The International Pool Tour attracted many top players from all around the globe. This tournament was one of the first multi-million dollar tournaments that was aired on television, and it aimed to bring pool into the mainstream. Kevin Trudeau created it. When IPT was founded, Trudeau was an avid pool player. He was also a successful businessman.
It was a professional tour of pool that featured professional production and bright lights. This was an important step for pool, as it was a sport that was not well-organized at the time. Each day, players played several races-to-8 sets. However, only two teams advanced to round 2.
Trudeau was determined that the game would be a success. With $13 million of funding, he started the tour. Although it was a short-lived venture it did help bring the sport into the public eye. The tour was worth more than $6 million over its lifetime.
The inaugural year of the tour saw four events. The King of the Hill Eightball Shootout had a $200K prize pot. A second was the North American Open with a $2million purse. Other tournaments included the IPT Players 8-Ball Championship, which was scheduled for October 22-29. In 2007, the tour was canceled due to problems with the facility.
The first year of the tour featured the most prize money in the history of pool. Reyes was awarded $500K for beating Roderick Morris at the World Open Eightball Championship. For his victory over Niels Feijen, Reyes was awarded a $163k prize.
Efren Reyes is considered to be a superstar. Bata is known as the "king" of the billiards hotshots. His reputation as "running all the tables" is his nickname. He has won 14 tournaments. He won a medal in eightball for the 2002 Asian Games.
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 decided to make it a career as a pro tournament player several years ago. He became the face and voice of IPT. Currently, he serves as the color commentator on U.S. broadcasts.
Reyes and Francisco Bustamante represented Philippines in the World Cup of Pool. They beat Roderick and Earl Strickland. They also won Dr. Louis Pannullo's Award.
The International Pool Tour included several stars including Mike Sigel. Sigel worked as a road dealer and importer before he became an international pool tour pro. After hearing of the league, he began competing. 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. Initial plans were to host a challenge match in August 2005. It was cancelled after negotiations with the facility.