Submitted PhotoTeam 'On the Rail' of Valdosta's BCA Pool League is pictured, from left, Justin Gray, Neal Ford, Justin Liberty, Amanda Williams, Earl Snipes and Dustin Wrench. Valdosta teams 'On the Rail' and 'Mugshots' will compete in the BCAPL national championships in July in Las Vegas.

VALDOSTA, Ga. — Veteran billiards player Earl Snipes played the tables in Las Vegas at the national level nearly a decade ago.

“It’s a pool player’s mecca,” he said. “You meet a lot of people, you get to shoot with some competitive people. It’s just a few days of nothing but pool around the clock and lots of fun.”

Snipes will make a return visit to Sin City in July as a part of a Valdosta billiard team hoping to win big money in the 40th annual Billiard Congress of America Pool League national championships.

Snipes is captain of team “On the Rail,” which also includes Neal Ford, Justin Gray, Justin Liberty, Amanda Williams and Dustin Wrench.

Gary Tucker captains Valdosta’s other Las Vegas-bound team, “Mugshots.” Tucker’s teammates include Bobbie Lockey, John Bishop, Deanna Bishop, Jimmy Carlsen and Bo Blanton.

Both teams are members of Valdosta’s BCA league at Shots Billiards on Ashley Street, owned by Troy Lockey.

“The league is open to players of any skill level,” Lockey said. “Anyone can come in and win a trip to Vegas.”

The league at Shots Billiards is entering its second year and out of every eight teams that play, one will qualify for the national championships in Las Vegas, Lockey said.

The competition at Shots was so heavy this session that that five points separated first and fourth place after 15 weeks of shooting.

The BCAPL national championships, held each July in Las Vegas, is referred to as “the greatest pool tournament in the world.” Although the tournament is predominantly filled with U.S. players, individuals and teams from around the globe are invited to participate.

There are more than 40 divisions of competition with 5,500-plus players competing on 300-plus pool tables — and 700-plus additional mini-tournaments.

It all goes down at the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino with 11 days of events, beginning July 20.

Lockey said the Valdosta league holds qualifying Wednesday nights. The league continues to fill the niche for many Valdosta pool players who want to play in a competitive, yet laid-back and instructional environment.

“For some of us it’s become a second home,” said Tucker, who will be making his first trip to the national championships.

The American Poolplayers Association (APA) regional qualifier in Macon was the largest tournament Tucker has ever player, he said. And that was nearly 2 1-2 years ago.

The tournament experience is about to get bigger for Tucker and many of his Valdosta compatriots, including the size of the potential purse. The G.N. Hitmen team won a $12,000 payout for winning a men’s mixed teams event. The runners-up earned an $8,300 payout.

Outside of the winnings, Snipes said he’s looking forward to the interaction with other shooters and the pure excitement of Las Vegas. He also likes the odds of both Valdosta teams.

“I think both teams have an excellent opportunity to get into the finals, and that’s pretty much our rule of thumb on winning the tournament,” he said.

Bishop said he’s anticipating good camaraderie at the national championships, just as he has at his Valdosta billiards home. Bishop has been to Las Vegas before, but just to play cards. A regional qualifier in Savannah was the largest billiards tournament Bishop has played, he said.

Ford is known around Shots as “The Nashville Nightmare,” because of is lethal shot-making ability and ties to the South Georgia city. He has played in tournaments all along the East Coast, from Alabama to Virginia, Florida to North Carolina. Ford said he once played in a tournament in Dothan, Alabama, against a handful of professional players.

“I had one of the pros on the rail,” said Ford, wearing a “Jaws” T-shirt. “I think I ran out of gas.”

Ford’s focus in Las Vegas will be about pride.

“Not all of us are from Valdosta, but we’re planning on bringing another title to Titletown,” he said.

There is always something new to learn from each tournament. Shots patron and retired U.S. Air Force member Jimmy Holloway said one of the most important things about shooting in tournaments is picking up tips from those with more experience.

“All the little tips and things of that nature adds to the betterment of your game.” he said.

One thing the Shots players agreed on was how Lockey’s BCA league is far superior to any local APA league they’ve known.

“I’d rather play in this league over any league,” Ford said. “Troy’s really brought pool back to Valdosta.”

Lockey said Shots Billiards is starting a new seven-week money league session Wednesday, June 1. The session is open to anyone wanting to play. Those interested can join an existing team or create a new team.