Jacksonville to Host Pool League Championship in December
David Ray and Keith Waddle are set to compete in the upcoming statewide 8-ball tournament this winter.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Gambling
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The USA Pool League statewide championship will take place in Jacksonville on December 15 and 16, 2026. Local players David Ray and Keith Waddle have qualified to participate in the Scotch doubles 8-ball tournament.
Why it matters
This championship highlights the competitive nature of the regional league, which utilizes a structured handicap system to foster balanced play among athletes. Qualifying for the state level provides local players a path toward national competition.
The league utilizes the FargoRate system to handicap match play, ensuring athletes of varying skill levels can compete fairly. Participants in the upcoming Winter Session pay dues with 50% of proceeds reserved for national competition travel expenses.
The players
David Ray
He is a local pool player from Marion County who qualified for the upcoming statewide championship.
Keith Waddle
He is a Marion County resident and billiards player with 15 years of experience who qualified for the tournament.
USA Pool League
This organization facilitates competitive billiards and manages the handicap system for regional and state championships.
The details
Matches follow the call-pocket 8-ball format, with skill levels determined by established FargoRate metrics. The upcoming Winter Session will commence at the Good Time Bar & Grill in Belleview to prepare players for future match requirements.
Timeline
The Winter Session of the pool league begins on November 18, 2026.
The statewide championship tournament begins on December 15, 2026.
The statewide championship tournament concludes on December 16, 2026.
Weekly league matches occur every Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Culture Shift
The use of the FargoRate system reflects a broader shift toward data-driven skill assessment in recreational sports. This methodology aligns amateur billiards with professional standards, allowing leagues to maintain competitive integrity across diverse skill demographics.
Residents interested in competitive billiards can register for the Winter Session beginning November 18 at the designated venue. Players should anticipate weekly commitments on Wednesday evenings to maintain their eligibility for future championship cycles.
The takeaway
Competitive pool leagues offer structured paths for players to advance from local sessions to state and national stages. Aspiring competitors can improve their standings by consistently participating in league play and tracking their ratings through standardized handicapping.
Further reading
For more information on regional competitions, visit the Gambling section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Ocala Gazette.
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