08/27/2026
I’d like to take a moment to thank Jack Romero, Carlos Hernandez, Stanley Wong, and Juliana Molchanova for believing in our team—even after we lost our first two matches.
We all took a breath and regrouped mentally. Some played more pool, some listened to Sun Tzu, and the other old guys simply rested! 😂
Whatever the strategy, it worked.
We went on an unbelievable 8-match winning streak, including five straight victories through the grueling—and incredibly exciting—Final Single-Elimination stage, to capture the Ohio State Championship Silver Division!
I can’t thank my teammates enough for their patience, dedication, and determination. They made our little road trip one we’ll never forget. The cash was just a bonus.
I’d also like to recognize BCAPL operator Chris Williams. Chris’s dedication to his players and to the sport has single-handedly helped grow his local tournament into a top-shelf State Championship that continues to get bigger and better.
This year, 1,400 players traveled from across the country and Canada to compete in what has become one of the best-run amateur—or professional—tournaments in the U.S.
A special thank-you to CSI Tournament Director Attila and his entire staff for handling the endless questions and concerns with professionalism, grace, and patience—sometimes at a level that was almost saintly!
Finally, thank you to all the friends we made along the way. Hopefully, we’ll see you all again next year—or at the Nationals in Las Vegas.
