked what he saw. He also did a lot of research and learned that RR Games had an excellent reputation within the home recreation industry for its sales and service.
“The product brands that they sold, I thought, were very well thought out,” Jim says. “I like dealing with companies and manufacturers that hold a line when it comes to pricing to ensure that it’s a fair playing field and that custom-
er service always excels.
BUYING THE STORE, LITERALLY
Jim also liked the idea of providing customers with a brick-and-mortar store. It was a perfect fit and Jim and Jana became the owners of RR Games in July of 2016. There was one issue. The sale happened faster than Cusimano expected, so one of the conditions of the sale was that Jim and Jana had to give him a job.
“He actually worked for us for a couple years after we purchased it, which turned out great,” Jim says.
Cusimano was able to share his experience and guidance with the Wansers, including during their first BCA Expo.
“He introduced us as the new owners of the business, and as his new employers,” Jim says. “I can’t tell you how honored and privileged I was to work with him. I learned so much from him with regard to the industry. We became very close.”
Indeed, the sale had the feel of a family business being passed on to another generation, and Jim and Jana started working in RR Games two months before the sale was finalized.
“We purchased a brand-new point of sale system, a cloud based one,” Jim says. “And Jana and I got to work and basically barcoded the entire store. And Tony would chuckle about it and say, ‘You know if the sale falls through, I always wanted to barcode the store.’”
TAKING A CHANCE
One of Jim’s principles is that you can’t be afraid to try something new.
“I’ve always believed that you have to take a lot of risks,” he says. “Successful people fail more times than failures do. You have to try different things. Some will succeed and some will fail. So we tried a lot of different things along the way. During that time Tony would be like ‘I don’t know if that’s the best idea’ or ‘I always wish I could have done that.’ It was a great relationship. And I’ll be honest, a lot of times when he would say, ‘I’m not sure if I would do that,’ or if he had tried something before, he was right. But it’s worth a shot. If you try something and it doesn’t work, you move on.”
A key element of RR Games’ success that drew Jim’s interest was its reputation for providing customers with excellent customer service, which is something Jim has long focused on in his career.
“One of my biggest pet peeves, on a retail side, or in a customer aspect, is bad customer service,” he says. “I don’t care what store it is, from a big box retail store to the smallest boutique store out there, when a customer walks in, they came for a reason. And the minimal thing we can do is start an interaction to welcome that customer and create a relationship. And that’s one thing Tony did.”
It can start with a simple greeting and welcoming someone new to RR Games, then asking them what brought them there.
“A store like ours – and I think I can speak to probably most of the retailers out there in the billiard industry – we are a destination location,” Jim says. “We don’t have to be in the most prime real estate area, because people seek us out, and as you build that long-term relationship with people, word of mouth gets out.
Jim was also drawn to the billiard community. Shortly after buying the store, he and Jana attended their first BCA show and Tony introduced them to Nick Varner of Nick Varner Cues and Cases.
“When we went to that first show, Tony couldn’t wait to introduce us to Nick, and Nick has come out to the store a couple of times,” Jim says. “Just thinking back to people in this industry, and not having a background from this industry, I have learned so much from people like Nick. He started playing pool when he was 5 years old, at his father’s pool hall. And today he still has that building and all that history behind it.”
MAKING CONNECTIONS IN THE BILLIARD COMMUNITY
Another generous step Cusimano made was when he provided Jim with contact information for all the people he worked with during his tenure as the owner of RR Games.
“One of those contacts was John Monarch from Monarch Billiards,” Jim says. “John’s only an hour away from me, and he’s a great guy and he has a great family business and he said to me, ‘If you ever need anything just ask.’”
Jim and Jana also enjoyed attending BCA Expos and Jim said this year’s was one of the best and most fun he’s been to.
“We look forward to it every time we go,” he says. “It’s a small-knit group of people and I think the industry will thrive more if we work together and not try to cut each other out.”
A SHOWCASE OF A SHOWROOM
RR Games is well-known for its showroom, which is huge, welcoming, and filled with pool tables, games, and accessories that have enticed lots of people to make purchases over the years.
Pool remains the store’s biggest seller, but Jim and Jana’s diverse offerings also include shuffleboard, ping-pong, foosball, air hockey, pinball, arcade games, Traeger wood fire grills, bars, furniture, accessories and lots more.
“It seems like every year is different when it comes to what the big thing is,” Jim says. “And I can’t always figure it out, and it will be throughout the industry. We may be selling lots of foosball tables and I’ll ask vendors if they’re seeing that trend and they’re like, ‘Oh,
yeah, we are up on foosball tables.’ You scratch your head wondering if there was a TV show where people were playing foosball. Then the next year at Christmas, it’s air hockey tables.”
Recently he has noticed a bump in ping-pong table sales, at both locations. Among the customers buying pingpong tables are college campuses.
