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50 Years of Excitement—A New Era Begins at Westgate Las Vegas!

4/22/2025

 
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CueSports International (CSI) is thrilled to announce that the 2026 CueSports International Expo, which includes the BCA Pool League World Championships, USA Pool League National Championships, Predator Pro Billiard Series, and the very best industry exhibitors, will move to Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino. This milestone event, which will take place February 18-28, marks the 50th edition of the CSI Expo, celebrating five decades of cue sports excitement and excellence.
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How to Score USA Pool League Matches

3/23/2025

 
SINGLES & SCOTCH DOUBLES
Singles and Scotch Doubles matches consist of a single set in which each player or Scotch Doubles team races to their "race-to" number. Each opponent's race-to number is determined by using the "Single Race" option in the USA Pool League Handicap Calculator. Short races are normally used in CSI events but always refer to the Player Guide of the specific event.

For Scotch Doubles matches, a race-to number is generated for each team based on the average of each team’s Fargo Ratings (the sum of the two ratings divided by 2).

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Registering Your Players for the USA Pool League National Championships

12/19/2024

 
As a USA Pool League Manager, you have the ability to register any of your players for upcoming CueSports International events, including the USA Pool League National Championships. This is often necessary after a team wins the league, playoffs, or regional qualifier tournament. Or perhaps you do not yet know which teams will win the free entries but you want to submit a blank team registration before the early entry discount deadline and provide the teams and players when they are known later. Please read below for instructions on how to handle these scenarios and please note it is recommended that you do this from a computer and not a mobile device.

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Registering Your Players for the BCA Pool League World Championships

12/18/2024

 
As a BCA Pool League Operator, you have the ability to register your players for upcoming CueSports International events, including the BCA Pool League World Championships. This is often necessary after a team wins the league, playoffs, or regional qualifier tournament. Please read below for instructions on how to properly register your players and please note it is recommended that you do this from a computer and not a mobile device.

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LMS for the BCA Pool League

8/2/2024

 
Imagine a world in which all pool players are connected by Fargo ratings and are always rated accurately. Because organized leagues are the backbone of the billiards community, realizing this vision requires a league management system that is robust, easy to use, and suited for small-town leagues, larger regional leagues, or entire state and regional league associations. The FargoRate League Management System (LMS) is that tool. Just a few of the key features include:
  • FargoRate integration
  • Format flexibility
  • Mobile scoring
  • Schedule generator
  • Copy divisions
  • Online league stats
  • And more...

Before you get started with LMS, it's important for you to understand some foundational aspects to avoid errors, frustration, unnecessary support requests, and delays in getting your league started.

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How to Find Your CSI Group Play Stage 1 Schedule

7/14/2024

 
​The CSI Group Play format is a two-stage tournament. Stage 1 is a group stage and Stage 2 is a single elimination final bracket. In Stage 1, teams are drawn into five separate matches (excluding factors beyond our control).
​STAGE 1 SCHEDULE
You are responsible for knowing when and where to play. Your entire Stage 1 schedule will be available prior to the division start at www.ctsondemand.com. Select the correct event and division to view the Division Homepage (example below). To see your Stage 1 schedule, type your team’s name or any of your teammates’ names in the search field and then click the search button. Please note that clicking the Stage 2 bracket image will not display your Stage 1 schedule.

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The CSI Group Play Format - A Comprehensive Guide

7/14/2024

 
​​Going two-and-out, or even being eliminated early, is a thing of the past! With the CSI Group Play format, all teams are guaranteed at least five matches.* Stage 1 is a group stage and Stage 2 is a single elimination final bracket. In Stage 1, teams are randomly drawn into five separate matches,* each usually consisting of 15 racks or 9 racks for ladies teams. The teams that perform the best advance to Stage 2.

Below is a full explanation of the CSI Group Play format.

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USA Pool League Invoicing

6/23/2024

 
First, thank you for being part of the USA Pool League! The purpose of this article is to explain the process of finding and paying your monthly invoices so you can keep your league in good standing.

HOW TO ACCESS YOUR MONTHLY INVOICES
League Managers are required to submit prize fund and royalty payments that are postmarked no later than the 10th day of each month. LMS makes this process easy. Within the first few days of each month, LMS will generate your invoice for the previous month based on all scheduled league play. To find your invoices, log into LMS and click the "Main Menu" icon located in the top left corner of the screen (see below). Select the menu option "Billing" to download any of your invoices. Note that each division will appear as one line item on the invoice.

In order for LMS to invoice the correct amount, you must always ensure that the settings are correct for every division.
 LMS needs to know how many sets are played in each match, the cost per player (per match), and whether the division is single-play or double-play. Click the "Division Settings" icon located near the top right corner of the screen (see below).

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Using LMS to Sanction Your Players with the BCA Pool League

6/14/2024

 
The BCA Pool League member sanctioning process is an integral aspect of your league. Your players will receive an array of membership benefits and you want them to take advantage of those benefits as quickly as possible. Fortunately, the FargoRate League Management System (LMS) makes the process easy.

Any person who plays more than one match in your league requires a BCA Pool League membership. League Operators are responsible for timely payment of all membership fees even if they fail to collect them. Below, you will find a tutorial to help guide you through the membership process and best practices to keep your league in good standing. Your LMS Sanctioning Report is a great tool for tracking the membership fees of your players and indicating to the BCA Pool League which players you are paying for.

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On your LMS homepage, click the main menu icon (3 horizontal lines) on the top left.

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Why are there byes in Stage 2 of the CSI Group Play format?

6/12/2024

 
It's never a great feeling to travel to an event, lose the first two matches, and be eliminated quickly. The CSI Group Play format was developed to eliminate that problem and provide all teams more play. Stage 1 is a group stage and Stage 2 is a single elimination final bracket. In Stage 1, teams from the entire field are randomly drawn into 5 separate matches and the teams that perform the best advance to the Stage 2 single elimination bracket.

