A Houston pool team called Calling All Pockets just pulled off something special by battling their way to the top 32 out of 241 teams at the USA Pool League (USAPL) National Championships in Las Vegas, a feat that shows how much heart, practice, and teamwork this group has put in.
It all kicked off back in 2023. John Feng’s friend Carlos Mendoca (also known as Carlos Manuel Nunes Mendonca) dragged him into the local USAPL league.
At the start, it was just three guys: John, Carlos, and Riaz Khan. They were basically strangers who decided to give league play a shot. No big plans, just a love for the pool and some friendly competition.
“I still can’t believe how far we’ve come… What began as a small group has turned into an incredible crew of friends who grind together, laugh together, and compete like family.”
Fast forward to now, and that little trio has grown into a real family on and off the table. The team now includes Zaid Bhojani, Pin Xi Chen, Saxon Yeung, Donald Walker, Riaz Khan, Naresh Luthria, Ricardo Delfin, Jason Kuang, Eli, and Brandon.
They train hard, share plenty of laughs, and push each other during matches. What started as a casual league has built lasting friendships through every rack and every tough shot.
This year, the whole crew headed to Vegas for the big national event. The atmosphere was electric, with bright lights, packed crowds, and non-stop pressure.
Calling All Pockets fought through intense matches, nailing clutch shots and calculating every angle with precision. High-fives and fist bumps flew after winning tough racks. They stayed locked in until the very last ball on every table.
“Every single moment was electric… the pressure packed matches, the mathematics, clutch shots, the high-fives and fist bump after tough racks.”
Via Facebook
John was blown away by his teammates’ never-quit spirit. Everyone showed up with focus and determination. No one backed down, even when things got hard.
For John, that made the whole trip unforgettable. The memories of competing under those lights, surrounded by big crowds, will stick with them for years.
“What made it truly special was watching my teammates fight hard until the very last ball on every table. The heart, the focus, the never quit attitude… I feel so incredibly lucky to share the felt with this group.”
Via Facebook
John gives big thanks to Carlos for that first push into the league. Without him, none of these bonds would exist. He also shouts out Phil (the league operator) and Pearl for running the Houston USAPL so smoothly.
John loves the vibe, the strong competition, the friendly feel, and how well everything is organized. He knows it takes a lot of effort behind the scenes, and he’s grateful for it.
To cap it off with some fun, John mentioned snapping pictures with his “clone”, probably a hilarious look-alike moment that had everyone cracking up.
This Houston team’s story is a great reminder of what amateur pool is really about: starting small, building real connections, and rising up together.
Reaching the top 32 in Vegas proves their hard work paid off. Calling All Pockets has a lot to be proud of, and they’re clearly not done yet. Keep grinding, guys. Houston’s got a team worth watching.
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