South Dakota's Tanner Pruess Named 2026 ACS Outstanding Instructor of the Year

Tanner Pruess is an ACS Level III & Advanced PBIA Instructor. Photo by Savannah Cameron

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Tanner Pruess of Rapid City, South Dakota, was named the 2026 ACS Outstanding Instructor of the Year at the International Certified Instructors Summit held in Dubuque, Iowa

The award recognizes excellence in cue sports instruction and is presented annually to an instructor who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to student development, teaching, and advancing the profession of billiards instruction. Tanner received the honor before a gathering of certified instructors from across the United States and around the world.

An ACS Level III & Advanced PBIA Instructor, accomplished competitor, and author of the Pool Confidence Guide, Tanner has built a reputation for helping players bridge the gap between practice and performance. He specializes in helping students improve not only their mechanics, but also their confidence, decision-making, and execution under pressure. Through custom online training programs, private instruction, and the Pool Confidence Guide, he works with players of all skill levels to develop skills that hold up in real competition. 

"It is incredibly humbling to be recognized by a group of instructors that I have looked up to and learned from," said Pruess. "Some of the most rewarding moments in instruction are not tournament victories, but seeing a student accomplish something they once thought was out of reach. Helping others grow and succeed is what makes this work meaningful."

In addition to his instructional work, Pruess is a two-time VNEA World Singles Champion and has earned numerous city, state, and regional titles throughout his competitive career. His unique perspective as both a high-level competitor and instructor has made him a sought-after instructor for players looking to improve their performance in competition.

During this year's Summit, Tanner also presented a featured session titled "Execution Under Pressure: 10 Lessons From a Competitor," sharing lessons learned through years of competition and instruction on how players can perform more consistently when it matters most.

Tanner Pruess at the Table Photo by Savannah Cameron

Pruess credits much of his success to the support of his family, students, mentors, and fellow instructors who have contributed to his growth throughout his career. Tanner is sponsored by Jam Up Apparel, Keith Hanssen Kues and Breakroom Billiards in Rapid City, SD.

The International Certified Instructors Summit brings together instructors from a variety of cue sports disciplines to share knowledge, advance teaching standards and promote excellence in player development worldwide.

About Tanner Pruess

Tanner Pruess is an ACS Level III & Advanced PBIA Instructor based in Rapid City, South Dakota. The author of the Pool Confidence Guide, he is known for combining high-level competitive experience with practical instruction that helps players improve execution, confidence, and performance under pressure.