“We’ve installed some really good heavy-duty ping-pong tables,” Jim says. “We just sold some to Penn State University in the last couple months.”
Both stores also do a robust business in selling games to homeowners who want a game room. That’s where Jim’s “heirloom piece” philosophy comes in, because for him, he’s selling games that could very possibly stay in a family for generations.
“This is a want and not a need business,” he says. “This is a pure 100% want business. Nobody has to come into the store, or has to have a foosball or pool table. It’s not like when a water heater breaks and you have to get a new water heater.”
Jim actually experienced a little bit of deja vu or serendipity recently when a couple came in and said they
wanted to renovate their basement to make it have the feel of a speakeasy, just like that basement in Jim and Jana’s first home.
“They have a passion for their basement and family fun, and I just thrive on that and helping people envision their spaces and fulfilling those visions,” Jim says.
IN SERVICE TO CUSTOMERS
RR Games was an established successful business when Jim and Jana took it over, and while they respect the tradition of the store they have also worked to put their own mark on the store.
“We’ve done a lot with our marketing and website and the technology based side of it,” Jim says.
And they have each found areas of the business that interests them. Jana has become something of the cue and dart specialist, but also does bookkeeping, website maintenance and shares inventory buying duties with the store manager. And Jim, with his background in construction, has discovered a passion for service and installations.
“I’m very detailed and I want things to be perfect and getting that machinist level out there and making sure that bubble is dead-on in the middle,” he says. “It takes a lot of experience. My one main installer, he’s been doing this for about 18 years now. So he’s been with us for a long time and when we do installs, we all pitch in. And I love it. I love putting the pool table together.”
He also enjoys installing shuffleboards.
“I love just getting them perfectly level and even getting that curvature just right,” Jim says. “I actually love doing the installs. That’s another reason I put the store down here [in Delaware], because my guys, every time I turn around, they’re saying ‘We’re good,’ and I wasn’t getting to go out on any installs. I feel more physically active when I’m working on installs, and it’s fun to see that end result. We stand behind what we do.”
And again, it comes back to the idea that RR Games is selling people something they will use for a long, long time.
“I always tell people, what you’re purchasing from me is an heirloom piece,” Jim says. “And years from now, your kids are going to be fighting over who gets it.”
THE SPORT’S GOOD
A look back at this summer’s 37th Annual
The 37th Annual Junior National Championships, hosted by the Billiard Education Foundation, was held July 7-12 at the Oakley Lindsay Civic Center in Quincy, Illinois, and proved to be a tremendous success.
For the first time ever, the BEF Junior Nationals were integrated into the inaugural USA National Pool Championships, which featured the $20,000-added Masters USA Pool Championships alongside the annual Wheelchair National Pool Championships – uniting various tiers of the sport under one event.
This year’s event left no detail overlooked in ensuring everything was flawless from start to finish. As competitors and fans arrived, they were greeted by beautifully displayed American flags positioned above each table, complemented by digital pool monitors and enhanced by tournament table lighting.
The event hosted nearly 100 talented junior billiard student-athletes from more than 26 states, highlighting the expanding reach and vibrant community of youth cue sports.
8-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Junior National 8-Ball Championships, sponsored by Lucasi, started things off. For 2025, several divisions were consolidated to streamline the event and enhance the competitive field.
Despite losing his opening match, 17-year-old Eddie Vonderau from Rapid City, South Dakota, took home the top prize. Known as “Fast Eddie,” he secured the title – and a $500 BEF scholarship – in a tense hill-hill final against “Jersey Devil” Jose Vicente, who took home a $250 BEF Scholarship for finishing second.
Jake Jackson of Buffalo, New York and Payton Bernard of Aubrey, Texas each won a bronze medal.
In the Girls 18 & Under division, 17-year-old “The Pink Dagger” Sofia Mast of Wesley Chapel, Florida, demonstrat-
By BCA Insider
FUTURE IS IN HANDS
Annual Junior National Championships
Insider Staff
ed remarkable skill and composure, overcoming 15-year-old “Road Runner” Savannah Easton of Las Vegas, Nevada, in an exciting championship battle. She took home the $500 BEF scholarship and a $500 Repici scholarship. Jordan Helfery and April Gonzales won bronze medals.
Meanwhile, in the Boys 14 & Under category, “Maverick” Hayden Ernst of Louisville, Kentucky claimed his first of several gold medals for the week, winning a thrilling back-and-forth final against Houston’s rising star, Gavin Mathew. Damon Kahler and Austin Axe both took home the bronze.
In the 10 & Under Coed division, Quinton Hensley from Flint, Michigan took gold, winning over Dalton Nelson. Christian Montalvo and Chris Guerrero, Jr. both won bronze.
All players that placed in the 8-Ball championships also won a new Lucasi Cue.
9-BALL CHAMPIONS
For the Junior National 9-Ball Championships, sponsored by Diamond, the competitors put on some breathtaking matches.
