The World Trick Shot Championship, a championship for trick shot billiards, is held every year. The competition was first held in 1991 and took place on snooker tables. It was organized by Matchroom Sport. Matchroom Sport organized the competition. The judges evaluated players based on their technical merits and presentation style. In 2005, the competition was held at Celtic Manor.
In the 1970s, many professional billiards gamers began performing trick shots. These players were awarded prizes like the World Championship of Artistic Pool, International Challenge Cup, or the Swedish Championship. Trick shot is a type of pool that is sanctioned by the World Pool-Billiard Alliance. Aside from playing in tournaments, trick shot artists also teach others the sport.
Mike Massey has been a world-famous trick shot artist since the late 1970s. He has been a part of many games with celebrities such as Jason Gedrick, Paul Sorvino and others. Massey was also an instructor and fundraiser for the sport. His performances at Wentworth's Waste Management Pheonix Open as well as the Volvo PGA At Wentworth has earned him a high level of visibility.
Mike Massey taught professional athletes such as Scott Baiin, Dean Cain, James Tolkan, and James Tolkan. He has competed in several international professional competitions. In 2002, he was part of Team U.S.A. which won the trick shot championship world title. The team also performed at the HSBC Championships Abu Dhabi and the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters.
Jim Sommer is another talented trick shot artist. He has been a participant in international Trick-shot turns and has also traveled to America to compete in the US Nationals. He was the winner of the US Nationals Artistic Pool Championship.
The World Trick Shot Artists Association (WTSAA) is an organization of trick shot artists from all over the world. Paul Gerni, world champion trick shot artist, is the founder of the association. The WTSAA books contains 160 tricks. Some of these tricks include: the machine gun shot; the "kick", shot; and the quick fire shot. Other trick shots include "pro" shot (extremely cut shot), and "proper" shot.
Tim "The Dragon", Chin, was the 2022 US Nationals Artistic Pool Champion. He defeated Jason "The Michigan Kid," Lynch to take the prestigious title. Both Lynch and Chin have been ranked WPA World. Lynch is still an Ohio State student, but Chin has the advantage as a seasoned professional.
On October 9-10, Trick Shot Magic will host its next event. Eight international stars will compete in this competition. The purse is worth $40,000. Each player will get to choose between six and ten of the predetermined shots. After choosing their favorites, each player will be given three chances to complete the shot. Those who make a successful shot will earn a point.
Geoff McIlroy was the best trick shot artist of all time for many years. Noel Hunt inspired him and he began to practice trick shots. He has met people he never imagined and fallen from ladders. But he hasn't stopped trying.