What made you think, "I want to host my own tournament"?
In 2022, you have the US OPEN, the most prestigious event in racquetball, yet the prize for the men's singles open division world champion is only $350 USD. That struck me as fundamentally wrong and sparked the idea of creating an event that combines high-level competition with substantial financial rewards. Why settle for just bragging rights when a tournament can make the trip worthwhile?
What is your goal with this tournament?
My sole aim is to bring players together in one massive bracket, where the best players compete for significant cash prizes. I recall a time when national events featured up to the Round of 64, and that's precisely what I envision for this tournament – one division, one epic bracket.
This is the inaugural event, the first of many more to come. Don't miss out; this is one for the record books. Never before has there been an amateur tournament with such substantial prize money. I would have appreciated this opportunity in my 20s, and I'm thrilled about it now. My only regret is not launching this sooner.
With the right backing, I aim to increase the prize money. This is for the players – to ignite excitement for competition, create memorable battles, and ensure equitable rewards.
What is the ROI?
Pay it forward. Racquetball, a noble sport played for the love of the game, is often considered devoid of financial incentives. Yet, players continue to participate, proving there's more to it than money. I'm here to challenge the status quo and set a new standard, starting with each player in their communities.
Despite claims that "racquetball is a dying sport," the reality is different. These sentiments often come from racquetball players themselves. As active participants, we shouldn't diminish the sport we love. The amateur players, whom I call "normal" people with families and job responsibilities, contribute significantly. It's time to dispel the notion of settling for mediocrity.
Recognizing that amateur players lead busy lives, my tournaments are designed for Saturdays and Sundays only. This way, participants don't have to take extensive time off work, and they can earn substantial cash without sacrificing income from their day job. It's a win-win for everyone involved.
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