The 18 & Under Girls 9-Ball finals featured another thrilling Easton versus Mast showdown, emphasizing the rising rivalry between two of junior billiards’ brightest talents. Marissa Du and Avah Weems both won bronze.
On the boys’ side, Vicente secured his first gold medal with a decisive 8–2 victory over Colton Peach in the 16 & Under Boys. Hayden Ernst and Shane Petrick walked away with bronze medals.
Meanwhile, in 14 & Under Girls, 13-year-old Jordan Helfery of St. Joseph, Missouri, made a strong impression on the national stage by earning her first gold medal, triumphing over Florida’s 11-year-old Tiffany Tang, who celebrated a solid sil-
ver finish in just her second appearance at the Junior Nationals. Savannah Hall and Mary Jane Zuber won bronze.
For 12 & Under Boys, Gavin Mathew of Frisco, Texas took home top prize, defeating Dalton Nelson of Elroy, Wisconsin. Donovan Seymour and Quinton Hensley won bronze.
JUNIOR NATIONAL 14.1 STRAIGHT POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
In the Junior National 14.1 Straight Pool Championships, sponsored by Bull Carbon, two dedicated tables were set aside for the event, giving players seven attempts each to execute an open break and continue with a break ball. The top three cumulative high runs from those seven attempts determined the four leading finishers in each of the three age divisions, who then advanced to the semifinal and final brackets.
In a thrilling final, Vicente delivered two impressive runs of 28 and 29 balls to defeat “Wolverine” Kaden Herrbach and capture the gold medal in the 14.1 discipline. He also went on to execute an astonishing 68-ball run at the end of the match, ensuring victory. Jordan Witkin and Brendan Greene took bronze medals for the division.
On the girls’ side, Mast started strong with a sharp 21-ball run, seizing an early lead. But it was 13-year-old Helfery who stole the spotlight once again, surging past Mast to secure her second
gold medal of the championships with precision and poise. Bronze medals were awarded to Kennedy Dunn and Savannah Easton.
In the 14 & Under Boys division, Ernst again won gold, defeating Jonathan Rose from Vestaburg in the finals. Donovan Seymour and Jacob Priddy took home bronze medals.
10-BALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Junior National 10-Ball Championships, sponsored by Iwan Simonis, doubled as qualifiers for the upcoming World Junior 10-Ball Championships – and the atmosphere was electric. With tournament favorites facing off in the opening round of the final-8 single-elimination brackets, the competition’s intensity soared to dramatic heights.
In the 18 & Under Boys division, Vonderau remained undefeated throughout a highly competitive bracket, ultimately capturing the gold medal with an 8–5 victory over Landon Memberg in the finals. Bronze medalists Kaden Herrbach and Logan Hisel may soon have the opportunity to showcase their talents on the world stage in Gandía, Spain.
In the 18 & Under Girls division, Easton once again showcased her dominance. After defeating the reigning champion earlier in the finals bracket, she secured the title with a commanding 8–3 victory over Iowa state champion Leigha Belieu in the finals. Both Avah Weems and Helfery earned bronze medals following impressive performances.
Sofia Mast
Davin Greene
In the 16 & Under Boys bracket, Ernst demonstrated his resilience once more. The defending national champion took an early 4-1 lead in the final against Austin Axe, but soon found himself trailing 6-4. After a brief reset, Ernst rallied with a four-game run to clinch the title at 8-6. Meanwhile, Axe might soon be preparing his passport for his debut on the international stage.
Somewhat surprisingly, fan favorites Mast, Vicente and Mathew saw early exits in the opening round of their respective finals brackets, underscoring just how unpredictable and competitive this year’s event truly was.
A WINNING EVENT
The tournament also introduced or continued key scholarship and recognition programs. All girls’ gold medalists received the Michael Repici Memorial Scholarship ($500 each). The new BEF Jayden Liu Memorial Scholarship awarded $1,000 to Jamison Gall and Darragh O’Connor for excellence in academics and sportsmanship. Shane Petrick and Jordan Helfery received the Brendan Crockett Character Awards for exemplary sportsmanship.
Eddie Vonderu
Marissa Du
Adam Struges
Christian Montalvo
USA NATIONAL POOL CHAMPIONSHIPS
By BCA Staff
The Billiard Congress of America proudly hosted the inaugural USA National Championships in Quincy, Illinois from July 6 to 12 at the Oakley Lindsey Civic Center. This historic event marked a significant milestone for American pool and billiards, bringing together the nation’s top players across multiple disciplines, including 8-Ball and 10-Ball for women, 9-Ball and 10-Ball for men, and 8-Ball and 9-Ball for wheelchair competitors.
The championships provided a prestigious platform for American athletes to compete at the highest level, with each winner earning the title of USA National Champion. More importantly, all champions received invitations to represent the United States at the WPA World Championships in their respective disciplines, solidifying the event’s role as a crucial pathway to international competition.
