Team Pechauer

Cyriel Ledoux

• Pro Experience: European youth championships 9-ball 2013 3rd place
  European youth championships teams 2013 winner
  European youth championships 9-ball 2014 2nd place
  European youth championships 14.1 2014 2nd place
  World youth championships 2014 5th place
  European youth championships 10-ball 2016 3rd place
  European youth championships teams 2016 2nd place
  
  Winner Dutch Eredivisie 2024
  #1 ranked Dutch player 2025

P21-N with Rogue 2 shaft
Break cue with Rogue carbon shaft

Coming from a difficult family situation, I started playing pool at age 12, basically only to have a way to escape day-to-day life. Within months, I fell in love with the game and became an addict to shooting balls. After playing nearly every day for a year, I managed to qualify for the European youth championships aged 13 and finished that tournament with a bronze and gold medal. The year after, I managed to get 2 silver medals and, in doing so, qualified for the World Youth Championships, where I reached the quarter-finals, losing out to the eventual winner 7-8. My youth career ended with a total of 6 European medals. I played on for a couple of years after, booking some national and international successes, before having to stop and take some time to tend to family matters again. After losing my uncle, who was my best friend and my father in 2023 and 2024, both to cancer, I started playing more seriously again, since I promised both of them to do so. I managed to get to the number one ranked spot of the Netherlands in 2025. The goal is to get back with the best of Europe within the next couple of years.

Álvaro Rodríguez

Champion of Spain Junior U-19 and Absolute Champion of Aragon of 9 Ball in ADY competitions. Champion of several Aragonese leagues in different categories and called up to represent Spain in the European Under-23 Championships.

Despite his youth, he has established himself as one of the young promises of Spanish billiards, standing out for his talent, perseverance and dedication. A career marked by effort, ambition and passion for this sport, with a great projection for the future.

Taisiya Lypkan

Otso Kivela

Finnish U17 Championship, 8-Ball – Silver medal / 2nd place – February 28, 2026
Finnish U17 Championship, 10-Ball – Silver medal / 2nd place – January 3, 2026
Finnish U19 Championship, Straight Pool – 5th place – October 11, 2025
Taom HCP Open Tour, Vaasa event – Silver medal / 2nd place – May 18, 2025
Several silver and bronze placements in junior tournaments organized by the Finnish Billiards Federation
Datel Tallinn Open 2025 – 9th place – December 20–21, 2025

Otso Kivelä is a dedicated junior pool player from Vaasa, Finland. His interest in cue sports began during the COVID years, when his parents often watched snooker on television. Although football was originally his main sport, billiards quickly became his passion.

Otso started junior pool practice at The Club in Vaasa in December 2023 through Vaasa Billiard. Within a few months, he became a club member and began spending more and more time at the pool hall. In spring 2024, pool became his main sport, and he received his first proper playing cue — J. Pechauer Professional P12-M Pool Cue with a Performance Plus Pro shaft — which he still uses today.

Otso practices around five times a week and regularly competes in local and junior tournaments. He has already achieved several strong results, including silver medals in the Finnish U17 Championships in both 8-Ball and 10-Ball.

His goal is to continue developing at national and international level and to become one of the top players in the sport. Otso is proud to represent Pechauer and looks forward to growing as a player with their support.

Jacob Guevara

• Location: New York

* Runner-Up, 2024 Pennsylvania Junior State Championship
* Top 12 Finish, 2024 BEF Nationals
* Top 16 Finish, 2024 Svb Junior Open
* Top 48 Finish, 2025 BEF Nationals
* 2025 Connecticut State Champion (18U)
* 2025 Rhode Island State Champion (14U)
* 2025 Rhode Island 18U Runner-Up

Current Ranking: Fargo Rate 499

Jacob Guevara is a rising junior pool player from Middletown, New York who began playing at age 11. Now 14, he has quickly made a name for himself on the junior circuit. When he’s not competing, Jacob stays active playing football and basketball.

Angel Mendez

• Location: New York

Top 16 9ball Jr championship
2nd place Rhode Island Jr championship
Final 8 sbe 2026 jrs

I started playing pool about 2 1/2 years ago and I really like it so I just kept practicing to get better and I hope to be a pro 1 day. One major milestone I have is getting 2nd in the Rhode Island bef jrs. Another one is placing top 16 in Quincy Illinois 9-ball jr championship. A recent major milestone: final 8 in super billiards expo 2026 Jrs tournament (first time playing in it).

