The Mosconi Cup isn’t just a pool tournament; it’s an experience. Emily Frazer, the driving force behind the event, describes it as a collision of worlds – snooker’s precision meeting darts’ electric energy. And right now, she admits, it’s leaning heavily towards the latter.
For nearly three decades, since 1994, the Mosconi Cup has pitted Europe’s finest against the USA’s best in a nine-ball showdown. This year’s competition ignited at Alexandra Palace, culminating in a thrilling finale on Saturday, with a sold-out Friday night crowd of 2,000 roaring their support.
What makes this tournament so captivating? It’s the team dynamic, a rare departure from the typically individualistic nature of pool. Frazer explains that seeing athletes unite under a flag, mirroring the excitement of events like the Ryder Cup in golf or Davis Cup in tennis, elevates the competition to a whole new level. It’s a spectacle designed to draw in even the most casual sports fan.
The atmosphere is undeniably a key ingredient. Frazer’s team has intentionally embraced elements from the world of darts, introducing fan boards and encouraging a vibrant, boisterous environment. It’s a conscious effort to broaden the appeal of nine-ball pool, attracting a new audience and fostering a sense of excitement.
The players themselves contribute to the drama. Team Europe boasts stoic competitors like Pijus Labutis alongside the outspoken Jayson Shaw, who isn’t afraid to engage in playful – or perhaps not so playful – trash talk. Meanwhile, Team USA arrives with a fierce national pride, wearing their passion on their sleeves. This clash of personalities creates a compelling narrative that draws viewers in.
Frazer recently found herself in the spotlight with the Netflix documentary, *Matchroom: The Greatest Showmen*. She admits to being surprised by the level of personal detail revealed, but ultimately grateful for the exposure it brought to Multi Sport, the division she leads.
“I’m just glad I didn’t get cancelled,” she jokes, reflecting on the experience of being constantly mic’d up. “I think I’m just a bit more open about certain things.” She’s proud that the documentary highlighted the dedication and unique spirit of her team, who she describes as relentless in their pursuit of success.
While the documentary showcased the breadth of Matchroom Sport, snooker arguably received less attention. Frazer acknowledges this, pointing to a memorable encounter with a rogue pigeon during filming at the English Open as a defining moment. However, she envisions opportunities to elevate snooker events, suggesting the Masters at Alexandra Palace would be a perfect showcase.
Frazer’s Multi Sport division thrives on innovation, constantly experimenting with new approaches to engage fans. This is particularly evident in events like the Champion of Champions snooker tournament, where she introduced a more relaxed dress code, encouraging players to express their individuality.
“We are the guinea pigs,” Frazer states. “We’re not afraid to try new things. If it works, we double down. If it doesn’t, we learn and adapt.” She draws inspiration from the personalized branding in darts, hoping to bring a similar level of personality to the world of pool and snooker.
The goal is simple: to make the sport more relatable and engaging for a wider audience. Even if some experiments, like the introduction of a “dance cam,” are met with initial criticism, Frazer believes it’s important to embrace fun and create a memorable experience for fans. Ultimately, she recognizes that pool and snooker are distinct sports, and her strengths lie in championing the dynamic energy of nine-ball.