“This is a significant step forward for American pool and billiards,” said Shane Tyree, BCA CEO. “Creating the USA Na-
tional Championships has established a clear and prestigious opportunity for our athletes to showcase their talent and represent their country on the world stage.”
In the men’s division, the West Coast’s Oscar Dominguez and the East Coast’s Lukas Fracasso-Verner both advanced deep into the Open 9-Ball and 10-Ball Championships, coming close to facing each other in the finals of both events. Interestingly, both finalists in these tournaments faced Iowa’s Sam Henderson in the finals of their respective titles – Henderson finished as runner-up twice, earning more prize money than either winner individually. This boosted his earnings for 2025, marking his best year yet.
The 9-Ball event began on July 6 with eight days of intense competition. Dominguez and Fracasso-Verner worked through the winners’ side of the double-elimination bracket, while Henderson, who lost early in Stage 1, fought through the loss side to reach Stage 2. Both Dominguez and Fracas-
USA 10-Ball National Championship medalists (L-R): Sam Henderson, Oscar Dominguez, Damian Pongpanik, Ricky Evans
so-Verner performed strongly on the winners’ side, with Dominguez ultimately defeating Henderson 11-5 in the final to claim the inaugural 9-Ball title.
In the 10-Ball event, which started shortly after a random draw prevented Henderson and Dominguez from meeting again in the finals. Instead, Fracasso-Verner avoided facing Henderson in Stage 2, leading to a semifinal showdown between the two. Henderson and Fracasso-Verner both advanced, with Henderson defeating Damian Pongpanik and Fracasso-Verner beating Ricky Evans. Fracasso-Verner then defeated Henderson 10-4 in the final to win the 10-Ball championship.
In a thrilling conclusion to a week packed with top-tier competition at the inaugural USA National Pool Championships for the women’s divisions, Savannah “Roadrunner” Easton claimed the Open 8-Ball title, going undefeated through five opponents and defeating Sofia “Pink Dagger” Mast in the final. Easton’s
resilience was on display, especially after a tough double-hill battle in the opening round of Stage 1. Her victory marked a historic first for the BCA’s national championships.
Meanwhile, April Larson, a former Junior National champion, made her return to the spotlight by capturing the women’s 10-Ball title in a hard-fought final against Melissa “The Boss” Helland. Larson’s journey saw her dominate early rounds and overcome a formidable opponent in Helland, ultimately winning 6-2 in the final. Her victory not only crowned her as the first USA Pool Women’s 10-Ball Champion but also showcased her enduring talent and experience on the national stage.
Both Easton and Larson’s performances highlighted the depth of American pool talent, cementing the event as a landmark moment for the sport’s development in the United States.
Oscar Dominguez
April Larson
Damian Pangponik
Tarah Connor
BCA’S NATIONAL WHEELCHAIR CHAMPIONSHIPS
The BCA’s National Wheelchair Championships in 8-ball and 9-ball also took place in Quincy, and both championships were won by West Virginia’s Derrick Bonds, who, at 30, was competing in his first national wheelchair event, which drew 16 entrants.
Bonds had an impressive resume, having won West Virginia Moose Lodge’s 8-Ball Championships, twice and claimed title to the BCA’s 10-Ball Ohio State Championships in 2022. Still, he knew it was going to be a battle – especially when he learned he would be competing against Charlie Hans, one of the better-known wheelchair competitors of all time.
During the championship, Bonds faced Hans three times –once in the 9-ball competition and twice in 8-ball – and Bonds won all three of the matches he needed to win for qualification to Stage 2.
In the opening round of the single-elimination Stage 2, Bonds, who’d qualified from the winners’ side of Stage 1, met Bret Clifton, who’d qualified from the loss side. Similarly, Hans, who’d qualified from the loss side, picked up the other Stage 1 competitor who’d qualified from the winners’ side, Keith Hill. Bonds defeated Clifton 5-2, while Hans eliminated Hill 5-3. Bonds, though he’d fall behind initially (1-3) in the final, came back to win five straight and claim his first National wheelchair title with a 6-3 victory over Hans.
The next day, Bonds greeted him a third time, in the opening round of the 9-Ball Championships. The two battled back and forth to double hill, before Bonds prevailed. This time, though, Bonds advanced to pick up the competitor he’d faced in the opening round of the 8-ball event’s Stage 2. Clifton and Bonds played double-hill ball until Clifton prevailed, sending Bonds over for what might have been a rematch versus Hans on the loss side. Clifton and Jeffrey Dolezal advanced to Stage 2 from the winners’ side.
On the loss-side bracket of 9-ball’s Stage 1, Bonds won three to qualify for Stage 2, downing Dan Hall 6-2, Mark Jones 6-1 and then surviving another double-hill battle, this time against Christopher Parnell. Hans opened up his loss-side campaign by shutting out Emede Reyes and eliminating Charles Interrante 6-3. In the final qualifying round, Hans faced Bill Larson, who defeated him 6-1, ending any anticipation for a Bonds/Hans rematch in one of the Stage 2 semifinals.
