Each year thousands of pool players come to Southern Indiana to participate in the Derby City Classic. There are many competitions at this annual event, including One-Pocket, 9-Ball Banks and BIGFOOT 10-ball.
The first event of the Derby City Classic was held in 1998. The tournament's creator, Greg Sullivan, was a lifelong fan of the Johnston City Hustler's Jamboree of the 1960s. Sullivan contracted the Pantone Company for research on the ideal color for pool cloth. After testing, Tournament Blue became the dominant color in professional tournaments.
The second event took place in 2003. The World Pool Alliance sponsored the tournament, which featured many top players. The tournament started off with nine-ball bank, then it moved on to the one-pocket and finally the BIGFOOT 10ball challenge. The tournament was held at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino Elizabeth, Indiana. The event featured many vendors, ring games, cash games, and more. The tournament was played on 53 9-foot Diamond Tables.
A number of players were there for their first Derby City Classic appearance. Apart from the tournament itself, there were a few special events. One of these was the Diamond Ten Foot Challenge. This challenge is for a small group of pros. The challenge is played on five-foot-by-ten-foot tables. The winner gets $16,000. The winner of the one-pocket and nine-ball bank contests receive $8,000. BIGFOOT-10-ball challenge was the first Derby City Classic event. This is a small field that includes professionals who are competing in the BIGFOOT title.
In 2006, the third event took place. This tournament saw many players who were playing in their first Derby City Classic event. Corey Deuel (Denn Grabe), and Lee Vann performed well in both the 9-ball banking and one-pocket events. The other players were not quite as successful. Darren Appleton did well enough to place third in the One-Pocket. He also used his algorithm well in the Derby Cup, earning a third place finish.
The last event was held in 2015. The tournament featured a number of players who have been in the field for their first Derby City event. Corey Deuel and Darren Appleton all performed well in their first Derby City Classic. Joshua Filler and Darren Appleton did well enough in the one-pocket to finish third. Efren Ryes, Mika, Shane VanBoening, and Shane Filler were also present.
The Derby City Classic is an annually held pool tournament at Caesars Southern Indiana Casino Elizabeth. It features a number of disciplines of competition, including nine-ball banks, one-pocket, and the BIGFOOT 10-ball challenge. The event takes place in January. Tickets will be available starting January 20th. Tickets may be purchased at Derby City Classic's office located at Caesars Southern Indiana casino and hotel. To purchase tickets, you must have a valid photo identification.