Although this format has been used since 2022 in our state/regional events, many teams experienced it for the first time at the 2024 CueSports International Expo in Las Vegas. One area of confusion for some came when the Stage 2 single elimination brackets were posted with byes included. The immediate reaction from some was, "Stage 2 should never have byes. It should be a full bracket." Are they correct?
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CSI Group Play - Are Teams with Byes at a Disadvantage?

6/12/2024

 
It's never a great feeling to travel to an event, lose the first two matches, and be eliminated quickly. The CSI Group Play format was developed to eliminate that problem and provide all teams more play. Stage 1 is a group stage and Stage 2 is a single elimination final bracket. In Stage 1, teams from the entire field are randomly drawn into 5 separate matches and the teams that perform the best advance to Stage 2. The Stage 1 ranking criteria may be slightly different depending on whether the particular division is handicapped, non-handicapped, or whether it uses the BCA Pool League or USA Pool League scoring methods. However, the first advancement criteria is normally match win percentage. 

If the division has an even number of teams, there are no "byes" in Stage 1 and all teams play the same number of matches, usually five. However, if the division has an odd number of teams, there will be one team, in each of the five Stage 1 rounds, that has no opponent, which are labeled as a "bye." The result is that five teams play four matches while the others play five.
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CueSports International Help System

5/7/2024

 
To accommodate our tremendous growth and better service our members, we are making changes to our support process. If you encounter an issue, the first step should always be an attempt at self help by utilizing the tools and materials that we have made available. If the resolution to your issue cannot be found in these tools and materials, you may submit a support request to our new support ticketing system. For the quickest resolution, please follow the below steps before submitting a support request.

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CueSports Hall of Fame Announced with a Three-Tiered Voting Process

12/18/2023

 
CueSports International is thrilled to announce the establishment of the CueSports Hall of Fame, featuring a comprehensive three-tiered voting process to honor and celebrate individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the billiards industry through means other than being extraordinary professional players.

The CueSports Hall of Fame will not only recognize innovative equipment designers, influential promoters, and dedicated advocates but also highlight the diverse and dynamic nature of their contributions. To ensure a fair and comprehensive selection process, the induction into the CueSports Hall of Fame will be determined through a threefold voting system, involving the public, a media committee, and the dedicated staff at CueSports International.

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CSI Group Play for BCA Pool League - How it Works

12/4/2023

 
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On August 10, 2023, we announced that the 2024 BCA Pool League World Championships in Las Vegas will feature the CSI Group Play format for all team divisions. That announcement can be read here. Below are additional details of how the CSI Group Play format will work specifically for BCA Pool League divisions.

TERMS
Before we get into the details, let's define a few terms:

​Match - one team vs. one team
Rack - a single game of 8-ball, 9-ball or 10-ball


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CSI Group Play for USA Pool League - How it Works

11/18/2023

 
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On August 10, 2023, we announced that the 2024 USA Pool League National Championships in Las Vegas will feature the CSI Group Play format for all team divisions. That announcement can be read here. Below are additional details of how the CSI Group Play format will work specifically for USA Pool League divisions.

TERMS
Before we get into the details, let's define a few terms:

​Match - one team vs. one team
​Set - one player vs. one player (a set number of racks or a race)
Rack/Game - a single game of 8-ball, 9-ball or 10-ball


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USA POOL LEAGUE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS GUARANTEED AT LEAST FIVE MATCHES

8/10/2023

 
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CueSports International (CSI), parent company of the USA Pool League, is thrilled to announce that all teams in the USA Pool League National Championships will now be guaranteed to play at least five matches.* Going two-and-out, or being eliminated early, is a thing of the past. The 2024 USA Pool League National Championships, which takes place February 21 - March 2 in Las Vegas, will feature the CSI Group Play format for all team divisions.

In a traditional double-elimination format, 25% of teams play only two matches, 50% play only three matches, and up to 75% play only four matches. With the CSI Group Play format, every team will be guaranteed to play more. We've been playing a version of this format in our state and regional events since 2021. Participation in those events has increased significantly and post event surveys show that approximately 86% of participants love it!


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BCA POOL LEAGUE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TEAMS GUARANTEED AT LEAST FIVE MATCHES

8/10/2023

 
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CueSports International (CSI), parent company of the BCA Pool League, is thrilled to announce that all teams in the BCA Pool League World Championships will now be guaranteed to play at least five matches.* Going two-and-out, or being eliminated early, is a thing of the past. The 2024 BCA Pool League World Championships, which takes place February 21 - March 2 in Las Vegas, will feature the CSI Group Play format for all team divisions.

In a traditional double elimination format, 25% of teams play only two matches, 50% play only three matches, and up to 75% play only four matches. With the CSI Group Play format, every team will be guaranteed to play more. We've been playing a version of this format in our state and regional events since 2021. Participation in those events has increased significantly and post event surveys show that approximately 86% of participants love it!


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THE AMUSEMENT & MUSIC OPERATORS OF WYOMING BECOME AN AFFILIATE ASSOCIATION OF CSI LEAGUES

7/25/2022

 
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​CueSports International (CSI), and its CSI Leagues division, is excited to announce the Amusement & Music Operators of Wyoming (AMOW) as its newest affiliate league association. On Monday, July 18, the AMOW Board of Directors voted in favor of the new affiliation which makes all AMOW leagues, essentially every pool league in the state of Wyoming, members of the BCA Pool League. 

