Felix Vogel and Maks Benko Lead a New Era in 14.1 Straight Pool

Young pool champions celebrating at European Youth Pool Championships.

Emergence of Young Talents in European Pool Championships

The excitement surrounding the Predator European Youth Pool Championships in Slovenia was palpable as two young athletes, Felix Vogel and Maks Benko, rose to the occasion, showcasing remarkable skill in the straight pool discipline. These championships not only marked their triumphs but also represented a broader shift in the sport towards nurturing young talent.

Hard-Fought Battles That Captivated Fans

Felix Vogel, competing in the Under 19 category, faced a formidable opponent in Jokūbas Silantjevas from Lithuania. In a thrilling final match, Vogel demonstrated resilience, bouncing back from an early 45-point deficit to secure a 100-85 victory. This marked his first title in straight pool and his fifth European Youth Championship gold medal overall.

Reflecting on his journey, Vogel shared his emotions stating, "I’m very happy to win straight pool for the first time in my life at the European Championships. It was a hard fight and I could also have lost but, in the end, I’m the happy winner." His ability to recover under pressure illustrates the mental fortitude required in competitive billiards.

Adding More Gold to the Medals

Maks Benko, representing Slovenia, also shined brightly in the same tournament. Coming off a strong performance in the Predator Euro Tour, he faced the defending champion Jakub Chrobot and emerged victorious with a nail-biting 75-68 finish. This triumph marked Benko's fourth European Championship gold and secured him a spot in the upcoming WPA World Junior Championships. "It felt even better than the others because it’s straight pool," remarked Benko, highlighting his relief and determination to compete further.

A Glorious Future for European Pool

Both Vogel and Benko are prime examples of the potential that exists in young players in the billiards arena. Their victories not only bring individual accolades but also ignite excitement in fans and aspiring players alike, fundamentally transforming how straight pool is viewed in Europe.

As the future of competitive pool unfolds, performances like these set a benchmark, motivating the next generation of players to hone their skills. The championship is indeed a gateway to bigger opportunities, as both champions prepare to represent Europe on the world stage.

Conclusion: What’s Next for These Champions?

As we celebrate the triumphs of Vogel and Benko, let's keep an eye on their upcoming challenges in international competitions. Their journey serves as an inspiration for young players everywhere. It's not just about winning medals—it's about the continuous pursuit of excellence in the sport.

Tournament Highlights

0 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

09.03.2025

Historic Win for Paolo Gallito: The Future of Philippine Billiards Awaits

Update Paolo Gallito: A Star is Born in the 10-Ball Championship In a thrilling finale that kept fans at the edge of their seats, Paolo Gallito of Mandaluyong City clinched his first major title by dominating the Efren “Bata” Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Championship on August 30, 2025. Facing off against the highly skilled Lee Vann Corteza, Gallito edged out a nail-biting 13-12 victory, showcasing not just talent but also unyielding resolve. Unforgettable Moments and Huge Prize As Gallito hoisted the championship trophy, his emotions ran high: "I’m over the moon—I still can’t believe I’m a Philippine International Open champion!" he exclaimed. His victory not only earned him a whopping P1 million but also solidified his place among the country’s billiards elite. Runner-up Corteza, a seasoned player himself, took home a commendable P300,000 and graciously acknowledged Gallito's superb performance during the match. The Road to Glory The path to the championship for Gallito wasn’t easy. After a vigorous elimination round, where he defeated Bryan Paco decisively with an 11-5 score, he entered the finals ready to take on Corteza. The competition, organized by billiards champion Marlon Manalo and backed by Senator Manny Pacquiao, showcases just how significant the championship is for both players and fans alike. A Bright Future for Filipino Pool This championship reignites hope and excitement for the future of billiards in the Philippines. With young talents like Gallito stepping into the limelight, it brings new energy to the sport, inspiring both aspiring and existing players. His remarkable achievement at such a young age reflects the dedication of players in the region. As the billiards community watches, Gallito’s journey could spark a new wave of interest and skill development in the sport.