Christopher Seckinger

• Location: Utah

Finished 5th/6th out of a small field of Professional players in Wyoming. First time really getting out of my element and felt incredible.
Finished 4th of 49 at the Kraken 660 and under 8 Ball in Vegas in 2026
Finished 3rd of 45 at the Pocatello open 720 and under, Handicapped 2025
Finished 4th of 63 at the Wormo. 720 Cap I believe. 9 ball in Twin Falls, ID. 2025
Finished 5th/6th at the Kraken 640 and under 8 ball in Vegas in 2024

Playing Cue: Pechauer P12-R. Paired with a Rouge, 30-inch, Carbon Fiber Shaft at 12.4mm.
Break Cue: Pechauer naked brake cue with a Rouge Shaft
Jump Cue: Pechauer pro jump cue

I grew up in South Carolina and was playing pool at a very young age in places I shouldn’t have been if I’m being honest. My parents were heavy into the APA scene, so pool was always around. I remember as a kid playing overhanded because I was too short for an underhand stroke yet. Played off and on irregularly when I happened to be near a pool table. Played one session of APA in 2012 before moving to Utah. Once in Utah, pool faded away, other responsibilities took over. I didn’t really know the pool scene in UT like I did in SC and it wasn’t an obsession like it is now. I joined the army reserves in 2016 and in 2020 I was mobilized to Poland for a year. This is where I was hooked to the game on a whole new level. Around the corner from our base, after the covid-19 pandemic finally lightened up a bit, there was a small polish club that had 2, 9 footers, with beautiful Simonis cloth. I was there as often as possible just obsessed with solving the puzzle on the table. Fast forward to 2021 back home, found the local pool scene, joined a ton of different leagues and met a lot of awesome people. Fell in love with the game on a whole new level and been at it ever sense.

Donovan Seymour

• Location: California

U10 National 8 Ball Champion,
California U12 9 Ball Champion,
Arizona U12 9 Ball Champion,
BCAPL 2025 World Champion

Current Ranking: 1st U12 9 Ball in Arizona, 3rd U12 9 Ball and 3rd U14 Straight Pool at Junior Nationals, BCAPL 2025 World Champion in 9 ball teams

Playing Cue: P-21H Cue with Rogue 2 29″ 12.4 Carbon Fiber Shaft
Break Cue: Natural Breaker with Rogue Break Shaft
Jump Cue: Pro Jump Cue

Donovan Seymour lives in California and learned to shoot pool with instruction from the very beginning by PBIA Master Instructor Roy Pastor and Steve Sherman in the PBIA Break and Run Program . He has won 1st in the 10U 8 Ball Junior National Championships, 1st in 12U 9 Ball State Championships in California and Arizona, 1st at the BCAPL World Championships in 2025, and has won many other tournaments (both junior and adult) throughout the state of California.

Donovan is very proud to be a part of Team Pechauer and looks forward to improving and having more incredible experiences playing pool. Outside of billiards, he likes to play videogames, basketball, and guitar.

Kennedy “Smooth Kriminal” Meyman

• Location: Minnesota

7-8th WPBA Fairfield Iowa
6x national champion
Top 32 WPA
WPBA top 20

Current Ranking: #19 WPBA #30 WPA

Playing Cue: P23-R Pechauer
Break Cue: Naked Break cue with rogue shaft
Jump Cue

Kennedy started playing pool when she was 10 years old on a table in her basement. Her parents introduced Kennedy to Junior leagues and she fell in love with the game. Kennedy won her first state championship at 11 and went on to play Junior Nationals. She started playing a Junior National Tour at the age of 15 and at 16, started playing on the pro tour. Kennedy officially became a professional when she was 17. The game has brought Kennedy so much joy, and more than just the game, she has gained friends and life experiences that will forever stick with her.

Avery “Lil-Beast” Castel-Brandt

• Location: Illinois

2024 Midwest ACS Junior 8ball Champion
2024 APA Junior Nationals 9th out of 128
2025 Iowa VNEA Junior state 9ball Champion
2025 ILLINOIS ACS 14&U 9ball State Champion
2025 MIDWEST Acs Junior 10ball Champion
2025 Iowa ACS Junior 9ball Champion
2025 VNEA Junior World Championship 4th place
2025 ACS Iowa State Women’s Division 3rd place
2026 ACS Midwest Junior 14&U girls Champion

Playing Cue:
Break Cue:
Jump Cue: Pechauer Pro Jump Cue

Avery started playing pool during Covid because she was not able to go to Kindergarten. She was 5 years old and stood on a chair to shoot. She started playing leagues and tournaments at 8 years old with her dad and was hooked. She has since won numerous state titles and is dreaming of being a pro.

Sofia Mast

• Location: Florida

Titles/Career Achievements:

2024 Gold medal at Junior Worlds

4-time Ultimate Pool Champion

2023 Silver medal at Junior Worlds

Texas Open Champion

Placed Top 8 at Women’s World 10 Ball

Currently #13 on the WPBA Rankings

Ashley Benoit

• Location: Massachusetts

Ashley Benoit started playing pool at the age of 7 at the boys and girls club. She played on and off throughout her childhood and loved the game just didn’t get many opportunities to play. In her early 20’s she joined a local APA team starting off as a 2. By the following year she had already become a 7, and still improving at an alarming rate. She stuck with APA for a few years, but ultimately decided to leave to focus on making it in the tournament world. Her first WPBA tournament was the Dr. Pool Classic in Wisconsin in December of 2022. She played in a couple events throughout 2023, but didn’t start making much leeway until2024. Playing in every event that year she quickly moved up the rankings going from 92 in the rankings to finishing the year at 18, and she doesn’t see herself stopping anytime soon. “Benoit started playing pool at the age of 7 at the boys and girls club. She played on and off throughout her childhood and loved the game just didn’t get many opportunities to play. In her early 20’s she joined a local APA team starting off as a 2. By the following year she had already become a 7, and still improving at an alarming rate. She stuck with APA for a few years, but ultimately decided to leave to focus on making it in the tournament world. Her first WPBA tournament was the Dr. Pool Classic in Wisconsin in December of 2022. She played in a couple events throughout 2023, but didn’t start making much leeway until 2024. Playing in every event that year she quickly moved up the rankings going from 92 in the rankings to finishing the year at 18, and she doesn’t see herself stopping anytime soon.