This affiliation brings a wealth of new benefits to AMOW League Operators and players. Every AMOW league will now use the FargoRate League Management System (LMS) at no cost, the BCA Pool League mobile scoring app at no cost, all AMOW league data will be automatically reported to FargoRate at no cost, all AMOW players will get the premium features of the FargoRate app at no cost, all AMOW players can become eligible for BCA Pool League events, including the BCA Pool League World Championships in Las Vegas, and much more.

Additionally, all AMOW annual events will convert from the old subjective rating structure (AAA / AA / A / B / C) to divisions based on Fargo ratings and use the CSI online registration and tournament management system (CTS), the only such system in the world with FargoRate fully integrated. This means that AMOW players can register online for AMOW events and all divisions will be more competitive.

Finally, AMOW events will now use the brand new 7-foot Predator Apex Premier League Edition pool tables, which have been meticulously designed as a collaboration between CSI and Predator for maximum performance, reliability, and fun. To learn more about the 7-foot Predator Apex Premier League Edition table, click here.

AMOW President, Nic George, expressed his excitement about the new affiliation when he said, “We have clearly outgrown our humble beginnings. The time to move forward with CSI and FargoRate is now. We’re most excited for what this strategic partnership provides.”
Ozzy Reynolds, CueSports International CEO said, "We are thrilled to have the AMOW as part of the CSI Leagues family. Change is not the comfortable thing to do and the AMOW Board of Directors should be proud of themselves for being true leaders by improving their organization and the entire pool landscape in the state of Wyoming.
CSI is committed to unifying all pool leagues, across the globe, under one umbrella. All leagues, state and regional associations, and even other national organizations, can join CSI Leagues to obtain the vast array of benefits while maintaining their identities and independence. Any association or organization interested in offering the very best to its members should contact CSI at [email protected].

​The Amusement Music Operators of Wyoming (AMOW) is a state association comprised of service companies in the coin-operated amusement industry who share a common goal of providing recreation, camaraderie, fun and fair competition to Wyoming communities by coordinating well organized pool and dart leagues and events. We are proud to offer to qualified players, annually held Wyoming state events that recognize growth and excellence at all skill levels. By partnering with outstanding international organizations for pool and darts, the integrity of each sport is ensured and Wyoming qualified league players are invited to attend and compete in choice events hosted worldwide.

CueSports International (CSI) is an international pool league and event leader and is comprised of three divisions: CSI Leagues, CSI Events and CSI Media. CSI Leagues manages the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League; CSI Events produces numerous league and professional events around the globe and CSI Media creates live streaming and digital content. Through its vision and strategic alliances, CSI is “shaping the future of pool.” For more information about CSI or any of its divisions, visit www.playcsipool.com or find CueSports International on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

PREDATOR APEX BECOMES THE OFFICIAL POOL TABLE OF CUESPORTS INTERNATIONAL, BCA POOL LEAGUE AND USA POOL LEAGUE

6/29/2022

 
CueSports International (CSI), parent company of the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League, is excited to announce a truly groundbreaking partnership that makes Predator Apex the official pool table of CSI, the BCA Pool League and the USA Pool League. Predator Apex Premier League Edition tables will now be used in all CSI, BCA Pool League and USA Pool League events beginning with the CSI Western Canadian Championships, August 16-20, in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada.
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Predator has long been the world's most innovative and trusted billiards product manufacturer and has revolutionized the sport with industry-changing products. Low-deflection shafts, the Uni-Loc joint, the BK series of break cues and of course, the carbon-fiber REVO shaft, are just a few examples of how Predator has pushed the sport into new and improved directions. They are now poised to do the same with pool tables.

CSI league events will use the 7-foot Predator Apex Premier League Edition table that has been meticulously designed as a collaboration between CSI and Predator for maximum performance, reliability, and fun. With its 25mm one-piece pure Brazilian slate, overbuilt frame and composite legs, each capable of supporting the entire weight of the table, it boasts strength and stability. With its 4.5 inch perfectly flush pockets, ultra-black matte fingerprint resistant finish, pocket sound dampening, tracks that prevent chalk from getting stuck in the table, and a ball return system designed to be quiet and keep the balls clean, every detail has been carefully considered to provide the ultimate league-playing experience.

Additionally, all aspects of the playing equipment have been designed to work together perfectly. Rather than having the tables, cloth and balls all be different brands designed and manufactured by different companies, Predator Arcadia cloth, Predator Arcos balls and Predator Apex tables have been specifically designed to work together to provide the best playing experience. Like it has done with its other product lines, Predator is leading the way with the next generation of tables while keeping the entire experience in mind.
Ozzy Reynolds, CueSports International CEO, said "This is an exciting time for our industry. We have been working closely with Predator since 2019 in producing the best professional events on U.S. soil and last year, we cofounded and launched the US Pro Billiard Series. Our teams have become like family and, together, we will grow and push the sport to new heights. Buckle up."
“Growing our sport requires inspiring more players and for that to happen, players need to enjoy playing the game, again and again,” said Karim Belhaj, CEO of Predator Group. “The new Predator Apex 7-foot table, Arcadia cloth and Arcos balls have been designed to deliver performance that you can count on. Joining forces with CSI’s fair and fun league system allows us to offer a great playing experience for league players to have more fun. Together we are setting a new standard for the next generation!”
Below are just a few of the upcoming events that will feature the new 7-foot Predator Apex Premier League Edition table. Visit www.playcsipool.com/events for a full list of all upcoming CSI and CSI-affiliated events.
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  • Aug 16-20: CSI Western Canadian Championships
  • Sep 20-25: CSI Michigan State Championships
  • Oct 19-23: CSI Ohio State Championships
  • Nov 8-13: CSI Oklahoma State Championships
  • Nov 15-22: Caribbean CueSports International Expo
  • Feb 22-Mar 4: CueSports International Expo
  • Feb 22-Mar 4: BCA Pool League World Championships
  • Feb 22-Mar 4: USA Pool League National Championships
  • and many more to come!
​CueSports International (CSI) is an international pool league and event leader and is comprised of three divisions: CSI Leagues, CSI Events and CSI Media. CSI Leagues manages the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League; CSI Events produces numerous league and professional events around the globe and CSI Media creates live streaming and digital content. Through its vision and strategic alliances, CSI is “shaping the future of pool.” For more information about CSI or any of its divisions, visit www.playcsipool.com or find CueSports International on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Predator Group’s mission is to inspire billiards fans by providing innovative experiences and products that deliver high performance, with unsurpassed class and style. Predator, Poison and Uni-Loc are Predator Group brands that focus on performance pool tables, cues, billiards accessories and precision components to deliver the ultimate playing experience. For more information, visit www.predatorcues.com, www.poisoncues.com and www.uni-loc.com.

