Jul 8, 20153 min
From my personal experience, the expo is what I would call a bucket list event for some, myself included. This one was my first. Cue makers, collectors, distributors, suppliers, pros, amateurs, clothing, teachers. You name it, it was there… all for you to look at, talk to, pick up (maybe), buy, sell, trade, or get signed.
Growing up, most aspiring pool players have heard about George Balabushka, right? His cues are infamous, sought after by many, attained by few, and admired by all. I heard the name growing up, saw pictures, etc. I never would have thought I would be standing in front of one, let alone hold one. I had just that chance a few times during the trip. The Golden Balabushka was on display. A simple yet elegant cue that is George’s masterpiece work, and considered priceless.
Coster, Paradise, Rambow, Spain, Martin, Szamboti, were just a few other famous cues that were for sale or on display, along with current makers: Nitti, Black Boar, Lomax, Prather, Tonkin, AE, McDermott, Jacoby, and Blackcreek.
The list is way longer but you get the idea.
Now go back and read that again and let this sink in for a second.
Can you imagine having the chance to see all these cues at the same time? The same time! The historical significance alone of this list is mind blowing, to say the least.
How about the pros attending the event? For anyone wanting to meet some of the top players in the country, you are all but inches from a handshake or a conversation. Make sure you keep your head on a swivel because you may miss the chance you are looking for: they happen fast and you need to be on top of it. The after-hours action is just as intense as the main events, so don’t think just because the matches are done for the day that the matches are really over. Seeing and meeting players from when I was growing up — like Loree Jon Jones — was another major highlight of the trip.
I never really had the chances growing up like I do now to be around the greatest pool players in the country. Seeing the history first hand was worth the trip by itself… so I want to leave you with this: If you have never been to the Super Billiards Expo, GO!
Happy Shooting.