Daria Gorkova

Daria has played pool ever since she was eleven years old.

She won her first medal at the Moscow championship in 2016 and has been winning tournaments ever since. She’s now got the following under her belt:

• 10x Champion of Moscow
• Current Champion of Russia
• Winner of the Moscow Cups
• Prize Winner of the Russian Cups
• As well a fierce participant in international tournaments

She is proud of her current achievements, but continues to strive for future wins and titles! She enjoys training young athletes in the sport, also.

In her words, “I choose pool, I play pool, I love pool!”

James McArthur

• Location: Virginia

James Daniel McArthur was born in Tucson, AZ.  He currently lives in Suffolk, Virginia with his parents, younger brother, one dog, and three cats. James is a pool fanatic who obsesses over the sport every day and is now in search of an organization that can help further his career in 9 ball and 8 ball.  One year ago he discovered a used pool table at his house and it changed his life. He now has a daily routine of playing pool 3-5 hours and he doesn’t plan on stopping anytime soon!  He is currently ranked as a 5 in his local Junior American Pool Association league and has begun playing competitively in several local pool tournaments including Steel Blue, Tiger, Viper Billiards, and the Barry Behrman Classic. In addition to his love of pool, he has committed his time to other pursuits and leadership roles. Taking the initiative to gain approval and sponsorship, he became the founder and president of Lakeland High School’s first-ever Chess club where he used his extra-curricular time to teach his classmates how to play Chess. He was also competitively selected as the Group Commander for his Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and is currently enrolled in Cadet Leadership training.  He maintains a 3.2 grade point average. Looking back at his life to this point, he never envisioned himself as a pool player, but now cannot think of anything he desires more.  James is a role model to other young people, demonstrating initiative, determination, and respect for others.

Jordan “Dead Shot” Helfery

• Location: Missouri

Biggest Achievements: 

• At age 10, Jordan won her first adult tournament, consisting of 48 players.
• Multiple-time JIC (Junior International Championships) 13u &18u Champion. 
• 2024 19u 9-Ball Champion
• First WPBA Tournament invite at age 12
• VNEA 15u International Champion
• BEF Junior National 9-Ball Champion
• BEF Junior National 14.1 Champion
• Junior World Championship Bronze Metalist
• Ultimate Pool USA Mixed-Doubles National Champion
• Ultimate Pool USA Open 8-Ball Champion

Current Rank: WPBA Rank #40

What’s in Jordan’s Case? 

• Playing Cue: P16-N with Rogue 2 12.4mm Carbon Fiber Shaft
• Jump Cue: Pechauer Pro Jump Cue

Jordan started playing pool at age 8, when her house flooded, and she and her family had to move into their grandmother’s basement. In the basement family room that she and her 5 family members shared for a little over a year, was her dad’s pool table from his high school days. She would play on that table and watch SVB on YouTube, teaching herself trick shots and how to play pool. Jordan’s parents would come home from working on their new house and she would show them all types of new things she was learning every day. It was her silver lining in the clouds! 

William “Black Cat” Banda

• Location: Texas

William Banda started playing pool at the age of 11. William at the age of 12 first time at this event won the APA Juniors 9 ball Tournament (Black Tier Level )(SL 6-9) in St. Louis , Missouri in 2023.  William placed 1st in the Texas State Junior’s 10 Ball Championship’s Boys 18U and Placed 2nd in the Boys 16U in 2024. He’s has participated at the BEF tournament these past 2 years. This year at the BEF tournament he received Academic All American Award.

Arsenii Kovalerchik

‘- Master of Sport of Russia

– Champion of Russia and multiple winner of the Championship of Russia among boys and juniors

– Multiple winner of the European Pool Championship

– Multiple winner of the Russian Pool Cup

– Winner of the international competitions “Kremlin Cup”

Diana Khalikova

x4 winner of Moscow Cups

Best player among girls U19 in 2018

Absolute champion of Tatarstan in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023

Multiple medalist of Russian Cups

Multiple medalist of Russian Championships

Participant of multiple international tournaments.

Stephen Bao

• Location: Massachusetts

Stephen Bao lives in Massachusetts and started playing pool at age 8, under the direction of Mr. Roy Pastor from the very beginning at the Red Dragon Billiards Club and Training Center. In the past year, Stephen got the 4^th place in the 2023 BEF Junior National Championships in Quency, IL. Stephen is also the champion of 2024 New England Junior American Championship Series (Massachusetts and Maine, 12 and Under 9-ball). Stephen is grateful and proud to be a part of Pechauer and hopes one day to represent the USA at the Junior World 9 Ball Championships.