JAM UP APPAREL IS THE OFFICIAL TEAM WEAR PARTNER OF CSI LEAGUES

12/20/2021

 
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CueSports International (CSI) is excited to announce that Jam Up Apparel is the official team wear partner of CSI Leagues, the division of CueSports International that manages the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League. This partnership provides a significant discount on high-quality, fully customized sublimated shirts for individuals or teams.

The BCA Pool League World Championships and USA Pool League National Championships are coming soon, March 23 – April 2, 2022, and matching team shirts have always been required for the team divisions. Team shirts at these prestigious events must substantially match in color, style, and trim and each person on the team must have their own matching team shirt. So, look your best, compete in style, and comply with the team dress code requirements by ordering your Jam Up Apparel team shirts today.

A fully customized sublimated shirt is normally $89.95. However, it’s now just $69.95 using our special promotional code. To take advantage of this special offer, visit https://jamupapparel.com, select an existing design or the fully custom option. Upon check-out, enter coupon code CSI22. The deadline to order for guaranteed arrival is Monday, February 21, 2022. Orders will be accepted after this date but delivery prior to the event cannot be guaranteed.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Jam Up Apparel. Their designs are trendy, stylish and modern so I can’t wait to see how great our teams look this year,” said Ozzy Reynolds, CEO of CueSports International.
Damian Pongpanik, CEO of Jam Up Apparel said, “We are honored and excited to be working with CSI to bring quality custom team apparel to its members. My team is committed to bring quality apparel and great service to the billiards community.”
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CueSports International (CSI) is an international pool league and event leader and is currently comprised of three divisions: CSI Leagues, CSI Events and CSI Media. CSI Leagues manages the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League, CSI Events produces numerous amateur and professional events around the globe and CSI Media creates live streaming and digital content. Through its vision and strategic alliances, CSI is “shaping the future of pool.” For more information about CSI or any of its divisions, visit www.playcsipool.com.

2022 US PRO BILLIARD SERIES PRIZE FUND GROWS TO OVER THREE QUARTERS OF A MILLION DOLLARS

12/13/2021

 
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CueSports International (CSI) and Predator Group are excited to announce that the 2022 US Pro Billiard Series will feature nearly a half million dollars in added prize money and a total prize fund of approximately $775,000, representing more than a 300% increase in added money over the inaugural 2021 season. All six events will have more than $52,000 added each, upgrading them all to World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) Category 3 sanctioned events which secures the exclusive dates on the WPA calendar and allows players to earn more WPA ranking points from each event. The 2022 season will culminate with the 2023 Predator World 10-Ball Championship, boasting a quarter-million-dollar prize fund, held as part of the CueSports International Expo in Las Vegas, February 22 – March 4, 2023.
 
The Predator US Pro Billiard Series provides a clear pathway to becoming a WPA World Champion. The winner of each 2022 event will receive a guaranteed spot in the 2023 Predator World 10-Ball Championship. In addition, a minimum of the top 12 players in the Predator US Pro Billiard Series rankings who are not otherwise invited by the WPA, a WPA continental federation or a promoter wild card, will also earn spots in the 2023 Predator World 10-Ball Championship. Below are the events scheduled for the 2022 season.

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​​How were we able to triple the added money in just the second season? The unique format, two sets, race to four each plus a shootout if the set score is tied at 1-1, has created much more drama and excitement. Routine fans are watching longer and more importantly, it is attracting a broader audience. We have received many messages from people saying that their spouse began watching for the first time because the matches are faster and more dramatic. Children are telling their dads to let them know when another shootout happens. On-site spectators are crowding the tables to see who will win the final game of a set or who will crack under the pressure of the shootout. This increased excitement has led viewership numbers on Billiard TV and YouTube to rise which has attracted new sponsors. As promised from the beginning, this additional revenue is being reinvested in the Predator US Pro Billiard Series and the players’ pockets. After all, they are the stars, not the promoters.
 
CSI and Predator are committed to a long-term growth strategy. Our goal is to elevate and grow the entire sport, from top to bottom, leveraging the synergy between league participation, event turnout, equipment sales, increased viewership, and new sponsors.
 
Maximum exposure. We are not interested in selling a few on-site spectator tickets or pay-per-view packages. The product is made available to as many people around the world as possible for free via YouTube’s World Billiard TV channel, Billiard TV and For the Fans (FTF) TV networks.
 
Build the fan base. To better build the fan base, every event is staged alongside CSI league events with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of BCA Pool League and USA Pool League members in attendance. For the sport to grow, fans must admire the pros and pros must appreciate the fans.
 
A more professional game. 10-ball is featured as the “game of the pros” because it requires more skill than 9-ball. In 10-ball, shots must be intended and called, breaking requires better technique and maneuvering the cue ball for position on the next shot is often more difficult.
 
