Billy Thorpe Ruled Ineligible for Mosconi Cup: 'Miss More Than Two Majors' Rule Puts Players in a Bind

Billy Thorpe, a two-time Mosconi Cup champion, has been unexpectedly ruled ineligible for this year's event due to the World Nineball Tour's "miss no more than two majors" rule. The cause is not performance-related but comes down to the financial decisions the American player was forced to make during a congested season. Thorpe said he missed three major events: the European Open in March, the UK Open in May, and the Arizona Open. The reason was simply that travel and accommodation costs far exceeded the prize money these tournaments offered. "I can't just live and fly around without sponsorship. Someone has to pay, and I don't have sponsors," he said. Under World Nineball Tour rules, a player may miss a maximum of two major events in a season to retain Mosconi Cup eligibility – the most prestigious team event in American billiards. Thorpe not only missed three but was informed of the ruling moments before a match at the US Open. That sense of being 'squeezed' led the two-time champion to call it "one of the dumbest rules I've seen in pool." Thorpe is not the only one affected. Lukas Fracasso-Verner and Ronel Nalaunan are in similar situations. This suggests it is not an individual problem but a systemic one that is eroding the careers of players without solid financial backing. For his part, Thorpe did not entirely blame the rule. He accepted responsibility for scheduling choices yet pointed out the paradox: playing all majors might cost him more than he could earn, since travel, hotels, and entry fees often exceed the prize money for a player outside the top 10. This calculus applies not only to Thorpe but to many American pros struggling between the Mosconi Cup dream and daily expenses. Data on how many players have been affected by this rule has not been fully published. But the social media backlash suggests dissatisfaction beyond the three names. Having a two-time champion sidelined for financial reasons raises big questions about the World Nineball Tour's operating criteria: are they favoring wealthy or sponsored players over those with genuine competitive appeal? Compared with other sports, a two-major rule exists in golf or tennis to guarantee star appearances. The difference is that in golf or tennis, even a No. 100 player can make a living if they perform well. In a pool discipline with thin prize funds, forcing players to attend three or four international events in a row can become a fatal barrier for mid-tier players – the very ones who give depth to a tournament. Thorpe is not alone in his frustration. Whispers in the locker room suggest many players have been 'warned' about the consequences of absence. This invisible pressure adds to the tension in a sport already struggling financially. The World Nineball Tour has yet to respond officially to Thorpe's case. Fans are wondering whether there is a special exemption clause for unforeseen circumstances or if the rule will drive more veteran players away from the tour. One bright note is that Thorpe appears calm. He says he will keep practicing and wait for opportunities in other events. But his story points to a bigger issue: an ideal competition system should ensure the most talented players can reach the podium regardless of the size of their wallet. Behind the word 'Mosconi Cup' lies the survival story of professionals. When rules inadvertently push the silent workers to the margins, American pool needs to take a hard look at itself.