Marlin “Wildcard” Foster

• Location: North Carolina
• Player Age: March 25, 2012

3rd place 2025 SBE 17u

Playing Cue: P16-r with a rogue 2 shaft
Break Cue: Naked break with black ice shaft
Jump Cue: Pro Jump Cue

Marlin “Wildcard” Foster (13 years old) from Gates, NC, started playing pool at age 10. He joined Team Pechauer in 2023, and his other sponsors include Kamui. Marlin’s favorite game is 9 ball. He loves traveling and playing with new people.

Damon Kahler

Damon’s interest in pool started at age 10. After finding The Mad Apple junior’s league in Appleton, WI, his love for the game continues to grow. With dreams of playing professionally, Damon credits his growth in the sport to his family, the guidance of mentors at his home pool hall, and the support of Team Pechauer.

After consistently playing in weekly tournaments at The Mad Apple, his confidence has grown leading him to compete in larger events. His first major event was the 2024 Jacoby Junior Open where he proudly took home 1st place in his age division. In the upcoming years he is excited to compete at a state and national level.

When he isn’t sinking balls on the pool table, Damon enjoys spending quality time with family. His endless energy allows for an active lifestyle including biking, playing ping pong, pickleball, and golf.

He’s excited to be a member of Team Pechauer and looks forward to the years ahead of him in the sport.

David “El Matador” Alcaide

Biggest Achievements: 

• 2x World Pool Masters Champion
• European Open Champion
• Philippine Open Champion
• 6x Mosconi Cup Champion
• World Cup of Pool Champion

What’s in El Matador’s Case? 

• DA3-R with Rogue 2 12.4mm Carbon Fiber Shaft
• Break Cue: Pechauer Break with Rogue Break Carbon Fiber Shaft
• Jump Cue: Pechauer Pro Jump Cue

David started playing by the age of 8 years old and became the National Spanish 8-Ball Champion by age 14. In addition to a very successful career, David loves soccer and spending time with his family, especially his daughter Daniella. 

Anthony dela Merced

• Location: Nevada

Anthony is an up and coming artistic pool player, trick shot artist, and content creator who started playing pool at the age of 8. He found a passion for artistic pool in 2020 during the pandemic and is also part of various pool leagues in Las Vegas. He is pursuing his certification as a PBIA/ACS recognized billiards instructor.

Ezra Seymour

• Location: California

1st place California 18U Junior State 10 Ball Champion
1st place 2025 BCA Pool League World Champion
Current Ranking: 5th 18U Junior

National Championship in 8 ball, Current BCAPL World Champion with team Elder Abuse

Playing Cue: JP19-R with Rogue 29″ 12.4 Shaft
Break Cue: Naked Break cue
Jump Cue: Pro Jump Cue

Ezra Seymour lives in the Yosemite foothills of California and learned to shoot pool in the PBIA Break and Run Junior Instructional Program with coaching from PBIA Master Instructor Roy Pastor and Steve Sherman. Ezra has won 1st place in the BEF California 18U Junior State 10 Ball Championships, 1st in multiple BEF junior billiard shootouts, 1st in Scotch Doubles at the BEF Junior 9 Ball National Championships, and was part of the American team in an international challenge match with South Africa. His favorite place to play is The Rack Billiards in Fresno, CA.

Ezra is grateful and very proud to be a part of Team Pechauer, and hopes to continue improving and one day represent the USA at the Junior World 10 Ball Championships. Outside of billiards, he is a very skilled musician specializing in guitar and vocals and also enjoys juggling, skating, and basketball.

Tanner McKinney

• Location: Utah

I have placed in a few jic events and won a good amount of local tournaments

Current Ranking: 651 Fargo

Playing Cue: I have the jp22-s with the first generation carbon shaft
Break Cue: carbon break cue
Jump Cue:wooden jump cue

“Hi my name is Tanner McKinney. I am 13 years old and grew up always watching my father and brother shoot pool on the Valley pool table that was at our family’s restaurant Schultz’s Crab House in Essex Md. It was amazing to watch how they would move the cue ball around. Now we shoot on a pro cut 7′ Diamond pool table that replaced the Valley table. I have been shooting pool ever since I was big enough to reach the table standing on a milk crate. I used a jump cue to shoot with and had a side arm stroke. When I was 6 years old I started playing in a junior/adult league with my father and brother. In my first league play ever we won the trip to Iowa at Sharky’s Billiards to compete in the APA Junior Championships. It was a great experience.  I come from a large family of pool players, all of whom have helped me on my way. Especially my father , who I have learned a lot from just by watching him shoot. He has been there with me and for me every step of the way. This is a very exciting time of my life. I want to thank Kory Wolford and family at the Wolf’s Den for introducing us to J Pechauer. I want to thank Joe and the whole Pechauer family for giving me this wonderful opportunity to represent J Pechauer.

Special thanks to my mom for keeping me and my dad ready at all times.”

Melanie Suessenguth

Melanie Suessenguth has been playing billiards since she was 15 years old. She first played with a Pechauer cue in 2012 and “instantly fell in love” with the characteristics and craftsmanship of the cue.

