2025 Aactive Pool League Singles Tournament Recap
April 18, 2025 | Assiniboia Downs | Winnipeg, MB
The felt was fired up, the cues were chalked, and nearly 240 players came ready to compete as the Aactive Pool League held its 2025 Singles Tournament on April 18 at the iconic Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
With 8 divisions packed full of skill, strategy, and pure love for the game, this year’s tournament was one for the books.
Whether you were a seasoned sharpshooter or just getting your groove, the tournament welcomed everyone with open arms—true to the spirit of what Aactive Pool League is all about.
From the first break to the final 8-ball, the action didn’t stop. Each division brought its own energy and intensity, with close matches, clutch shots, and unforgettable moments. Players of all levels showed up to play hard, have fun, and support each other—exactly what league pool should be.
Aside from the competition, the day was filled with laughs, high-fives, and memories. The venue at Assiniboia Downs provided the perfect setting—space to compete, hang out, and celebrate the love of the game with friends old and new.
Comeback King: Daniel Decaria Takes the Win
One of the biggest highlights of the day came from the Fun League division, where Daniel Decaria staged an epic comeback. After being knocked to the B-side, Daniel fought his way through the bracket and earned a spot in the finals against Cam Kochen.
In an intense showdown, Daniel stayed cool under pressure and clinched the title by winning the final 2 games to none. A perfect ending to a gritty run that showcased skill, resilience, and heart—everything we love about tournament play.
Cash 1 Singles: Asher Palad Dominates
In the Cash 1 Singles division, Asher Palad delivered a masterclass in consistency and control. Playing undefeated the entire tournament, Asher capped off his flawless run with a 3–0 victory over Shawn Klassen in the finals.
Not a single loss all day. Asher’s precision, patience, and calm under pressure earned him a well-deserved top spot and serious bragging rights.
💥 Cash 2 Singles: Daniel Lambert’s Double Dip Victory
In the Cash 2 Singles division, Daniel Lambert showed what true resilience looks like. After being sent to the B-side, Daniel clawed his way back to the finals where he met Tommy Scerbo—and he didn’t just win once.
Daniel had to beat Tommy twice to claim the title, and he did it without dropping a single game. That’s right—two clean sweeps to take the championship. A legendary B-side run and one of the most dominant finals performances of the day.
🎯 Cash 3 Singles: Peter Chow Stays Perfect
The Cash 3 Singles final featured Peter Chow vs. Derek Longstaffe in a high-level showdown. Peter, who had been quietly dominating the bracket, brought that same energy into the final match—taking it 3–1 and locking in the championship without a single loss all tournament. Calm, focused, and laser-sharp.
👑 Cash Plus Singles: Mike Handy Defends His Crown
In a thrilling finale, the Cash Plus Singles division delivered one of the most intense matchups of the day. Mike Handy, the reigning 2024 champion, went head-to-head with Bruce Stewart in a two-set showdown.
Bruce came out strong in the first set, edging out Mike 3–2. But champions rise when it matters most. Mike dug deep, held his nerve, and bounced back in the second set—taking it 3–2 and successfully defending his 2024 title.
Back-to-back champion. Pressure tested. Legacy sealed.
🎰 Vegas Singles: Ronel Valin Dominates
The Vegas Singles division was owned from start to finish by Ronel Valin. From the opening break to the last 8-ball, Ronel was locked in, cruising through the day with a series of commanding wins.
In the finals, he faced off against Andrew Singleton, and while Andrew put up a fight, Ronel never took his foot off the gas—closing it out 3–1 and putting an exclamation point on a truly dominant tournament run.
🔥 Super Vegas Singles: Kelsey McLean Seals an Epic Comeback
The Super Vegas Singles division gave us one of the most unforgettable stories of the day. Richard Gooch knocked Kelsey McLean to the B-side after their A-final showdown, putting Kelsey’s tournament life on the line.
But Kelsey wasn’t done yet.
He battled back through the B-side and earned a rematch in the finals. In the first set, Kelsey took it 4–2, forcing a deciding set for all the marbles. Down 2–0 in that final set, it looked like Richard might reclaim control—but Kelsey flipped the script, winning three straight games to complete the comeback and take the Super Vegas title.
Grit, heart, and absolute fire on the table.
🏆 Premier Singles: Cornell McLean Jr & Sean Monkman Split the Title
The Premier Singles division featured an all-star showdown between Cornell McLean Jr and Sean Monkman—two teammates at the top of their game.
Cornell made his way through the B-side and took down Larry Hunter Jr in the B-final, earning a spot in the A-final. But when it came time for the final match, Cornell and Sean decided to honor their long-standing friendship and split the first and second-place prize money. This heartwarming gesture showed the true spirit of sportsmanship, leaving the top spot in the tournament shared between two players who respect each other both on and off the table.
Huge shoutout to the players for entering the tournament and making the event run smoothly from start to finish. Your support is greatly appreciated!
