The 2026 NPPA Elrick “Pat” Beazer 8-Ball Team Tournament burst into life on opening night with a high-octane, rack-by-rack battle, as Ball Breakers edged Sharpshooters 5–4 in a contest that had intensity written all over it.
The season’s first break was struck with purpose, and Head Hunter of the Sharpshooters wasted no time announcing intent. He opened the campaign with a 7-ball win, setting the tone early. Although he dropped the second rack, Head Hunter showed composure under pressure to close out the match against Prince M of the Ball Breakers, delivering Sharpshooters their first point of the season.
Momentum shifted quickly.
Kelly of Ball Breakers took the opening rack against Rock, but Rock responded with authority, clawing back the next two racks to hand Sharpshooters a crucial win and push Ball Breakers into a 2–0 team advantage.
From there, the Ball Breakers dug in.
Killer delivered a clinical 2–0 sweep over Hazel, restoring a bit of balance. The drama escalated in the next matchup as Jay produced a moment that will be replayed all season—winning the first rack with a perfect game, capped by a stunning massé shot on the 8-ball. But Sharpshooters’ Shadi showed grit and composure, rebounding to take the next two racks and claim the match. 3-1 Sharp Shooters.
With tensions rising, Dennis stepped in for Ball Breakers and produced a steady 2–0 win over Desmond and putting the Breakers into a competitive position. 3-2 Sharp Shooters.
The spotlight then turned to the captains. M3, the Ball Breakers’ captain, played inspired pool and captured the opening rack, but Joel, the Sharpshooters’ vice-captain—nicknamed the African Giant—responded with two powerful racks to pull Sharp Shooters on the hill at 4–2.
Ball Breakers answered through Maurice, who recovered after dropping the first rack to defeat Jarvis 2–1 in a gritty battle. 4-3 Sharp Shooters
Chopz followed with a composed 2–0 victory over Patrick, setting the stage for a pressure-filled finale.
4-4
With the match hanging in the balance, Blacka and Supa squared off in a tense closing encounter. Under mounting pressure, Blacka held his nerve, sealing the decisive point and delivering a 5–4 victory for Ball Breakers.
It was a match defined by resilience, momentum swings, and clutch performances—exactly the kind of opener the league needed.
If opening night is any indication, NPPA 2026 is shaping up to be a relentless, must-watch season.