Format and equipment consistency. Every Predator US Pro Billiard Series event is played using the same format and equipment. There won’t be different race lengths, different bracket types, or different equipment from event to event. Every event will feature Predator Apex Tables with 4-1/4” pro cut pockets, tournament blue Arcadia Cloth, Predator Arena Lights and Predator Arcos II Balls.
 
The most innovative ranking system. The US Pro Billiard Series ranking system is managed by FargoRate, the most trusted pool player rating system on earth. It has been designed specifically to balance overall skill level and event results. It eliminates the need for ranking committees and top players are not knocked out of contention by a single misfortune or tough draw.
 
Billiard associations are also seeing this increase as beneficial to the entire industry.
“It is always great for our athletes and our sport when we see promoters continually raise the bar and grow their events and their prize funds.” said Shane Tyree, WPA Board Chairman and Billiard Congress of America Communications Manager. “To see what CSI and Predator have planned for 2022 and beyond with the US Pro Billiard Series is very exciting for North American professional players and cue sports enthusiasts.”
To learn more about the US Pro Billiard Series or to register, visit www.usprobilliardseries.com. ​

CueSports International (CSI) is an international pool league and event leader and is currently comprised of three divisions: CSI Leagues, CSI Events and CSI Media. CSI Leagues manages the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League, CSI Events produces numerous amateur and professional events around the globe and CSI Media creates live streaming and digital content. Through its vision and strategic alliances, CSI is “shaping the future of pool.” For more information about CSI or any of its divisions, visit www.playcsipool.com.
 
Predator’s mission is to inspire billiard fans by providing innovative experiences and products that deliver high-performance, with unsurpassed class and style. Predator, Poison and Uni-Loc are Predator Group brands that focus on performance pool tables, cues, billiard accessories, and precision components. For more information regarding Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorcues.com, www.poisoncues.com and www.uni-loc.com.
 
FargoRate computes pocket-billiard player ratings that rate pool players worldwide. FargoRate currently has over 19.1 million games played by nearly a quarter million players from 130 countries in its massive data set. Coupling game win/loss data across local leagues, regions, countries, and continents ensures players everywhere are rated on the same scale. Its mission is to usher in a new era for pocket billiards in which all players everywhere are interconnected and rated by objective performance. For more information about FargoRate, visit www.fargorate.com.

CSI, BCA Pool League & USA Pool League Members Get 50% Off Salotto Pro Subscription

11/22/2021

 
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CueSports International (CSI), parent company of the BCA Pool League & USA Pool League, is excited to announce Salotto as its official Find a Match app. As part of this collaboration, CSI, BCA Pool League & USA Pool League members get 50% off the Salotto Pro subscription.

Salotto is free to download and use to find games hosted by Salotto Pro members. The Salotto Pro subscription allows users to host a game anywhere a pool table is available. Whether you are at home, a pool room, bar, recreational center, community clubhouse or anywhere else with a pool table, you can host a match and allow others nearby to find your match and compete with you. You can play in the match or just be a host.

Want your match results to be reported to FargoRate? Want to build an established Fargo rating? No problem. Your Salotto matches can also be submitted to FargoRate, under certain conditions and for a minimal fee, to help build your FargoRate robustness (the number of games your Fargo rating is based on). Salotto is the only authorized one-versus-one app to submit match results to FargoRate.

With the Salotto Pro subscription, you can...
  • Find & schedule opponents near you
  • Host matches
  • Make a match on your pool table or any pool table...anywhere...anytime
  • Qualify for future Salotto Pro member-only tournaments
  • Submit match results to FargoRate (minimal fee required)

The normal cost of the Salotto Pro subscription is $4.99/month or $49.99/year. However, CSI, BCA Pool League & USA Pool League members pay only $2.49/month or $24.99/year. Simply enter CSI2021 in the Coupon Code box on the Salotto Pro upgrade screen.

CSI always strives to provide superior value to its members. Saving $25/year to find matches, host matches and establish your Fargo rating is another great way to provide more value.

If you haven't done so already, download the Salotto app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store today. It's free to download, free to use and you can take advantage of the Salotto Pro features for a fraction of the normal price.


CueSports International (CSI) is an international pool league and event leader and is currently comprised of three divisions: CSI Leagues, CSI Events and CSI Media. CSI Leagues manages the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League, CSI Events produces numerous amateur and professional events around the globe and CSI Media creates live streaming and digital content. Through its vision and strategic alliances, CSI is “shaping the future of pool.” For more information about CSI or any of its divisions, visit www.playcsipool.com or find CueSports International on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.

Salotto is a mobile app that allows pool players find and host games of pool any place where a pool table is present. This can be at a business or in your own home. Salotto allows members to keep track of stats, win prizes, compete against pool players at their skill level or beyond. Find your game today and visit https://salotto.app​ to learn more.

FargoRate computes pocket-billiard player ratings that rate amateur and professional players worldwide. FargoRate currently has over 19 million games played by nearly a quarter million players from 130 countries in its massive data set. Coupling game win/loss data across local leagues, regions, countries, and continents ensures players everywhere are rated on the same scale. Its mission is to usher in a new era for pocket billiards in which all players everywhere, amateur or professional, are interconnected and rated by objective performance. For more information about FargoRate, visit www.fargorate.com. ​

One-Time Exception for COVID-19 Impacted Players

6/23/2021

 
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Over the past year, league players have contacted us to ask if they will be eligible to play in the 2021 BCA Pool League World Championships if their leagues didn't resume early enough for them to get qualified. We have continued to hope and expect all areas around the globe to reopen in time for players to join a BCA Pool League and become eligible. Unfortunately, there are still many regions in which leagues cannot operate at all or they are only allowed to operate at a significantly reduced capacity. This has made it impossible for many players to become eligible.