Bonds downed the winners’ side-qualified competitor Dolezal 7-1, as Clifton was busy eliminating Larson 7-2. As he’d done in the semifinals of the 8-ball competition against him, Bonds claimed his second national wheelchair title with a 7-3 victory over Clifton.
Bret Clifton
USA National Wheelchair 9-ball Championships medalists (L-R):
Bret Clifton, Derrick Bonds, David Larson, Jeff Dolezal
Table Games Can Help Kids UNPLUG AND THRIVE
By Anthony Stoeckert
Young people today face a lot of pressures, and as parents look for ways to help their kids de-stress and put their phones down, your billiard and home recreation store just may have what they’re looking for.
It’s back-to-school time, and that means kids are returning to routines that have them facing various demands that the world presents. There’s schoolwork of course, extracurricular activities, sports, jobs and relationships. Older kids have the added pressures of applying to colleges and picking the right one for them or figuring out what path to take after high school. And hovering all of this is social media and the negative impact it can have on young people.
Back-to-school time also presents an opportunity for stores and retailers to shine a spotlight on the various ways that pool and games can help kids de-stress from their pressures while also developing skills that will help them in life.
According to Adria Hagg, a therapist and founder of Shiloh Hill Counseling, billiards and other games like shuffleboard,
air hockey, ping-pong and darts can provide significant benefits to young people.
“Table games offer a wide range of developmental and emotional benefits for kids and teens,” Hagg says. “These games provide a low-pressure environment where children can practice essential life skills – such as patience, turn-taking, emotional regulation and good sportsmanship. They also help develop cognitive skills like strategy, planning and problem-solving, especially in games that require focus and anticipation like pool or foosball. For teens, these games offer a way to engage socially without the intensity of digital communication, which can often feel overwhelming.”
IT’S TOUGH TO BE A KID
Hagg notes that today’s kids and teens face many challenges including academic pressure and fear of failure; social comparison and “fear of missing out” (FOMO) on social media; bullying and cyberbullying; perfectionism and pressure to
overachieve; anxiety about world events; loneliness and social isolation – despite living in hyper-connected digital spaces.
“Games offer a simple but powerful break from all of this,” she says. “They create space for laughter, connection and lightheartedness. Games also promote a mindset of play and resilience where it’s OK to lose, learn and try again.”
A BREAK FROM SCREENS
Phone addiction can be a problem for people of just about any age, but even parents who spend too much time doomscrolling often worry about how much time their kids are spending looking at their phones and other screens.
One of the best ways to encourage kids to put their phones down is to give them a better option – something that will engage them more than TikTok videos. Table games make for a terrific choice.
“Games like these are an excellent offline alternative to screen time and can serve as a natural engaging way to take breaks from social media,” Hagg says. “Social media can contribute to anxiety, comparison, overstimulation and poor sleep habits – especially in teens. Breaks from social media support healthier sleep, improved mood, better self-esteem and more meaningful in-person social interactions. Table games can fill that space with fun, laughter and connection; offering kids something ‘real’ to engage with that helps them stay grounded in the present.”
Hagg says that a game room can also serve as an effective safe space for children and teens. She suggests making a game room a screen-free zone, which can encourage a relaxed and emotionally safe environment.
“It provides a built-in environment for face-to-face interaction, which is essential for developing empathy, social skills and emotional connection,” she says. “When kids have a welcoming space to invite friends it can strengthen bonds and reduce isolation – especially during pre-adolescence and adolescence when peer connection is crucial.”
THE FAMILY THAT PLAYS TOGETHER…
Another concern many parents have – especially as their children start to get older and more independent – is ensuring they spend quality time together. That gets harder as kids have more homework, commitments involving sports or school plays and as they also want to spend time with their friends. A pool table, foosball, ping-pong table or other game can be an exciting addition to a home, one that kids will want to play. While watching shows and movies as a family can make for terrific evenings, table games promote conversation and face-to-face interaction.
“A home game room can be a powerful catalyst for quality family time,” Hagg says. “Shared play fosters bonding, builds emotional trust and opens up opportunities for casual low-stress conversations that might not happen otherwise. It creates shared memories and rituals that are vital for family cohesion.”
To make the most out of family game time, Hagg suggests that parents be fully present, leading by example by putting their phones away (adults can be just as bad or worse than young people when it comes to being distracted). She also recommends letting kids lead, encouraging healthy competi-
tion and emotional regulation and praising kids for their effort – not just when they win.
“Even 20 to 30 minutes of family game time a few times a week can build stronger parent-child relationships and support long-term mental and emotional well-being,” she says.
Jim Wanser, an owner of RR Games in Birdsboro, PA and Bethany Beach Billiards in Ocean View, DE, says that after a long stretch where people took on new technologies and played fewer table and board games he is seeing more people looking for relief from their phones. That’s partly because families want an activity they can enjoy together.
