Shane Van Boening crushed his competition, securing the US Open 8-Ball Championship with a definitive 11-4 victory over Hungary’s Oliver Szolnoki. The win marks his second US Open title in just one week, cementing his status as America’s premier billiards talent.
The “South Dakota Kid” showed why he’s a legend at 41, dominating the felt with ruthless precision. His eight break-and-runs displayed the clinical shot-making that’s become his trademark. What looked like a blowout on paper wasn’t quite so simple – the match featured moments where Szolnoki threatened to close the gap, but Van Boening’s experience proved decisive. Vegas crowds watched in awe as he methodically dismantled his younger opponent’s hopes.
The $10,000-added tournament at Griff’s in Las Vegas showcased why the 41-year-old “South Dakota Kid” remains the man to beat on the American circuit. While many top billiards pros maintain Texas residences due to the state’s thriving pool scene, Van Boening has stayed loyal to his South Dakota roots. Still, he competes regularly in the Lone Star State, where fans can now follow their favorite players through betting sites in Texas that have embraced cue sports alongside traditional wagering options.
Don’t let the lopsided score fool you – this wasn’t the walkover the numbers suggest. Behind that seemingly dominant 11-4 final tally lay a fascinating battle of execution and nerve. Of the 15 games played, a remarkable 12 ended with “break and runs” – where the player who breaks proceeds to clear the entire table without their opponent getting a shot. Van Boening claimed eight of these clinical run-outs, displaying the consistency that’s become his trademark.
What truly separated the competitors were three crucial errors by the 27-year-old Hungarian. The first came early when Szolnoki, poised to tie the match at 2-2, misplayed position and found himself without a shot. Van Boening pounced, seizing a 3-1 lead instead.
The second mistake proved even more costly. With Van Boening leading 5-2, Szolnoki missed the final ball before the 8-ball – a shot professional players make 99 times out of 100. Not only did Van Boening clear his remaining balls, but he also pocketed Szolnoki’s final ball via a carom shot, adding insult to injury.
By the time Szolnoki committed his third unforced error at 9-4 down, the outcome was essentially decided. But for most of the match, fans witnessed why both men rank among the world’s elite, trading break-and-runs with machine-like efficiency.
The victory continues an impressive run for Van Boening, who had captured the US Open 10-Ball title just days earlier. His methodical approach and steely temperament have proven particularly effective in these high-stakes tournaments where a single mistake can prove catastrophic.
The global billiard market continues its growth trajectory, with recent industry analysis projecting expansion from $681.2 million in 2024 to $866.67 million by 2031. North America dominates with over 40% of global revenue, reflecting the ongoing popularity of cue sports across the continent.
A steady 3.50% CAGR signals strong consumer interest in billiards across recreational and competitive spaces. North America’s commanding $272.48 million market share (2024) underscores the region’s deep-rooted pool culture, though it’s growing at a modest 1.7% annually through 2031.
For Szolnoki, the runner-up finish represents both disappointment and promise. Despite the loss, his path to the finals included victories over several former champions, suggesting the Hungarian has the talent to capture major titles in the future.
“Oliver has nothing to be ashamed of,” Van Boening said afterward. “He forced me to play my absolute best. A few different bounces and we might be telling a different story right now.”
Unlike last year when Van Boening claimed victory in both the US Open Banks Tournament and One Pocket Championships, he’ll be skipping these events this year. Instead, he’s playing in Bosnia to compete in the European Open Pool Championship in Sarajevo.
The US Open Bank Pool Championships begin have selected matches streaming live on GriffTV’s YouTube channel. Though Van Boening won’t defend his title, the field remains stacked with world-class talent eager to claim the prestigious championship.
As Van Boening exits Las Vegas with two more trophies for his already crowded display case, the billiards world wonders just how many titles the South Dakota Kid can accumulate before his career concludes. Based on his current form, that number might grow substantially in the coming years.