In light of this, we offer, just for the 2021 BCA Pool League Championships, the following one-time exception. Any person who resides in an "impacted region" may purchase a CSI membership ($40 for one year) and participate in the 2021 BCA Pool League World Championships. An "impacted region" is any region in which leagues have not been allowed to begin or have been mandated to operate at a reduced capacity by the state or local Government.

Players in impacted regions that form teams must all reside within an approximate radius of 25-miles (40-kilometers).


Please note that this is a one-time exception for the 2021 BCA Pool League World Championships only. Those who wish to compete in next year's 2022 BCA Pool League Championships, which will be held March 23 - April 2, must join a BCA Pool League and meet the minimum weeks of play requirement before the end of the 2021 calendar year. 

To register for the BCA Pool League World Championships, visit the official event webpage at www.playcsipool.com/2021-bcapl-world-championships. All event details can be found in the Player Guide which can be downloaded from this page.


BCA Pool League Scoring App

6/9/2021

 
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One of the great benefits of the BCA Pool League is free mobile scoring.

​The BCA Pool League Scoring App is available for free to all BCA Pool Leagues that use the FargoRate League Management System (LMS), the only league management system in the world with FargoRate built in. There is no need for complicated score sheets, paper, pencils or a math degree. Players can simply log in to the BCA Pool League Scoring App, score the match and submit.

​Below is an overview of how to properly use the BCA Pool League scoring app.

Connect Your FargoRate Profile First!

In order to use the BCA Pool League scoring app, you must be on an active BCA Pool League team and have matches scheduled. Your login will be the same as your login for the FargoRate app. 

If you do not have a FargoRate app account:
  1. Confirm with your League Operator that your correct profile has been added to a team in the FargoRate League Management System (LMS). Sometimes, duplicate profiles get created that are not tied to your BCA Pool League membership. If your League Operator adds one of these duplicate profiles, it may result in login and rating errors.
  2. After your League Operator adds you to a team in LMS, wait at least 24 hours for the data to sync from LMS to the rest of the FargoRate ecosystem.
  3. Visit the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and search "FargoRate Player App," and install it on your device.
  4. Open the app and swipe left until you see "Let's get started." Search for your name using just the first few letters of your first and last name and select the correct profile. This is done to ensure we find any shortened names or misspellings. If you do not find your name, contact your League Manager and go back to step #1.
  5. Once you select your name, the app will ask for your email address and a password to create your app accounts.
  6. When you log into the FargoRate app the first time, you may be prompted to purchase a subscription for the premium features. The premium features are included with your BCA Pool League membership so ignore these prompts. They should automatically become available after we receive and process your membership fee from your League Operator. If they do not, email [email protected]. Click here for a full explanation of the FargoRate app.

If you do have a FargoRate app account:
  1. Open the FargoRate app, click the menu icon (3 horizontal lines) in the top left corner and choose “Player Card.” Note your BCA Pool League membership number at the bottom of the page. You will need it in the next step.
  2. Visit the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store and search "BCAPL Scoring App," and install it on your device.
  3. Login using your BCA Pool League membership number and the password you created for the FargoRate app.

Still have an issue? See the "Frequently Asked Questions" section near the bottom of this page.
📲 The app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching "BCAPL Scoring App."

🛑 IMPORTANT: The wide range of formats and scoring systems used by the hundreds of BCA Pool Leagues around the world make testing every aspect of every format nearly impossible. Therefore, it is highly recommended that everyone keep a paper score sheet as backup for at least the first session of using the BCA Pool League Scoring App. 

Logging In

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After downloading the BCA Pool League Scoring App from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store, it will open to the Login screen.

​LOGGING IN THE FIRST TIME
There are two ways to login the first time. 

OPTION 1 - USE THE FARGORATE APP FIRST (BEST OPTION)
You should first download the FargoRate App. It has lots of great features and the premium features are free to BCA Pool League members ($12.99/year for non-members). Follow the instructions above to download the FargoRate app.

OPTION 2 - USE YOUR MEMBERSHIP NUMBER
You may also create your account directly through the BCA Pool League Scoring App. Click “Register for an account” and provide some basic information, including your BCA Pool League membership number. The email address and password you choose here will then be the login credentials for the FargoRate App as well. This is not the recommended option but it will work.


A note about membership numbers...
Some people have older profiles in FargoRate with a shortened 7-digit membership number stored internally. A few years ago, membership numbers were modified to a new 13-digit format to accommodate the rapid growth of FargoRate and CSI’s leagues. To log in to the FargoRate apps, you must use whichever number is stored internally. Although the membership card may show a 13-digit number, FargoRate may actually have the shortened 7-digit version stored internally. If so, that is what must be used to login to the BCA Pool League Scoring App.

What does this mean?
The 13-digit number will work for most people. If it doesn’t, omit the first 5 digits and the last digit and try again. For example, if the 13-digit number 9900003078972 does not work, try the shortened 7-digit version of 0307897.
 
We understand this may be a little confusing. This is why we recommend creating your account through the FargoRate App first. Also, you only need to login once. After the first login, the app should open without the need to login.

The Match List

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Once you login, the initial screen will show the list of upcoming matches in your league. If this screen is blank for you, either your league does not use LMS or you are not yet on any of the league's team rosters in LMS.

​Click the match that you'd like to score. You can score your own team's match or you can score a match for two different teams in the league.

Scoring a Game

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This example shows a 3-player team league that utilizes the round robin format, 10-point scoring method and FargoRate set at 100% for handicapping.

Start by selecting the players that will play the first game.

​To begin scoring the game, click the green number pad icon in the center of the player names.
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The "Score Game" screen appears. Whichever score box is highlighted (thicker border) is the score that you are editing. In this example, the score for the player on team Miss Cues is in the edit mode. If you want to edit the other player's score, click that team's score box.

