The 2024 BetOnline Mosconi Cup launched its highly anticipated 31st edition with an electric pre-tournament press conference at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, marking the first time this iconic event will be held in Florida.
In partnership with global sports betting giant BetOnline, this year’s Mosconi Cup will see Team USA take on defending champions Team Europe in a four-day showdown of nineball pool from 30 November to 3 December.
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The press conference provided fans and media an exclusive first look at the teams, captains, and players as they faced off ahead of the most prestigious event on the World Nineball Tour. Hosted by Matchroom Multi Sport CEO Emily Frazer, the event set the stage for an unforgettable tournament.
Team Europe Captain Jayson Shaw reflected on preparations following their Reyes Cup defeat: “After the Reyes Cup loss, I got everyone together. We’ve spent the last eight days together and we’ve worked hard together. I’m sure these guys will be ready tomorrow; I’ve prepared them the best I can and hopefully by tomorrow we put on a good show for you all.”
Meanwhile, Captain of Team USA’s Skyler Woodward wasted no time in stoking the competitive fire, addressing Shaw directly: “Good luck! You’ve never faced two hillbillies before. Be ready!”
Eklent Kaçi added to the exchange, targeting his upcoming opponents Fedor Gorst and Shane Van Boening in Match Four: “It doesn’t matter who we play, they feel like seems like SVB and Fedor are their best combination, it will be the easiest in my opinion.”
The spotlight turned to World Champion Fedor Gorst, who reminisced about last year’s challenges: “It was tough last year with the whole crowd against me. It wasn’t easy, but it’ll be the same for Mickey – Maybe worse. Having the support of the fans this year will help massively.”
©Taka Wu/Matchroom Multi Sport
Making his Mosconi Cup debut, Mickey Krause shared his excitement: “It’s one of my dreams to be here, I’m just glad to be in the team and I’m ready to go. This last week had been really good, we’ve bonded well and I feel like we are getting there.”
Tyler Styer addressed his friendship with Krause ahead of their clash: “Mickey and I are pretty good friends, and I’m happy for him to make the team. But ever since then I’ve had to distance myself from him, he’s the enemy this week.”
Mosconi Cup veteran Shane Van Boening, set to make history with his 18th appearance, expressed his enthusiasm: “I’m so excited for this week, I’ve been waiting four months to get my speech ready for my Hall of Fame Induction, I can’t wait.”
Francisco Sanchez Ruiz and David Alcaide, Spain’s formidable duo, promised another stellar showing: “I’m ready to give it my all this week,” said Ruiz, while Alcaide added, “The last four years have been great, and we are ready to win again.”
Making his Mosconi Cup return, Billy Thorpe shared his excitement: “I’m just happy to be here. I always making sure everyone is having fun and keeping the positive vibes and the energy up. I might not be the straightest shooter, but I’ve got the most heart.”
Reflecting on the tournament’s new home, Emily Frazer commented: “We’re here in the brand new location in Orlando and I love it! I cannot wait for everyone to see this record selling event and arena. I cannot wait for you all to see it tomorrow.”
Frazer also unveiled the highly anticipated Day One schedule, promising a thrilling start to the competition:
Day One Matches
- Match 1 – Team Match: USA vs Europe
- Match 2 – Doubles: Skyler Woodward & Billy Thorpe (USA) vs Jayson Shaw & David Alcaide (Europe)
- Match 3 – Singles: Tyler Styer (USA) vs Mickey Krause (Europe)
- Match 4 – Doubles: Fedor Gorst & Shane Van Boening (USA) vs Eklent Kaçi & Francisco Sanchez Ruiz (Europe)
- Match 5 – Singles: Skyler Woodward (USA) vs Eklent Kaçi (Europe)