As someone who loves pool I found you and this channel to be something I could get behind. I have subbed and liked and look forward to supporting with likes, views and shares in the future. Good luck in reaching your goals
raymond- i met u at Mr Cues in Atlanta years ago. You were in an event and i was so impressed with your playing. i met you and you were so kind and humble. i knew u would stick with pool and i wish u all the best. glad to be a subscriber.
I've chatted with a couple of pro level players. It's a very tough road. For example, Shane Van Boening's 2024 matchroom WNT winnings was less than $100K. Let's keep in mind that he was the world's WNT #6 player in 2024. Now granted, he probably makes money off of teaching and hustling and endorsing Cuetec. But even if his total is say....$400K, that's not much for a guy who is ranked #6.
I’d like to see longer practice sessions, including whatever drills you are implementing to get yourself into, and stay in, stroke. And some of those local player matchups you described. I’m personally excited to see whatever content you will be providing on this channel! Good luck in all your endeavors.
Just spent a week at Derby City classic watching, not playing. It was such a grind for the players, playing early until sometimes 3am. Food at the casino is expensive for the unhealthy choices you get and you have to eat amongst the smoke on top of playing in it. Pool is a sport and it requires physical health to do well. Derby should be at the expo center in KY, but supposedly it's too expensive everywhere in Louisville. Dcc is great for spectators, but not so great for players.
@@briarrose7016 the way it has worked for me is staying off site. Usually splitting an Airbnb with a few other players. A place with a kitchen is critical. That way I can do groceries and prep my meals each day so I'm sure to get my nutritional needs met and not be subject to the courtyard food. I'm pretty stickler about that stuff so I only eat what I cook for myself if I can help it.
@@linarespropool Yeah, you kind of have to be that way when playing tournaments that are more of a grind. I didn't even stay in the hotel, just drove 40 mins there and back every day, but was still stuck eating their food since there weren't any other options nearby. I brought a food bag in the car but it was way too cold to eat there! An airbnb with other players is the way to go, assuming you know the other players going. I don't think people realize how hard it is to be on tour, many of the players were playing with back/shoulder injuries. The McGill 3 are pretty essential too ;).
That is one soothing voice. I'm going to tap you for some private anti-anxiety voice memos. Just need you on loop telling me "Breathe. It's going to be ok. You're doing great!" And on a side note, I love that you're prioritzing the tournaments that mean something to you and work for your needs instead of chasing everything. I think you're wise in your choices and hope that it leads to great things for you!
And I Thought As I Clicked That Was Going To Be Yet Another Sucky Noob , Woe Is Me Video? Pleasantly Surprised ! Good On You Bro. Liked & Subscribed. Shalom
I'm curious what ideas you have for the channel! As someone with an amateur channel, I will be keeping an eye here for inspiration in my own game. Welcome aboard Ray!
People don’t understand how brutally expensive derby is ever since they moved it from Executive West, no more reasonable hotels or food anywhere close to the venue. Last time I went I cashed in both events I played and made 3-4k on the side and barely made a penny. Best of luck with all your plans.
I am probably typing in the most unpopular opinion. I hate WNT. WNT care only about views and money. Their mosconi cup sucks. Reyes Cup (I am sorry, Bata!) sucks very much. On 5v5 game they made them sit so tightly even looking at it was not comfortable. Everything is around money, a lot of hassle. They are making this press conference like a UFC something, so players can argue on camera. wnt manipulating viewer`s desire to watch it(?), but it's made in so intense fashion that it's cringy. All this huge led panels with moving gifs on it and lights, which are erasing the atmosphere completely. Before 'instant replay' or pause between racks there are a sound being played, which is unique for every tournament. I don't know who is sound designer, but this person made a shitty job so far. Why you torture viewers with repeating this loud absolutely unnecessary sound over and over again? They have website with subscription to watch the game, but it sucks so much I can't even explain. Everything there is broken. They have video on demand, but you will never find any WNT event there. So you like buy subcription with LIVE streams and VOD, but you actually can only watch LIVE. If you got VOD there are nothing. It's a very poor organization which does right only things that gives them profit, about everything else they don't care, especially about players. Same for heyball by joy -- it's total bullshit of a tournament. Old mosconi cups, us open, DCC and other tournaments are a golden standard which wnt will never ever get close to even. And it's sad seeing players choose not to play DCC being affected in any way by wnt to those who read it thank you, sorry for me being so hateful, but it's the way I feel about it
It's a pleasure to subscribe to your channel. I look forward to seeing some of your practice routines.