“It’s nice to have that space, that spot, in the house for the family, where everyone can play games together,” Wanser says.
And that provides not only an opportunity to make a sale but also to ensure a customer buys the perfect game and possibly becomes a regular visitor to your store.
“I had a family – a husband and wife and they had younger teens –come into the store and we had so much fun talking about the games they play,” Wanser says. “When families come in and I’m talking to parents and grandparents, I really challenge them and try to figure out which game is the right one for them.”
He also encourages the entire family to have a conversation and for parents to listen to their kids. Dad may think everyone would love foosball but after having a discussion he might find out they want air hockey, a pool table or the game Skeech, which is sort of a combination of skee-ball and shuffleboard that Wanser says is growing in popularity. The key is for the family to buy something they will enjoy and put to good use. That makes for a satisfied customer who is likely to trust your store when it comes time to buy another game.
SELLING TO SCHOOLS
When planning your back-to-school marketing strategy, billiard retailers can also consider schools. Greg McDonough is a teacher at Lake Forest Country Day School, a pre-K through eighth-grade independent school in Lake Forest, Illinois. The school has ping-pong tables that students use when weather prevents outdoor recess.
“On days when we have indoor recess, you can feel it in the afternoon when students have so much pent-up energy,” McDonough says. “Having ping-pong tables available to students makes a noticeable difference.”
McDonough notes that for teens, social media can create an illusion of connection with their peers and also put pressure on them to always “be on.”
“Our school has banned cellphones on campus because of research that shows students’ concentration is disrupted just by being physically near their devices,” he says. “A table game creates a space that encourages real, authentic connections with kids who may not interact with each other otherwise.They also encourage a relaxed opportunity to be in the moment with peers.”
ENCOURAGING HEALTHY MINDS AND BODIES
The world is becoming more and more aware of the importance of good mental health and the effects poor mental health can have on people, including young kids and teens. Hagg says that by offering real breaks from school, social media and other stressors, pool and other games can help promote good mental health.
“Kids today face intense academic demands, extracurricular overload and social pressure,” she says. “Table games provide a ‘mental recess’ – a structured but fun way to decompress. They can reduce stress, promote dopamine – the brain’s feelgood chemical – release and help reset attention and focus. Regular healthy play is linked to reduced anxiety and depression symptoms and can serve as a buffer against burnout for students. These games also encourage kids to just ‘be kids’ which is something many children don’t get enough of in our achievement-focused culture.”
Games also can help with physical health as well. As Hagg notes, they aren’t strenuous but involve light physical movements which can break up sedentary routines based on sitting at a desk at school or work or just watching TV. She also notes that games like pool, air hockey, foosball and others can improve hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, reaction time and concentration and sustained attention.
“These benefits are especially important for younger children developing motor coordination and for teens who spend a lot of time on screens and may need help with body awareness and sensory regulation,” she says.
So as the weather gets chillier and school buses start their rounds in the morning, consider how your home recreation store can build on its business by helping young people.
JUNIOR INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM
Creating Tomorrow’s Champions
THE BREAK AND RUN PREMIER JUNIOR INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM OFFERS:
ā Free coaching/instruction to youth nationwide.
ā On-going, individualized instruction tailored to junior players at all ages and skill levels.
ā Structured instruction at no cost to junior players who wish to play competitively.
ā Support to local coaches and instructors of players who are playing, or wish to play, at a competitive level.
ā Training materials, regular feedback and assessments of participant progress.
ā Regular instruction in person or via video exchange, such as Facetime or Skype interaction.
PBIA instructors associated with this program do so as a service to the PBIA and in furtherment of the sport. They receive no compensation for their participation. Each instructor has gone through extensive training and has a verified background check to participate.
If you are a junior player interested in this program, please email questions to info@pbia-instructor.com.
BILLIARD TV: The latest happenings from the billiard-specific channel.
By Charles S. Donnavan
Billiard TV is now available as a free ad-supported television (FAST) channel on Prime Video, where viewers can stream the 24/7 television network with programming dedicated exclusively to cue sports anytime.
“The launch of Billiard TV on Prime Video reflects the growing interest in cue sports programming that we have seen over the past few years,” says Brendan Canning, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Triple B Media, which operates Billiard TV. “Whether it’s live tournament action or
classic footage, Billiard TV is committed to super-serving its audience by both providing more quality content and making the channel easily accessible almost anywhere.”
Billiard TV offerings in 2025 include 150 days of live event programming in addition to highlights and full-event footage from the past 10 years of the Mosconi Cup, the most marketable event in the world of pool. The channel partnered with Matchroom Sport to stream Mosconi Cup events from 2015-2024.