She is a part of the national team in Germany and has been a member since 2015. She has won the German Championship multiple times, the Vice-European 8-Ball Championship, and been a runner-up for Eurotour three times (3rd Place in 2021). She won the European Championship in the Women’s Team, the Vice-European Championship in the Women’s team, and earned multiple individual medals at the European Championship. She’s also participated at the World Championships.

Enric Escudero Burgos

RUNNER-UP SPANISH CHAMPIONSHIP 2006 2ND DIVISIÓN
1ST PLACE 2008 MASTERPOOL BARCELONA OPEN ( 1ST PROFESSIONAL TOUR IN SPAIN )
1ST PLACE TEAMS DIVISIÓN AT MASTERPOOL SPANISH TOURNAMENT 2010.
1ST PLACE V ZARAGOZA OPEN 2019.
1ST PLACE LEVEL XXI INAUGURAL OPEN 2022

5th PLACE INTERNATIONAL OPEN MALAGA 2010.
SEVERAL TIMES 5TH /8TH PLACE IN SPANISH CIRCUIT (COPA ESPAÑA RFEB).
MEMBER OF TEAM TERUEL IN LNBP – SEASON 2010/2011 (1ST PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE IN SPAIN

1ST PLACE SEVERAL TIMES OPEN TOURNAMENTS IN CATALUNYA BETWEEN 2009/2019.
3RD PLACE II ZARAGOZA OPEN 2016.
5TH/8TH PLACE III ZARAGOZA OPEN 2017.
LAST YEAR END OF SEASON RANKED 1ST PLACE IN CATALUNYA GRANDMASTER DIVISIÓN.

Vadim Scherbakov

Russian Champion 2006 (team ), 2007 14.1, 2008 10-ball, 2009 9-ball

St.Petersburg Champion 2004 14.1, 2005 8-ball, 2006 8-ball, 2008 10-ball, 2009 9-ball, 2010 9-ball and 14.1

Winner of Russian Cup 2005 9-ball, 2006 (2) 9-ball, 2008 8-ball, 2009 9-ball.

Winner and medalist of more than 40 tournaments of different levels!

Instructor, coach and organizer.

In 2021: Championship of St. Petersburg: Winner 10 Ball. 3rd place 9 ball.

Winner of the LLB League Superfinal. Twice semifinalist of the Cup of Russia.

Marcel Stecher

I’ve been fascinated with pool ever since I was 12 years old. After several years of intense training (four to six hours a day), my hard work paid off.  I played
in both the “Jugendlandeskader” of Vorarlberg the Austrian “Jugendnationalkader”.

I took time off to focus on my academic and professional career when I was 18, but I recently rekindled my love for the sport in 2017. Some of my successes include:

• BSC Ambiente Bregenz
• PPC Rankweil (Austria)
• PBC Sonthofen (Germany)
• Break-Tour several Medals
• Vorarlberg State Championship: several Medals
• Ranked Top 100 at the EPBF Ranking

Jamison Gall

• Location: Iowa

Biggest Achievements: 

• 1st place major singles VNEA Jr. Internationals
• 5th place BCA Masters 10-Ball

Current Rank: 1st VNEA Under 21 8-Ball

What’s In Jay’s Case? 

• Playing Cue: Custom PL-38 with Rogue 2 12.4mm Carbon Fiber Shaft
• Break Cue: Naked Break with Rogue Carbon Fiber Break Shaft
• Jump Cue: Pechauer Pro Jump Cue

Jay started playing pool when he was 6 years old. Since then, Jay has fallen in love with the game. Pool has given Jay the opportunity to travel the world and be able to teach others, something he is very thankful for. Every Sunday, Jay volunteers his time to help teach juniors how to play. 

César Sousa

Hi, my name is César and I’m from Portugal.

I started playing pool when I was very young and I love this game. You have to be very strong technically, mentally and tactically. I’m always trying to learn more to know more and to be a better player.

I’m very proud to be on Team Pechauer!

Nguyễn Phúc Long

Phuc Long is a Vietnamese player who has been playing professionally for more than 20 years. He is one of the top PRO Pool players in Vietnam, having won multiple National & Regional Championships in his career. His passion and broad knowledge in pool has helped & inspired many young Vietnamese pool players to go pro and participate in local/international tournaments. Despite lack of opportunities to frequently participate in International tournaments, his highest achievement was to rank 16th on WPA rankings in 2011. Choosing to stick with wooden cues for better feel and control, he has been using Pechauer cues exclusively for over a decade.

Alexandra Dzuskaeva

Alexandra Dzuskaeva is a junior Russian player.  She is trained by her coaches Konstantin Stepanov and Andrey Seroshtan. Alexandra is a member of the junior team of Moscow, Russia. She is also a prize-winner for the Moscow Championship and the Moscow Girls’ Open Cup.  On top of this, she is the winner of the children’s tournament “Next”.

Victoria Gurova

Hello I’m Victoria. I started playing pool at the age of 10 and immediately loved this game. For me, pool is a very intellectual game that requires extreme concentration and at the same time an emotional one. At this time, I am not only a player, but also a professional referee of pool tournaments. It is an honor for me to be a member of the Pechauer team.

