By Robert Stubblefield for OnePocket.org
Buffalos rises far beyond the realm of a typical pool hall. Revered as a defining pilgrimage for One Pocket enthusiasts. This is where the sport’s greatest warriors converge. Their spirits set ablaze with the thrilling heat of high-stakes competition, driven by passion, pride, and the pursuit of an enduring legacy.
Located across the train tracks in Jefferson, Louisiana, it has been anointed the “Mecca of pool” by house pro Tony “T-Rex” Chohan. Every May, the Buffalo’s Pro Classic summons the world’s most elite One Pocket players, joined by the top 40 wealthiest gamblers in America. This event is hallowed ground for those who grasp the significance of what’s at stake.
At the very core of it all is attorney Joe Long, a grounded and distinguished gentleman, who’s been the main sponsor of this tournament for the last 10 years. He doesn’t sugarcoat a thing. Joe speaks with bold conviction and sees the game for what it truly is, raw, honest, and unforgiving. Not only that, he’s got exceptional instinct and a keen eye for bidding on champions. Just ask anyone who remembers when he locked in Roberto “Superman” Gomez for $26,000 last year.
Gomez tore through a stacked field to seize the 2024 One Pocket title, delivering a masterful performance in the finals against Sky Woodward. A very impressive 5-0 victory in the deciding set. According to Joe Long, “It’s the most prestigious to win it. You don’t get a trophy. You get your face painted on the wall.” At Buffalos, that wall represents immortality.
For the past five years, Jason Hill has been the tournament director for this event. In speaking with him he said, “It’s the Masters of One Pocket. How can you call yourself a champion or even be in the Hall of Fame if you haven’t won here? A strong showing can change everything. Just look at Shane Wolford two years ago or Jeremy Seaman last year. This tournament elevated their careers.” This year, Jason returns not as a director but as a fan. A year ago he took on a new challenge, committing himself fully to complete his education, and this time, the reins will be handed over to Ian Jones.
The 2025 Buffalo’s Pro Classic features three premier events: 1 Ball One Pocket, Open 9-ball, and its crown jewel, Pro One Pocket. The $31,000 added prize money is just the icing on the cake. Last year’s calcutta alone hit $314,800, with total payouts soaring past half a million. This year the level of competition is even more intense, and with One Pocket’s most popular names joining the lineup, it might deliver the biggest payout yet.
Heading into the 10th Annual Buffalo’s Pro Classic One Pocket division from May 20th-25th the anticipation is red hot. For the first time in the event’s history, Shane Van Boening, “The South Dakota Kid” and Germany’s high-speed threat to one pocket tradition, Joshua “The Killer” Filler are confirmed to play. Will their arrival set the stage for a major shift?
Could we see the rise of a new generation of champions? Consider Lukas Fracasso-Verner, the “CT Kid,” or Denmark’s Mickey “The Viking” Krause, both emerging talents poised to challenge the old guard. Is Scott “The Freezer” Frost destined to get his career triple crown? Will Fedor “The Ghost” Gorst steal the show? Can Roberto Gomez defend his crown? What about John “Mr. Smooth” Morra who has recently switched back to playing right handed? Might Anthony Meglino be a dark horse? Or will Tony Chohan relentlessly battle his way to the top and reclaim his throne in 2025? Get your bids ready folks.
Beyond the tournament itself lies the wilder side of Buffalo’s, where the action is constant and no bet is too outrageous. Whether it’s flipping quarters for $7,000, sprinting outside for a few hundred, playing poker with stakes ranging from $1,000 to $100,000, or Mike Delawder wagering $2,500 that he can throw a golf ball over a 70ft train track, across a 70-yard gap, and onto the roof of a five-story building, it really is a gambler’s paradise.
Open 24 hours a day, the heart of Buffalos never stops beating. No matter if you’re a competitor, a high roller, or simply curious, there’s no place like it on May 20th. If you can’t be there in person, don’t worry, Ray Hansen from PoolActionTV.com has you covered. Get your pass now, you won’t want to miss it.
For the love of the game