Looking forward to see what you do with the channel. Subscribed
Well explained & congrats on the channel! Looking forward to great content
@@diivoryedgecomb Thanks D!
As someone who loves pool I found you and this channel to be something I could get behind. I have subbed and liked and look forward to supporting with likes, views and shares in the future. Good luck in reaching your goals
SUBBED + Liked. Both was easy. Wish you the Best this 2025.
@@roymartin3358 🙏🏼🙏🏼
Great insight. Can't wait to see what you do with the channel.
@@JeffMartin84 Thanks Jeff 🙏🏼
Great stuff Raymond. Beautiful video. Can't wait to see more content.
raymond- i met u at Mr Cues in Atlanta years ago. You were in an event and i was so impressed with your playing. i met you and you were so kind and humble. i knew u would stick with pool and i wish u all the best. glad to be a subscriber.
@@stephengrenleski7861 Thanks so much for being here 🙏🏼
Algo. Love seeing you kick off the channel, Ray
@@MichaelJohnson-wg4ur Beyond feature coming soon ✨🤌🏼
Way to go Raymond! To your best year yet!🥂
@@seanking3161 Thanks Sean 🙏🏼
*Q: What does a medium pizza and a pro pool player have in common?*
*A: Neither can feed a family of 4*
Well that depends. Is this hypothetical worthy a professional pool player, or a gambler who uses pool as his source of money to waste on gambling?
I've chatted with a couple of pro level players. It's a very tough road. For example, Shane Van Boening's 2024 matchroom WNT winnings was less than $100K. Let's keep in mind that he was the world's WNT #6 player in 2024. Now granted, he probably makes money off of teaching and hustling and endorsing Cuetec. But even if his total is say....$400K, that's not much for a guy who is ranked #6.
I’d like to see longer practice sessions, including whatever drills you are implementing to get yourself into, and stay in, stroke. And some of those local player matchups you described.
I’m personally excited to see whatever content you will be providing on this channel! Good luck in all your endeavors.
@@Brian.Lowell.251 Appreciate that! Some cool things coming 🙌🏼
Great insight and excellent goals. Best of luck in your journey!!!
@@pn3uma_f222 🙏🏼
Instant sub! Let’s get Raymond to the Mosconi!
Nice share. It's good to have a look "behind the curtain" not often seen. Thanks.
@@robertgriffith4973 my pleasure thanks for being here
Keep grinding bud… looking forward to following your journey and seeing you achieve success. 💪
@@389Rockhauler I appreciate it Jason! 🙏🏼
Makes sense! I couldn't imagine paying near two weeks of hotel stay on top of 3 entry fees on top of food and two weeks of cigarette smoke exposure...
Smoking inside the halls??
Just spent a week at Derby City classic watching, not playing. It was such a grind for the players, playing early until sometimes 3am. Food at the casino is expensive for the unhealthy choices you get and you have to eat amongst the smoke on top of playing in it. Pool is a sport and it requires physical health to do well. Derby should be at the expo center in KY, but supposedly it's too expensive everywhere in Louisville. Dcc is great for spectators, but not so great for players.
@@briarrose7016 the way it has worked for me is staying off site. Usually splitting an Airbnb with a few other players. A place with a kitchen is critical. That way I can do groceries and prep my meals each day so I'm sure to get my nutritional needs met and not be subject to the courtyard food. I'm pretty stickler about that stuff so I only eat what I cook for myself if I can help it.
