Estonia’s first Billiard sport academy with eight APEX 9ft Pro tables opens doors in T1 Mall of Tallinn,welcoming all billiard enthusiasts.
[Tallinn, Estonia] Predator Group, the US-based billiards leader, is proud to announce the opening of a brand new, “Predator powered” Billiard Academy located in the T1 Mall of Tallinn, Estonia. Predator Billiard Sport Academy will accommodate Estonia’s first Predator Apex 9ft Pro pool tables – the same tables that are used in the World’s biggest competitions, most recently at the Predator World 10-Ball Championship in Las Vegas, where Predator team player Denis Grabe achieved a 3rd place, bringing Estonia its first individual World Championship medal in the adult category.
“I am extremely grateful to Predator Group for their cooperation, trust, and contribution! Predator is not just a billiard supply company – it´s an extremely professional one, very dedicated to the development of the sport. The opening of the billiard academy in Tallinn is part of a larger concept. Thanks to Predator Group, our tiny Tallinn makes its way to the world billiard map,”said Kristjan Kuusik, the founder and coach of Kalev Billiard School.
“Under my guidance as a coach, more than 300 children in Estonia have discovered billiards. In addition, at least 200 adults. I’ve been running regular billiard training sessions since 2011, and there has been a great need for a place where there is no dining and other distractions – where people can just practice sports. The opening of the billiard hall fulfills one of my long-held dreams. I wish that all the young and adult athletes could enjoy the training process to the maximum and I am sure many top athletes will emerge from this place who will bring championship medals to Estonia!”, added Kuusik.
“It is a great pleasure to see that young Estonian billiard players will have the opportunity to play the game in an extremely high-quality space. Predator, who is also my sponsor, is the world’s leading billiard brand and the absolute top in the sport!” said Denis Grabe, a top-ranked player in Estonia and 13th in the world.
“Estonia holds immense potential for pool, and their development plans for all players, men, women and juniors, will grow the sport’s global presence. Following Denis Grabe’s many international successes, including a recent bronze medal at the Predator World 10-Ball Championship 2024, and after Karl Gnadeberg was crowned World Junior Champion in 2022, now is the right time to be contributing to a future where Estonian talent will keep on shining even more on the international stage,” added Huidji See, Sponsorship Coordinator of Predator Group and 2011 World 10-Ball Champion.
“Having had the privilege to tour the site under-construction, I was truly impressed by the dedication to providing players with a top-tier environment to sharpen their skills. To see them develop their athletic skills on our Predator Apex Pool tables, located in a high-end facility, make us very proud to have our company partnering with such an fantastic project. It fills me with excitement for the future of the sport in this region,” said JP Parmentier, Sports Marketing Director of Predator Group.
“T1 Center is the most modern multifunctional shopping and leisure center in Estonia, located in the bustling business area and in the crossroads of major transport connections of the Estonian capital, including the terminal of the future Rail Baltica rail connection. T1 has about 56,000 square meters of rental space, and there are a total of nearly 1,000 parking spaces. T1 center welcomes with open arms various sports disciplines. We are pleased to cooperate with the Predator Billiard Sport Academy, led by real enthusiasts and professionals. Just like the other sports areas on the third floor of T1, we will also build the billiards sports center, considering the specifics and technical conditions of that sports discipline. This approach is extremely unique even on an international scale,” said Tarmo Hõbe, CEO of T1. “The third floor of the center, of which first stage we opened in the fall of 2023, is home to many sports and hobbies. When the entire third floor of T1 will be completed by the end of 2024, it will be possible to practice more than 20 different sports in one building and on one floor.”
Huidji See, JP Parmentier, Kristjan Kuusik and Urmas Soorumaa (Estonia Olympic Committee President)
Kalev Billiards School will of course remain a private recreational school in Estonia, but the brand and venue name will be named “Predator Billiard Sport Academy”. For the members, the academy is open 24 hours a day with access to a dressing room, sauna and free parking in T1 Mall’s car park.
As a billiard-focused venue, Predator Billiard Sport Academy welcomes all young and adult billiard enthusiasts who want to learn more about the game. In the smartphone era, many young people find it difficult to concentrate and sometimes even think logically – all of which can be improved by playing billiard,” adds Kuusik.
All schools in Tallinn and the surrounding area are very welcome to come and learn more about billiard and its charms. For more information about training and education, please visit: www.piljardikool.ee; [email protected].