The stage is set for one of the biggest events in pool! The 2024 BetOnline Mosconi Cup is just around the corner, and this year’s tournament promises to be thrilling as Team USA and Team Europe go head-to-head in Orlando, Florida, from November 30 to December 3. With two powerhouse teams full of top players, fans worldwide are ready to see who will bring home the trophy.
What is the Mosconi Cup?
The Mosconi Cup is like the “World Series of Pool,” where the best players from the USA and Europe compete each year. Named after Willie Mosconi, a legendary pool player, the tournament is intense, full of energy, and thrilling for fans everywhere. This year, the event will be held in sunny Orlando at the Caribe Royale Resort, marking the first time the tournament will take place in Florida.
Meet Team USA
Team USA’s lineup includes some of the best pool players in the country, each with a strong history in pool championships. Let’s take a closer look at who will be representing the USA:
- Skyler Woodward (Captain): Skyler is leading Team USA this year as the captain. He’s a two-time winner of the Mosconi Cup and known for his cool and focused playing style.
- Fedor Gorst: A world champion and one of the top pool players today, Fedor is new to the USA team and brings a powerful game that keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
- Shane Van Boening: Shane is one of the most experienced players on Team USA, with five U.S. Open Championships under his belt. This year will mark his 18th Mosconi Cup appearance, a record in the tournament’s history!
- Tyler Styer: Another strong player with two Mosconi Cup wins, Tyler earned his spot through hard work and skill in recent tournaments.
- Billy Thorpe: Known for his energy and fearless playing style, Billy has won the Mosconi Cup twice and is back to help Team USA.
Meet Team Europe
Team Europe, the current champion team, is coming in with confidence, hoping to win the Cup for the fifth time in a row. Here’s a look at their star players:
- Jayson Shaw (Captain): As Team Europe’s captain, Jayson is a skilled and passionate player who leads with energy and experience.
- Eklent Kaçi: A two-time Mosconi Cup winner, Eklent is known for his precision and smart moves on the table.
- David Alcaide: With four Mosconi Cup wins, David is one of Europe’s most successful players. He’s back again and aiming for his fifth win this year.
- Mickey Krause: A fresh face on Team Europe, Mickey recently won the European Open Championship and is eager to make his mark in the Mosconi Cup.
- Francisco Sanchez Ruiz: A former world champion, Francisco brings more experience to the team. He’s been part of many big matches and knows how to stay cool under pressure.
How Were the Teams Chosen?
Each team has five players, and most qualified through the 2024 World Nineball Tour Rankings. The best players from tournaments like the European Open, the U.S. Open Pool Championship, and the Hanoi Open Pool Championship earned their spots. The remaining players, known as “wildcards,” were handpicked by the team captains to complete the lineups.
This year, Skyler Woodward and Jayson Shaw will serve as “playing captains” for the first time, meaning they’ll be playing while leading their teams. Both captains narrowly missed qualifying automatically but were chosen as wildcards because of their skills and leadership.
Key Players to Watch
Fans are especially excited to watch Shane Van Boening and David Alcaide. Shane has been playing in the Mosconi Cup longer than anyone else and is looking to set records, while David, with four wins, is one of Europe’s strongest players. New players like Mickey Krause for Europe and Fedor Gorst for the USA also add excitement, as fans look forward to seeing how they handle the high stakes of the Mosconi Cup.
The Road to Orlando
The road to the Mosconi Cup began earlier this year, with players competing fiercely in major tournaments around the world. Fedor Gorst and Eklent Kaçi secured their places early in the World Pool Championship, followed by Tyler Styer and Mickey Krause in the Hanoi Open. With each player bringing their best game, both teams are ready to give their all.
Don’t Miss the Showdown
The 2024 BetOnline Mosconi Cup will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, DAZN in the USA, and other broadcasters around the world, making it easy for fans to watch every moment. For those who want to witness the action live, tickets for the press conference on November 29 will be announced soon, offering fans a chance to see the teams face-to-face before the matches begin.
Will Team Europe hold onto their title for a fifth year, or will Team USA bring the trophy home? With skilled players on both sides, the 2024 Mosconi Cup promises unforgettable moments and intense action.