@@linarespropool Yeah, you kind of have to be that way when playing tournaments that are more of a grind. I didn't even stay in the hotel, just drove 40 mins there and back every day, but was still stuck eating their food since there weren't any other options nearby. I brought a food bag in the car but it was way too cold to eat there! An airbnb with other players is the way to go, assuming you know the other players going. I don't think people realize how hard it is to be on tour, many of the players were playing with back/shoulder injuries. The McGill 3 are pretty essential too ;).
Can’t wait to see the next video!
That is one soothing voice. I'm going to tap you for some private anti-anxiety voice memos. Just need you on loop telling me "Breathe. It's going to be ok. You're doing great!"
And on a side note, I love that you're prioritzing the tournaments that mean something to you and work for your needs instead of chasing everything. I think you're wise in your choices and hope that it leads to great things for you!
@@melissah807 Thanks so much Mel 🙏🏼✨ Very appreciative 🫶🏼
Very reasonable Raymond. Good luck with the channel and your game.
@@gordonsullivan2694 Thanks Gordon 🙏🏼
@linarespropool You know me as Scott. Ref. for the APA several years.
Congratulations on your achievements. Best of luck in the future.
Just subscribed 🎉
And I Thought As I Clicked That Was Going To Be Yet Another Sucky Noob , Woe Is Me Video? Pleasantly Surprised ! Good On You Bro. Liked & Subscribed. Shalom
Anything on the mental game would be great.
@@chrismcmanus313 will definitely be coming.
What part of FL?
I think Live 9 ball and 10 ball ghost sessions are fun to watch. Prerecorded ghost is usually cherry picked
I'm curious what ideas you have for the channel! As someone with an amateur channel, I will be keeping an eye here for inspiration in my own game. Welcome aboard Ray!
People don’t understand how brutally expensive derby is ever since they moved it from Executive West, no more reasonable hotels or food anywhere close to the venue. Last time I went I cashed in both events I played and made 3-4k on the side and barely made a penny. Best of luck with all your plans.
wanna play a one pocket set for a couple coins???
Room rates are ridiculous !! Derby City should be took back to Kentucky !! No casino !!
You already destroyed Filler🤷♂️. What’s left?😆
@postup @:54
Fedor gets a pass...
@@ruffdawgg he's doing alright lol
@@linarespropool lol
I am probably typing in the most unpopular opinion. I hate WNT. WNT care only about views and money. Their mosconi cup sucks. Reyes Cup (I am sorry, Bata!) sucks very much. On 5v5 game they made them sit so tightly even looking at it was not comfortable. Everything is around money, a lot of hassle. They are making this press conference like a UFC something, so players can argue on camera. wnt manipulating viewer`s desire to watch it(?), but it's made in so intense fashion that it's cringy. All this huge led panels with moving gifs on it and lights, which are erasing the atmosphere completely. Before 'instant replay' or pause between racks there are a sound being played, which is unique for every tournament. I don't know who is sound designer, but this person made a shitty job so far. Why you torture viewers with repeating this loud absolutely unnecessary sound over and over again? They have website with subscription to watch the game, but it sucks so much I can't even explain. Everything there is broken. They have video on demand, but you will never find any WNT event there. So you like buy subcription with LIVE streams and VOD, but you actually can only watch LIVE. If you got VOD there are nothing. It's a very poor organization which does right only things that gives them profit, about everything else they don't care, especially about players. Same for heyball by joy -- it's total bullshit of a tournament.
Old mosconi cups, us open, DCC and other tournaments are a golden standard which wnt will never ever get close to even. And it's sad seeing players choose not to play DCC being affected in any way by wnt
to those who read it thank you, sorry for me being so hateful, but it's the way I feel about it
I'm with you. Matchroom production sucks.
Pool needs more beards! It should be required
Sounds like alot of excuses. Im gonna start playing again and show you how easy it is.
Nobody cares whether you are going or not..