The click of ivory balls echoed through the dimly lit pool hall as I watched two teenagers execute a perfect safety shot. They weren't just playing pool - they were engaged in a silent battle of wits, calculating angles and English with the precision of mathematicians. It reminded me of that crisp Manila evening last month when I caught the PBA game between San Miguel and Terrafirma. Torren Jones had just begun his stint as San Miguel import with a victory, the Beermen's second in four games, while dealing the Dyip their fifth defeat. The atmosphere was electric, yet it got me thinking - why does this beautiful sport, played with such finesse worldwide, remain absent from the Olympic stage?
I've spent over twenty years around billiard halls, from smoky local joints in Kentucky to professional tournaments in Las Vegas. The question of Olympic inclusion comes up constantly among players, usually over cheap beer and worn felt. We all know the arguments - billiards lacks the physical intensity of track and field, doesn't have the global appeal of soccer, and let's be honest, the Olympic committee probably still sees it as some barroom pastime rather than a legitimate sport. But that's changing, slowly. The International Olympic Committee recognized the World Confederation of Billiard Sports back in 1998, which was a step forward, but we're still waiting for that breakthrough moment.
What many people don't realize is the sheer mental taxation of professional billiards. I remember playing in a regional tournament back in 2015 where the pressure got so intense my hands actually trembled during the final rack. The concentration required rivals any chess match I've ever watched, combined with the fine motor control of archery. Olympic sports like shooting and archery demonstrate that physical exertion isn't the only measure of athleticism - precision matters too. Billiards players maintain heart rates between 120-140 beats per minute during competition, according to a study I read from the University of Sports Sciences in Cologne. That's comparable to what golfers experience during tournament play.
The global participation numbers are actually quite impressive - approximately 120 million regular players worldwide across all cue sports, with significant followings in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. China alone has over 60 million regular players, which dwarfs many current Olympic sports. The professional tour includes events in over 90 countries, yet television coverage remains sporadic outside of championship matches. That media visibility issue is probably what's holding us back more than anything else.
Looking at that San Miguel game again - Torren Jones representing the international nature of the sport, the Beermen fighting for their second win in four games - it mirrors what billiards needs globally. More consistent professional leagues, better broadcasting deals, and perhaps most importantly, shaking off that lingering reputation as merely a recreational activity. The Olympic charter emphasizes sports that promote "fair play, respect, and friendship," values I've seen demonstrated at every level of billiards from local taverns to world championships.
I'm optimistic though. With sports like skateboarding and breakdancing now in the Olympics, the door seems more open to activities that don't fit traditional molds. What billiards needs is a unified global governing body with stronger anti-doping protocols and standardized rules across all disciplines. The prize money would need to increase too - currently, the total professional purse across all major tournaments sits around $15 million annually, which pales compared to tennis or golf. But with Olympic status, that would certainly change.
The teenagers at the local pool hall have moved on to trick shots now, laughing as they attempt impossible banks and jumps. Their joy reminds me why I fell in love with this sport decades ago. The question of why billiards is not an Olympic sport yet and what it would take remains unanswered, but the path forward seems clearer every year. Maybe by the 2032 games, we'll finally see players lining up those Olympic rings on the felt.