The International Pool Tour attracted the best players from all over the globe. This tournament was the first to be broadcast on TV and was intended to promote pool as a mainstream sport. Kevin Trudeau was the founder. When IPT was founded, Trudeau was an avid pool player. He was also a successful businessman.
The professional sports tour featured bright lights, professional production and the best pool players in the world. This was a significant step in pool's history, which was not well-organized. There were eight sets of race-to-8 matches per day. Only two players in each group advanced to next round.
Trudeau was determined and eager to give the game a serious chance. He started the tour with $13 million in funding. Even though it was short-lived, it helped bring the sport to the forefront. Throughout its lifespan, the tour awarded more than $6 million in prize money.
In its first year, there were four events. One of the most popular events was the King of the Hill Eightball Shootout. This event had a prize money of $200K. The North American Open was another, with a $2,000,000 purse. Other tournaments included IPT Players 8-Ball Championship which was set for October 22-29. Due to issues with the facility, the tour was cancelled in 2007.
The tour's first year featured the highest amount of prize money in history. Reyes received $500K in total for his victory against Roderick Moss in the World Open Eightball Championship. For his victory over Niels Feijen, Reyes was awarded a $163k prize.
Efren Ries is considered a legend. Bata is known as the "king" of the billiards hotshots. His reputation for "running the tables" is what gave him his nickname. He has won 14 tournaments. For the 2002 Asian Games, he won a bronze medal in eight-ball.
He used to make $500 an hour teaching pool when he was younger. It was a surprise that he found his way into the pool world. He made the decision to become a professional tournament player a few years ago. He was soon the face IPT. He is the current color commentator on U.S. broadcasts.
Reyes and Francisco Bustamante represented Philippines on the World Cup of Pool. They beat Roderick Morris and Earl Strickland. They also won Dr. Louis Pannullo's Award.
Many other stars participated in the International Pool Tour including Mike Sigel. Sigel worked as a road dealer and importer before he became an international pool tour pro. He began competing after hearing about the league. He won two world titles and is currently a twotime World Professional Pool Champion.
Trudeau was a long-time pool fan and came up with the idea for the tour after he saw a radio advertisement about a Chicago pool tournament. Initially, the tour planned to have a challenge match in August 2005. It was cancelled by the facility after negotiations failed.