“Billiard TV continues to grow in both offerings and audience, and this new partnership with Matchroom Sport, a historical leader in the industry, is a huge milestone for the channel,” Canning says. “The Mosconi Cup is one of the preeminent professional events on the cue sports calendar each and every year and we’re honored to be able to stream it.”
Since launching in 2021, Billiard TV has amassed key partnerships throughout the sport including with the Predator Pro Billiard Series; Predator Euro Tour; Women's Professional Billiard Association; International Pool Association; American Poolplayers Association; Accu-Stats and more.
“What we’re doing is we’re exposing the sport and the professionals in the sport, to a mass audience, that may not have been exposed to this level of play,” Canning says. “You can chalk up the rapid increase in viewership to enthusiastic cue
sports fans from the United States to India to the Nordics and 169 countries in between. Now, we are ready to kick off a year of live programming unlike anything you'll find anywhere else with events such as the Predator Las Vegas Open, the World 8 Ball Championships in Bali, the Women's World Championships in China, the IPA European Open and the APA US Amateur Championships.”
Billiard TV not only has an increasingly large audience, but a very engaged one as well. The network saw hours of viewing in 2024 climb 80 percent from the year prior. The average watch time per session was an impressive 80 minutes.
Viewers can watch Billiard TV at no additional cost in the Prime Video app on mobile, tablet, Fire TV and other smart TVs and set-top boxes such as Roku.
EXPO 2026
KIM “THE DRAGON” YOUNG
Named 2025 Jerry Briesath's PBIA Instructor of the Year
Kim “The Dragon”Young, a Master Certified Instructor with the Professional Billiard Instructors Association (PBIA) and the owner of Dragon Billiards Instruction – an accredited PBIA Training Academy based in Vestal, New York, was named the recipient of the BCA’s 2025 Jerry Briesath's PBIA Instructor of the Year.
“This is a highlight professionally and personally for me,” Young says. “I got inspired to become a billiard instructor when I was 15 years old, before I really even knew what a billiard instructor was.”
As one of the billiard world’s few full-time professional instructors,Young is known for his dynamic teaching style that helps players “Train Better and Do Better.” Young offers world-class coaching and instructor certification programs both in-person and through live online courses, reaching students worldwide. Whether training locally or online, his cutting-edge programs accelerate skill development, making him a trusted name for players who want to elevate their game quickly and effectively.
“In our world, there are two basic types of pool players: the ones who think they know everything and the ones who know they don’t,” Young says. “My client is the customer who is interested in improving and doing what it takes to get better. To be able to help them achieve their dreams, whether that’s moving up a skill level in their division or they want to accomplish something great, that’s awesome.”
Young’s coaching portfolio is as diverse as it is inspiring. His students include everyone from a player born without arms to a 103-yearold who learned to use Zoom on a smart-
phone just to take lessons. He has also guided high-level junior players, helping them overcome challenges and reach their potential. For Young, every student is notable and every victory – big or small – is celebrated.
“A good student is one with an open mind,” he says. “When they come to me and they are willing to be honest with themselves about what they’re good at and not so good at, we can build a partnership and help them achieve their goals. It’s more fun for me if they have a good sense of humor. We’re going to work hard, but it’s going to be fun.”
Most often, he notes, his students are advancing their skills faster than their skill level can keep up.
“What usually ends up happening is their skill level measured through their league might stay the same before they start skyrocketing,” Young says. “We’re able to find – based on assessment and how we are working – we’re able to see them move that needle.”
JOURNEY TO MASTERY
Young’s journey started as a mostly selftaught player, learning from instructional videos and books by legends such as Dr. Dave,Tor Lowry, Jerry Briesath, Phil Capelle and Freddy Bentivegna.
What drove him to this career, he recounts, was getting hustled out of $20 from a guy selling pool lessons.
“He told me to rack’em, then proceeded to run the table, and he took my $20,” Young says. “I asked him, ‘What about my lesson?’ and he goes, ‘I just gave it to ya.’ So, that was my start and everything I have done since then has been out of spite to that guy.”
Driven by a dream to become a professional instructor, as well as that incident, Young pursued formal coaching under Master Instructors like Anthony Beeler, David Donovan, Roy Pastor and Tom Rossman, refining his craft and elevating his expertise.
“I spent about eight months trying to teach myself,” he says. “I spent the next twoand-a-half years studying and learning so I could learn how to teach the game. I was working on drills and physics.”
While Young enjoyed playing pool casually as a teen, it wasn’t until he discovered the science and math behind the game that his passion truly ignited. Inspired by his father – a professional tennis instructor known for engaging and fun lessons – Young fell in love with teaching billiards.
Today, he combines physics, geometry and passion in his lessons, lighting up students’ eyes with understanding and excitement. Young doesn’t just love playing pool – he loves teaching it.
PASSION FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING
Over his career, Young has worked with more than 7,000 students in 62 countries.