There are several options for scoring and each game can be won in a number of "special" ways. If the player for team Miss Cues won the game, you can simply click the WIN button. If he or she won in a special way, such as a break-and-run, click the BR button. The buttons are as follows:

WIN - awards the appropriate number of points based on the league's scoring method setting in LMS. In this example, the winning score is 10 points because the league uses a 10-point scoring system.

​BR - awards the appropriate number of points based on the league's scoring method and also records it as a break-and-run for league tracking purposes.

TR - awards the appropriate number of points based on the league's scoring method and also records it as a table-run for league tracking purposes. A table-run is when the non-breaking player wins the game at his or her first turn at the table.

WB - awards the appropriate number of points based on the league's scoring method and also records it as a win-on-the-break for league tracking purposes. This is when a player wins the game off of the break (ex. 9-ball on the break).

WZ - awards the appropriate number of points based on the league's scoring method and also records it as a win-zip for league tracking purposes. A win-zip is when the winning player won leaving their opponent with a score of zero.

(-) - reduces the score by one (1) for each click.

(+) - increases the score by one (1) for each click.

RESET - resets the game scores for both players.

DONE - completes the scoring for the game and closes the "Score Game" screen.

NOTE: Due to the wide range of formats played by BCA Pool Leagues, the scoring app is built for maximum flexibility. Therefore, no error checking is included for game scores. For example, if your league uses a 10-point system, the app will allow you to enter a score other than 10 for a win. This is intentional.
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In this example, we clicked the WIN button for team Miss Cues. We then clicked the score box for team I Got Lucky and then clicked the (+) button six times. This indicates a game score of 10 to 6.

​Once we are confident that the score is correct, we click the DONE button.
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This takes us back to the ROUND 1 view and we see the entered game score of 10 to 6 in favor of team Miss Cues.

We now scroll down to score the second game of Round 1.
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We repeated the game scoring steps as explained above to enter the score of the second game of Round 1. Here, Jason Kane won the game 10 to 0 and it was correctly recorded as a win-zip (WZ).

​​We now scroll down to score the third game of Round 1.
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We repeated the game scoring steps to enter the score of the third game of Round 1. Here, Rebecca Wagner won the game 10 to 5.

Round 1 is now complete. The Round 1 actual score, handicap points and total score are displayed at the bottom of the screen. The running total of the match score will be displayed near the top of every screen. You will notice that the handicap points have already been calculated based on the actual match-ups that have occurred in the round. There is no need to visit the online handicap calculator to determine handicap points.

To begin scoring Round 2, scroll to the top and click the arrow to the right of Round 1. This will take you to the Round 2 screen.

The player rotation will already be set for Round 2 based on the specific score sheet configuration of your league in LMS. Therefore, there is no need to select the players unless there is a substitute situation or different players than were in Round 1.

Adding a Player

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If at any point in the match you need to add a player to your team, click the (+) button next to the team name and the "Add Player" screen will appear. Search for the player and if you are confident that you found the right person, click the name to add him or her to the team roster.

If you fail to find the person in the search, either you have searched using the wrong spelling or the person is not in the FargoRate or BCA Pool League database. In this situation, the League Operator must add the player to your team through LMS first.

WARNING. Do not add a player to your team unless you are absolutely sure it is the correct person. Adding the wrong person can create issues for your team and League Operator.

Match Handoff

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It's common for more than one person to keep score. For example, you may be scoring the first game or round on your phone but you may have to play in the second game or round. You can "handoff" score keeping duties to someone else in the league with the Handoff feature.

​To handoff score keeping, click the arrow icon in the upper right corner of the screen. This generates a handoff code. When your teammate selects the match using his or her mobile device, it will ask for this code. He or she can then pick up where you left off.

Submit Match

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Once all games and rounds are scored, the overall score should be reviewed by both teams. To submit the score sheet, click the SUBMIT MATCH button. Both teams are encouraged to score the match and compare score sheets at the conclusion of the match for accuracy. Both teams may submit the scores.

The League Operator will see the match results in LMS and your league data will be automatically reported to FargoRate. If any part of a score sheet is incorrect, the League Operator can correct it in LMS.


Frequently Asked Questions

  1. I already have the FargoRate App and can’t remember my password to log into the BCA Pool League scoring app. Use the password reset link in the FargoRate App to reset your password. Use your new password for the BCA Pool League scoring app.
  2. I no longer have the email address I used when I created my FargoRate account or I did not receive the password reset email. Email [email protected] to have your email address updated.
  3. I'm in the FargoRate App but it indicates the wrong robustness and/or rating. You may have multiple profiles. Email [email protected].
  4. I'm in the BCA Pool League scoring app but do not see any of my upcoming matches. You need to be on a team to see upcoming matches. Your League Operator may not have added you to a team or you may have a duplicate profile. If your League Operator is unable to help, email [email protected].
  5. I'm in the BCA Pool League scoring app but the player ratings do not match the FargoRate app. A great feature of the BCA Pool League scoring app is that it does not need cellular data or Wi-Fi to score a match. You can download a scoresheet when you have service, score the match without service, and submit the results once you have service. However, because ratings are updated every day, downloading the scoresheet too far in advance can cause the scoresheet to contain ratings from a previous day. The best practice is to only download a scoresheet on the day of the match. However, if you have cell or wifi service and want the most current ratings, reload the scoresheet by dragging down on the page to refresh the data.

Use LMS!

If your league is not using LMS, encourage your League Operator to make the switch today. If not, your league will not be able to use the BCA Pool League Scoring App and your league's data will not be reported to FargoRate. This will put you and your teammates at a disadvantage when competing in BCA Pool League events because we may have to assign starter ratings that are higher than your true skill level.

​For more information about the BCA Pool League, visit www.playbcapool.com. For more information about FargoRate, visit www.fargorate.com.