I’m the European Champion in team division (2018), Two-time champion of Russia among girls under 18 (2017, 2018), Two-time champion of Moscow among girls under 18 (2017, 2018), Multiple medalist of Moscow and Russian Women Championships (2014-2018), Multiple medalist of the Moscow and Russian Girls U-18 Championships (2013-2018), Winner of the Mezz Baltic Pool League superfinal (2019).

Manuela Barke

I picked up a cue for the first time when I met my husband. From there on out, I was hooked! I was rarely seen without a pool table beside me. Not long after, I won my first national championship. Now, I’m a multiple time German Champion and I was also nominated for the 2020 European Championship.

I have placed in German Championships every year since 2008, winning numerous titles and medals. In 2019, I was given an award in my city for Player of the Year. I have also been named one of the most successful female players in Germany.

Joining Team Pechauer is the best possible way to end the year for me! It’s been a crazy, wonderful experience.

Andrei Dzuskaev

Andrei is a junior player of a Russian National U17 Team.

Recently, he has placed

• 3rd for the European Championship(Teams Division),
• 2nd for the Russian Championship U17 2019
• 1st in the 2019 Moscow U17 Champion 8-ball
• 1st in the 2018 Russian Youth Cup

Emil Schranz

Emil Schranz has been playing pool for nearly 30 years and has experienced great national and international success. Some of his most notable championships include a a World Championship 8 Ball prize in Brazil, numerous European Championship victories and podium finishes, and countless victories in his home country of Austria. Despite his success, Schranz has had to work hard to overcome the odds. He has been dependent on a wheelchair for 33 years due to a climbing accident. In recent years, he has struggled with severe health problems; these problems temporarily prevented him from playing the game he loves. Now that he is recovering and in good health, he’s excited to get back in the game and compete on both national and international levels.

Kaden Hillman

• Location: Wisconsin

3x WI State Champion, 2x BEF Junior National Runner up, 2x WI State Runner Up, and 3rd place BEF Junior Nationals.

Playing Cue: Custom Pechauer Cue with Rogue
Jump Cue: Pechauer Carbon Jump

I started when I was nine years old just playing for fun and then it took off. By age 12 I won my first ever American Cue Sports Championships, and had 3 Badger State titles under my name. I have since grown my game, grown off the table exploring different paths, and experienced major events such as the Junior Worlds in New Zealand.

Dozer Kendall

• Location: Wisconsin

 Kolbey Kendall (otherwise known as “The Dozer”) began playing pool at 10 years old. After attending various doubles tournaments with his father, he fell in love with the sport and has been hooked ever since. He’s looking forward to playing in the 2019 BEF Junior National Tournament.

Mason Koch

• Location: Wisconsin

I am 21 years old and I am a semi professional pool player @ The Mad Apple Burger and Billiard Co.

I have a list of many accomplishments

Here are a few ..

U22 Junior National 10 Ball Champion

I am an 8x Wisconsin State Champion

North Central Pool Tour Champion

And I started competing in pro tournaments

In the next 5 years I see myself continuing to compete in professional events and hope to make the mosconi cup team

Thank you to J.Pechauer Custom Cues; my main sponsor, and mad apple billiards; my home pool hall

Brody Marquez

• Location: New Mexico

I am 8 years old. My grandfather bought me my first cue at the age of two. My first big tournament win was the 2018 New Mexico State BEF Junior National Qualifier at age 7. That same year I took 5th place in the 12 and under division at the BEF Junior Nationals in New Orleans. I also placed second in the scotch doubles event at the VNEA Jr. Nationals in Sioux City, Nebraska. Pool has allowed me to see new places and make new friends.

One of my proudest moments is when I beat Dave Pearson in a game of 9 ball. I am working on improving my game so that someday I can compete at the highest level.

In addition to pool I like football and wrestling. Someday I want to join the Airforce and become a police officer like my mother and stepfather.

Paul Gerni

• Location: Kansas

Known as “The Ambassador of Pool”, Paul has been in the game since he was 6 years old. He has played in over 48 countries and is known for his outstanding trick shot performances—some notable performances being at the White House and for the King of Sweden. One of the seven original founders of the World Pool-Billiard Association, he also helped found the World Trick Shot Artist Association. To top it all off, he’s been awarded a lifetime membership in the Billiard Congress of America.

Steve Metoxen

• Location: Wisconsin

Tiana Jiang

• Location: Massachusetts
• Player Age: May 6, 2004

2018 14UG BEF nationals champion
2019 BCA Platinum Women’s 8-ball runner up

Playing Cue: P22-G with Rogue carbon fiber shaft

In her own words: “My parents always said I wasn’t very good at the more athletic sports, but they still wanted me to practice the skills and dedication it takes to compete in a sport. We stumbled upon Roy Pastor’s junior league when I was around 9 years old, and I’ve been playing ever since!”

Rachel “The Rhinestone” Lang

• Location: New York

Biggest Achievements: 

• 2019 SBE Women’s Amateur Champion
• 2022 APA USAM Nationals runner-up

Current Ranking: WPBA Rank #48

What’s in The Rhinestone’s Case? 