What Young loves most about instructing is witnessing that “light bulb” moment –when a student finally grasps a concept they thought was out of reach. He thrives on sharing those victories and hearing stories of his students passing on their knowledge to friends and teammates.
“I teach between 60-80 hours a week,” Young says. “I’m probably the most active instructor on the planet and I just love it.”
Beyond teaching skills, Young dedicates himself to training the next generation of billiard instructors, inspiring them to uphold high standards and become self-coaches who can improve independently without falling into what he calls the “Rehearse the Curse.”
“For anyone who wants to do what I do, they need to make sure their game is in proper order and if not, probably take a lesson to close those gaps,” he says. “But if you have a desire to help people improve their game, and maybe improve your own along the way, get with a certified instructor who can put you through that certification process.”
LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY IMPACT
A valued PBIA board member, Young actively shapes the future of billiard education. He contributes to key organizational initiatives and is a trusted advisor to fellow instructors. His leadership shone brightly at the recent G1 Summit, where he facilitated group sessions and shared best practices with peers. Known for his responsiveness and generosity, Young supports numerous events and consistently raises the bar for professionalism, collaboration and mentorship in the billiards community.
Outside of the sport, Young enjoys spending time with his family, including his new bride.
“2025 has been a great year, I won the Instructor of the Year award, I have my new marriage and I love spending time with my four boys,” he says. “I also love cooking. If I wasn’t teaching pool, I would be doing something with cooking probably.”
It’s no surprise to anyone who knows him that Young’s dedication and impact have been recognized with the prestigious 2025 Jerry Briesath's PBIA Instructor of the Year Award – an honor that reflects his excellence and commitment.
Why?
CHALK TALK Billiards Industry Buzz
By BCA Staff
Predator Group Acquires Bilhares Carrinho
Predator Group, a global leader in billiard equipment, has acquired Bilhares Carrinho, a renowned Portuguese manufacturer of high-quality billiard tables. Founded in 1962 in Anadia, Portugal, Bilhares Carrinho is celebrated for its craftsmanship and innovation in producing competition-grade tables for professional and home use across Europe and beyond.
“Bilhares Carrinho brings incredible talent, heritage, and manufacturing know-how into our group,” says Karim Belhaj, CEO of the Predator Group.
“Their tradition of excellence and innovation is perfectly aligned with our mission to push the sport of billiards forward. Together, we’ll build faster, better products closer to our European customers and fans.”
The move expands Predator’s manufacturing footprint, adding Portugal to its facilities in the U.S. and Asia, and reinforces its unique position as the only global brand designing and producing its own cues, tables, and accessories.
“We are proud to become part of the Predator Group,” says António Carrinho, Bilhares Carrinho’s director. “This partnership honors our past and empowers our future. With shared values and a common vision, we are excited to bring even more value to players, clubs and dealers across Europe.”
This strategic acquisition reinforces Predator’s mission to enhance the billiards experience worldwide, supporting its reputation for innovation and quality in the industry.
There is only one Master.
VNEA Names New Leader
Mike Wiltse has been promoted from the Valley National 8-Ball League Association office manager to its new executive director, effective immediately.
Gregg Elliott, who served as VNEA’s executive director since 1988 after a nearly a decade-long career as a CPA, will step into a senior advisory role as he transitions into retirement, the organization announced. Elliott expressed his commitment to remaining actively involved in growing the VNEA.
Wiltse, who joined the organization in 2023, brings more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement and public safety. He is also a former coach of Delta College’s women’s softball team, leading them to a National Championship in 1999, and is set to be inducted into the Bay County Sports Hall of Fame this November.
VNEA praised Wiltse’s lifelong dedication to serving others and stated he will continue to prioritize members as he takes on his new leadership role.
Presidential Billiards Launches U.S. Distribution Partnership with Rasson Billiards
Presidential Billiards has announced a strategic partnership to become the official U.S. distributor for Rasson Billiards, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of professional pool tables. This collaboration aims to merge high-end residential billiards with professional-grade performance, expanding access to top-tier tables across the United States.
Founded on a reputation for crafting elegant and durable home billiard tables, Presidential Billiards will now offer Rasson’s full line of commercial and tournament-quality tables.
Rasson is renowned in the professional billiards community, with its tables featured in major tournaments such as the Mosconi Cup, World Pool Championships, Reyes Cup and World Cup of Pool. The company is known for its innovative design, technical precision,
patented leveling systems and excellent playability.
“Our mission has always been to bring beautiful, high-quality game room furniture to American homes,” says Elaine Gerber, founder of Presidential. “With Rasson, we’re also providing worldclass tables for competitive venues, clubs, bars, universities and beyond. This partnership truly combines the best of both worlds.”
Under the agreement, Presidential Billiards will serve as the authorized distributor for Rasson tables across the U.S., offering streamlined access to professional-grade products for dealers, designers, and hospitality buyers. Whether outfitting a family game room or a professional tournament floor, the alliance promises to deliver excellence at every level of play.
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