Predator and CueSports International Launch the US Pro Billiard Series

6/3/2021

 
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​Predator Group and CueSports International (CSI) are proud to announce the official launch of the US Pro Billiard Series. The 2021 inaugural season features five open/pro 10-ball events between July and the end of the calendar year, each held alongside a CSI Leagues amateur event attended by hundreds and sometimes thousands of BCA Pool League & USA Pool League members.
 
The winner of each event receives a guaranteed spot in the $100,000 added 2022 Predator World 10-Ball Championship, to be held March 28 – April 1, at the CueSports International Expo in Las Vegas. The five 2021 US Pro Billiard Series events plus the end of season 2022 Predator World 10-Ball Championship boasts a quarter million dollars in added money and a total purse of nearly a half million dollars.

2021 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
EVENT 1: US Pro Billiard Series - Arizona Open
July 28-31
Casino Del Sol Resort
Tucson, Arizona
(held with the CSI Leagues Arizona State Championships)
EVENT 2: US Pro Billiard Series - Diamond Las Vegas Open
Sept 1-4
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
Las Vegas, Nevada
(held with the BCA Pool League World Championships & USA Pool League National Championships)
EVENT 3: US Pro Billiard Series - Michigan Open
Sept 22-25
Kellogg Arena
Battle Creek, Michigan
(held with the CSI Leagues Michigan State Championships)
EVENT 4: US Pro Billiard Series - Ohio Open
Oct 13-16
Roberts Centre
Wilmington, Ohio
(held with the CSI Leagues Ohio State Championships)
EVENT 5: US Pro Billiard Series - Puerto Rico Open
Dates: TBA
Venue: TBA
San Juan, Puerto Rico
(held with the CSI Leagues Puerto Rico Championships)
​For more information or to register for any of these events, visit www.USProBilliardSeries.com. Players are encouraged to not delay because many events are limited to 64 players and registration is on a first come, first serve basis.
“We are proud to partner with Predator and FargoRate to make the US Pro Billiard Series a reality. Holding these high-quality pro events along with our already established amateur league events across the country creates a synergy and an atmosphere not found elsewhere,” said Ozzy Reynolds, CEO of CueSports International. “We are never satisfied with 'good enough.' We constantly strive to be better and provide a great experience, not just another tournament.”
​The US Pro Billiard Series will also feature its own points and ranking system managed by FargoRate. The top six players in the US Pro Billiard Series Rankings who do not earn a spot by winning an event or are not otherwise invited by the WPA, a WPA continental federation or a promotor wild card, will also earn spots in the $100,000 added 2022 Predator World 10-Ball Championship.
 
The ranking system is designed specifically to avoid the pitfalls of traditional points systems. Players earn two types of points – Tournament Points and FargoRate Points. Tournament Points are based upon where players finish in an event (i.e., the traditional approach). FargoRate Points are based upon players’ Fargo ratings relative to the field of players. The total number and distribution of FargoRate Points will match the total number and distribution of Tournament Points. This balanced blending of points allows for the emergence of rising talent while reducing the chance of top players being knocked out of contention by misfortune or a single poor performance.
​When asked about FargoRate’s new responsibility in managing the ranking system, Co-Founder, Steve Ernst said, “We are very excited to be part of this new professional series. CueSports International and Predator are doing truly great things for the sport and we at FargoRate are honored to be included.”
​The format of each event has been devised to create drama and excitement. Each match is two sets, race to four. If the set score is tied at 1-1, a spot shot shootout determines the winner. Stage 1 is double elimination to the final quarter of the field. Stage 2 is single elimination.
 
The feature table will be broadcast live on Billiard TV, the first and only 24/7 free television channel dedicated solely to broadcasting billiards programming. Billiard TV will feature full-length matches, trick shot exhibitions, instruction, commentary, news and more. It is scheduled to launch in June and will immediately be available in 12 countries and to 30 million viewers.
 
The equipment used for each event, with the exception of the Diamond Las Vegas Open, will be Predator tables covered with Predator Arcadia Reserve Cloth, Predator Arcos II Balls, Predator Arena Lights, Predator Bridges and Predator 1080 Pure Chalk. The Diamond Las Vegas Open will be played on Diamond Pro-Am tables.
​“We are excited to build a US tour in partnership with CSI that brings back professional competitions to North America on a regular basis,” said Karim Belhaj, CEO of Predator Group. “We want to give back to the sport, and in particular to pro players that are inspiring new and long-time fans alike. We can all benefit from creating more excitement around the sport.”
​Predator Group’s mission is to inspire billiard fans by providing innovative experiences and products that deliver high-performance, with unsurpassed class and style. Predator, Poison and Uni-Loc are Predator Group brands that focus on performance pool cues, billiard accessories and precision components. For more information regarding Predator Group’s products, visit www.predatorcues.com, www.poisoncues.com and www.uni-loc.com.
 
CueSports International (CSI) is an international pool league and event leader and is currently comprised of three divisions: CSI Leagues, CSI Events and CSI Media. CSI Leagues manages the BCA Pool League and USA Pool League, CSI Events produces numerous amateur and professional events around the globe and CSI Media creates live streaming and digital content. Through its vision and strategic alliances, CSI is “shaping the future of pool.” For more information about CSI or any of its divisions, visit www.playcsipool.com or find CueSports International on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter.
 
FargoRate computes pocket-billiard player ratings that rate amateur and professional players worldwide. FargoRate currently has over 19 million games played by nearly a quarter million players from 130 countries in its massive data set. Coupling game win/loss data across local leagues, regions, countries, and continents ensures players everywhere are rated on the same scale. Its mission is to usher in a new era for pocket billiards in which all players everywhere, amateur or professional, are interconnected and rated by objective performance. For more information about FargoRate, visit www.fargorate.com. 

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