Every year, no matter where it’s held, the Mosconi Cup is guaranteed to make a splash. Launched in 1994, and named in commemoration of American pool legend Willie Mosconi, the nine-ball pool competition played out between teams from Europe and the United States has enjoyed its fair share of high drama through the years. They don’t call it “the Ryder Cup of pool” for nothing.
For instance, in 2006, Earl Strickland – one of the greatest, and most unpredictable, nine-ball players of all-time – shattered his cue on the ground in frustration after missing a regulation pot in a match against Europe’s Thomas Engert. Incredibly, Strickland picked up the shards, sat down, replaced the shaft, and went on to win the match 7–4.
Four years earlier, in 2002, Strickland had found himself on the opposite end of another iconic Mosconi moment. With Europe just a point away from their first victory in 7 years, Earl “the Pearl” missed a vital shot, leaving popular Englishman Steve Davis (best known for his snooker exploits) to finish the job and bring the cup back to Europe in a highly emotional finale.
Of course, having some of the world’s best players at the table means there’s always a chance of witnessing some of the world’s greatest shots. This was certainly the case in 2012 when, after finding himself in a tough spot, and with just seconds left to play, Dutchman Nick van den Berg chipped the cue ball over the obstacle in his path and potted the 6-ball on the other side. “The jump shot heard around the world”, as it was quickly monikered, is widely regarded as the finest shot in Mosconi Cup history.
This year, between 30 November – 3 December, the Mosconi Cup returns to Las Vegas, where the US team will look to avenge the defeat they suffered in London in 2021. Hosted by Bally’s Hotel & Casino, in the heart of the Vegas Strip, the tournament has standard day tickets available for $65, meaning you can experience the spine-tingling atmosphere of another historic Mosconi night for less than a few hands of blackjack.
Alternatively, for anyone enamoured with the glitz and glamour of the USA’s City of Lights, the Mosconi Cup’s VIP Packages are the perfect way to make your time in Vegas even more “fabulous”. With prices starting at $434, VIP tickets provide you with a host of exclusive benefits, including seats in the first 3 rows of the arena (or on a comfortable couch), a private open bar, VIP lounge, breakfast buffet, autographed ball, and photo opportunity with a Mosconi Cup star.
They might say that what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, but a trip to the Mosconi Cup is impossible to forget. When the last 9-ball has been potted on 3 December, and the winning team climbs atop the table to celebrate, even the most ardent Sin City sceptic in attendance will be hard-pressed not to think “Viva Las Vegas!”
Click here for more information, or to secure your place at the 2022 Mosconi Cup.