08.31.2025

Lee Vann Corteza vs. Paolo Gallito: The Final Showdown at the Efren 'Bata' Reyes Championships

Update High Stakes in the Efren Reyes Championship The impending final match of the Efren “Bata” Reyes Yalin 10-Ball Championships is generating excitement among billiards enthusiasts as Lee Vann Corteza faces off against Paolo Gallito. Corteza earned his spot in the final by defeating Oliver Villafuerte with a score of 11-8, showcasing impressive skill and strategy throughout the match. On the other hand, Gallito secured his place with a decisive victory over Bryan Paco, winning 11-5. Both players displayed remarkable talent, but only one will walk away with the grand prize. A Historic Venue for Billiards This prestigious event is taking place at the Pacman’s Cue Club located in Mandaluyong City, a fitting venue that is well-regarded in the billiards community. The club not only serves as a battleground for these intense matches but is also a hub for promoting billiards in the Philippines. With notable support from Senator Manny Pacquiao and organized by International Billiards Champion Kap. Marlon Manalo, this tournament emphasizes the significant role of billiards in Filipino culture. Prize Money Ups the Ante With a total prize pool of P2 million, the stakes in this championship are high, making the competition even more exhilarating. The champion will receive P1 million, while the runner-up will take home P300,000. Such financial incentives enhance the level of competition, pushing players to elevate their game and deliver thrilling performances for fans and supporters alike. What This Match Means for Players For aspiring billiards players and fans, watching professionals like Corteza and Gallito in action is not just entertaining; it’s also an educational experience. Observing their strategic approaches, shot executions, and mental fortitude can provide valuable insights into improving one’s own game. This final match is more than just a contest of skills; it is a masterclass in how discipline and strategy converge in competitive billiards. Prepare for the Exciting Showdown As we anticipate the final showdown to take place Saturday night, August 30, 2025, fans can look forward to witnessing a clash of two skilled players who are both at the top of their game. The energy in the air promises to be electric, as each stroke of the cue will bring them closer to glory.

08.30.2025

Celebrating the Dedication of Our Referees at the 2025 World Pool Championships

Update Celebrating the Backbone of Pool: Our Referees The 2025 World Pool Championships have concluded, and it’s time to express heartfelt gratitude towards the unsung heroes of the tournament: the referees and floor managers! These dedicated individuals are crucial for ensuring fair play and maintaining the integrity of the game. With meticulous attention to detail, they guide players through this thrilling experience, allowing everyone to focus on their skills and passion for the sport. Meet the Teams Keeping the Spirit Alive Among the many faces behind the scenes, we had several teams of referees, each contributing uniquely to the championships. From Matt Seely and Robert Yearwood in the back row to the vibrant Orange Team, led by Frank Collecchia, each member played an irreplaceable role. They worked tirelessly, making sure everything ran smoothly and professionally during the games. The Heartfelt Commitment of Our Floor Managers The floor managers exhibited unwavering commitment, ensuring all aspects of the event were seamlessly executed. Leaders like Jeff Howell and Danielle Hecht embodied the spirit of teamwork, overseeing operations with grace and efficiency. They set the tone for a championship infused with sportsmanship, making each match a joy to behold. A Thoughtful Reflection on Our Pool Community As the tournament wraps up, we reflect not just on the thrilling matches and surprising victories, but on the community that makes these events possible. The camaraderie displayed by referees, players, and spectators alike showcases the essence of competitive sports—one of unity, respect, and shared enthusiasm. This championship is more than just a competition; it’s a celebration of our love for the game. What Lies Ahead for Competitive Pool? Looking forward, we can expect even more exhilarating events as competitive pool continues to flourish. With passionate individuals guiding this growth and the community rallying behind them, the future of pool looks bright. We encourage everyone to stay engaged—whether by attending events, supporting athletes, or simply enjoying the game with friends.

Felix Vogel and Maks Benko Lead a New Era in 14.1 Straight Pool

Emergence of Young Talents in European Pool Championships

Hard-Fought Battles That Captivated Fans

Adding More Gold to the Medals

A Glorious Future for European Pool

Conclusion: What’s Next for These Champions?

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title