• Playing Cue: Custom Pechauer with Rogue 2 12.4mm Carbon Fiber Shaft
• Break Cue: Pechauer Break with Rogue Break Carbon Fiber Shaft
• Jump Cue: Pechauer Pro Jump Cue

Rachel started competing in her local Tap league at the age of 14. Tap brought her to many different states, eventually leading her to Junior Nationals. It was at Junior Nationals where she finished second in the nation in 2014. With her second place finish, Rachel was able to secure a spot at the Junior World Championship in Shanghai, China. Rachel was one of eight juniors representing the USA. 

Nikos Ekonomopoulos

Janet Atwell

• Location: Virginia

Hello! My name is Janet Atwell and I am a pro pool player from Virginia. I started playing pool after I graduated college. In 1999, I played my first female competition on the SEAL tour (Southeast Amateur Ladies Tour). I won multiple SEAL tour events and championships. I have also won multiple regional and state championships, including VA, NC, SC, OK, etc. In 1999, I won my first WPBA qualifier. I was welcomed to the scene with an ESPN interview and have been hooked on pool ever since. I turned pro in 2004 and have been playing WPBA full time. In 2006, I renovated an old 1929 Kress Building in downtown Bristol, TN, and opened Borderline Billiards. In 2013, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Just this year, I’ve reached my five-year milestone of being cancer free! After my fight with cancer, I went back to hospice dedicating my time to helping those who weren’t as blessed. So in addition to being a professional pool player, I am a pool room owner, a TAP league operator, and now a full-time RN/Administrator of Elite Hospice.

Vivian Liu

• Location: Massachusetts

2017 BEF Junior National 9 Ball Champion
2019 WPA Junior World 9-Ball Championship 5-8th place
2019 BCAPL Women’s Platinum 9-Ball World Championships 3rd place

Playing Cue: P22-G cue with a 12.75MM Pro Series Single Ring shaft (though I’m not 100% sure on the shaft)

Vivian Liu was introduced to pool at the age of 10, when she attended a youth league run by her current coach, Roy Pastor. Since starting, she has participated in various local leagues playing 8, 9, and 10-ball. She first competed on the national stage in 2015 at the BEF Junior National 9-Ball Championship where she placed 3rd in the 14U Girls Division. Since then she has gone on to place in the top three multiple times and is the 2017 BEF Junior National 9 Ball champion. She has represented team USA at the WPA Junior World Championships 4 times.

Separate from the junior stage she has also competed multiple times at tournaments such as the BCAPL World Championships and Super Billiards Expo.

Nick “The Sniper” Fiore

• Location: Florida

Biggest Achievements: 

• 3rd place at the 2016 Super Billiards Expo 13U
• 5th place at the 2022 Junior Nationals 18U

What’s in The Sniper’s Case? 

• Playing Cue: PL-34 with Rogue 2 12.4mm Carbon Fiber Shaft
• Break Cue: Pechauer Break with Rogue Carbon Fiber Break Shaft
• Jump Cue: Pechauer Pro Jump Cue

When Nick was three years old, he started rolling balls on the table, and it kicked off from there! As far back as he can remember, he was on (literally) a pool table or near one at worst. He even had a custom mini Pechauer made specifically for him. 2016 was the year Nick started to compete, taking third place in the 13U Junior event at Super Billiards Expo, his first year there. That summer, Nick and his family took a road trip to Schaumburg, Illinois for Junior Nationals, where he did not do too well, but loved the experience. Since then, Nick has competed in many other tournaments, winning some, losing some, and overall just having the passion and love for the sport! 

Michelle Jiang

• Location: Massachusetts

Michelle Jiang is the 2017 and 2018 BEF Junior National Girl’s 18 and Under 9-ball champion and BCAPL Women’s Platinum Division 8-ball and 9-ball champion. Michelle has been using Pechauer cues since she started playing at age 12. She has represented the US in the Junior World Championships 5 years in a row. She is also a member of Team USA for the 2018 Atlantic Challenge Cup. Michelle is currently a freshman studying computer science at MIT.

Patrick Hoffman

My name is Patrick Hofmann and I started billiards when I was 9 years old. My dad took me to his Billiard club and at the age of eleven and I played my first league game with seniors. At the age of twelve, I was for the first time qualified for the German Championships and was initially nominated for the regional squad, later for the National squad. In my youth I have won more than 20 regional titles, numerous German Championships and European Championships.

Since the age of 15 I play with cues by Joe Pechauer. I’m currently playing a Joe Pechauer Camelot Limited, with whom I also shot my highest straight ball series of 153 balls.

Konstantin Stepanov

Hi I’m Konstantin. I’m started playing when I was 10 years old. At 15, I became the first Russian Champion among adults.  I took part in international pool competitions for the first time at 16 – it was the Junior European Championship. I played in the final of the Straight Pool tournament and took silver. After that, I started to travel around the world and take part in all major tournaments. The greatest victories, the most important for me personally, were the victory at the European Championship in 2010 and two wins at the Euro Tours in 2013. The most vivid impression in my billiard career was the victory in the Mosconi Cup against the legendary team of the USA. I’ve been the champion of Russia more than 25 times. I myself trained without a coach, at various stages taking part in the training camp, which was arranged by the leading European coaches at that time. Among them were Jørgen Sandman and Johan Ruijsink. Now I am actively engaged in coaching activities.

Jin “Ji-Bear” Powell

• Location: Nevada

3 adult tournaments wins back to back at Griffs
3 pack during the 1st round in a tournament
Co champion Filipino American annual tournament in NY

Playing Cue: PL30 prototype
Break Cue: Naked Break cue with rogue shaft

Jin picked up his 1st cue May of 2018 at the age of 7,  and has put in over 2000 hours in the past year and a half.  Some of his best finishes are:

1st in his bracket, 2 years in a row at High Desert Shootout in Rawlin WY

1st place in his bracket for the 2018 VNEA Rocky Mountain Singles.

1st place Adult / Junior Scotch Doubles in Wyoming

1st place Adult Scotch Doubles at BCs Sports Pub in Colorado

1st place in the 2018 Rocky Mountain VNEA Youth

1st place in the 2019 Rocky Mountain Majors Bracket

His biggest goal is to one day wear the TEAM USA shirt to represent his country.

Ilya Nekleenov

Hayleigh Marion

• Location: Virginia

Hayleigh was born in Bristol, VA. When Hayleigh was 8 years old, she had the opportunity to go with her father, Jamie Marion, to visit Borderline Billiards in Bristol, Tennessee. There, Hayleigh met WPBA Women’s Professional Janet Atwell.  That night was the first time Hayleigh had ever picked up a pool cue. And she has not put it down since. After playing Janet, Hayleigh had been bitten by the “bug”. At the Philadelphia Expo in 2018, Hayleigh finished 8^th and caught the attention of Pechauer Cues and was added to the Pechauer Team.  Hayleigh reached the Number 2 spot in the Nation as an 11-under female in the BEF Junior Nationals in 2018. More recently, she won her first belt as the March 2019 Steakhorse Women’s Division winner in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Hayleigh is a member of the TAP league at Borderline Billiards and she is also able to maintain her grades and stays on the Honor roll at Virginia Middle School.

Aryana Lynch

• Location: Texas

Billiards Education Foundation (BEF) Junior National titles in the 16 & Under and 18 & Under Girls divisions,
First place in BCA Women’s Championship 8 ball and 9 ball Gold Division
Atlantic Challenge Cup member and MVP
3x Team USA junior member

Aryana Lynch has been playing pool for as long as she can remember. Growing up with a pool table at home, she spent countless hours learning the game with her family, turning casual play into a lifelong passion. From her first games as a child, she discovered not just a love for the sport but a natural talent that would drive her toward competitive play.

She began competing in junior leagues at a young age and quickly made a name for herself with her focus and composure under pressure. Major milestones include winning Billiards Education Foundation (BEF) Junior National titles in the 16 & Under and 18 & Under Girls divisions, First place in BCA Women’s Championship 8 ball and 9 ball Gold Division, serving as an Atlantic Challenge Cup member and MVP, competing internationally, and earning victories on regional women’s tours.

After a period of intense competition, Aryana took a break to pursue a degree in Computer Engineering at Purdue University, where she continued to stay connected to the sport by playing in the Purdue Billiard Club. There, she competed against other college teams, keeping her skills sharp while balancing academics. Pool taught her focus, patience, and resilience, and she carries these lessons into all aspects of life. Today, Aryana is now working a full time job, but has plans this year to get back into competing!

April “The Grinder” Larson

• Location: Minnesota

Biggest Achievements: 

• 5-Time Junior National Champion
• 7-Time Junior World Championships Participant
• 2-Time Bronze Medalist @ Junior World Championships
• 5-Time Atlantic Challenge Cup Team USA Member
• 2-Time Atlantic Challenge Cup Team USA MVP
• 2-Time Team USA Member in World Team Championships
• Playing on Team USA w/ SVB and Tyler Styer and getting 5th place!
• 2025 USA Women’s National 10-ball Champion
• 2025 USA Women’s National 8-ball Bronze Medalist
• Team USA member for the 2025 World Games

Current Ranking: WPBA Rank #14, Women’s Heyball WPA Rank #6, WPA Rank #25

What’s in The Grinder’s Case? 

• Playing Cue: AL3 with Rogue 2 12.4mm Carbon Fiber Shaft
• Break Cue: Pechauer Break with Rogue Break Carbon Fiber Shaft
• Jump Cue: Pechauer Pro Jump Cue

April started playing pool competitively when she was 9 years old. At just 10 years old, while playing league, her director June Maiers recommended she compete in the BEF Junior National Championships. She placed 2nd at her first ever BEFJunior National Championship. She would go on to become the repeat Junior Champion for the next 5 years, attend the World Junior Championship 7 times (bronze medalist twice), and participate in the SBE Women’s Open Professional Division. April’s family is a huge part of her life and stated, “without them, I would be nowhere.” She may not have ever picked up a pool cue if it were not for their encouragement. April started playing on her family’s pool team and the rest is history.