From Professional Pool Player to Authorities Author Of Rhinocues
From South Dakota Roots to Pool Tables
Hey everyone, I’m Shane Van Boening, and I’ve been living and breathing pool since I was a kid, growing up in Rapid City, South Dakota. Born on July 14, 1983, I’ve been on a wild ride in the world of professional pool, and it’s been nothing short of amazing.
I’ve been fortunate enough to win titles like the WPA World Nine-ball Championship and secure victory at the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship five times, not to mention the over 100 other professional titles I’ve snagged along the way.
Hearing Impairment
Now, I navigate through life with a hearing impairment, using a hearing aid, but let me tell you, it doesn’t hinder my game one bit. I’ve always been a firm believer in maintaining a positive and clean lifestyle, which means no alcohol for me, just a pure focus on the game that I adore.
Inherited Talent
My family has been both my anchor and inspiration, with a rich history in the pool. My granddad, Gary Bloomberg, was a trick-shot maestro, and my grandma, Jeanne Bloomberg, was a VNEA national champion.
My mom, Timi Bloomberg, and aunt, Gari Jo Bloomberg, have also left their mark as national champions in the pool universe.
Making Waves in 2006
2006 was a landmark year for me. I managed to defeat the talented Vilmos Foldes from Hungary at the International Pool Tour qualifier and even pocketed a neat US$5,000 bonus for breaking and running six consecutive racks in tournament play.
My practice sessions at Lucky Billiards in Sioux Falls, where I wear the hat of the house pro and co-owner, have been my secret sauce to being ranked number one in the world by AZBilliards.com.
A Decade of Dominance
My journey has been a thrilling adventure. In 2007, I was ecstatic to secure the hot seat in the World Summit of Pool, and later that year, I won the 32nd US Open Nine-ball Championship, beating the formidable Ronnie Alcano in the finals with a score of 13–10.
Shane Van Boening -“Player of the Year”
Being named “Player of the Year” by Billiards Digest Magazine and “AZBilliards” in multiple years and “Player of the Decade” for the 2010s by Billiards Digest Magazine has been both humbling and exhilarating. And in April 2022, I was thrilled to win the 2022 WPA World Nine-ball Championship.
Climbing the AZBilliards Money List
Fast forward to 2023, I hold the record for the AZBilliards Money List with over $2 million in earnings since 2005. My career has been a whirlwind of titles and achievements, from the 2023 Derby City Classic Bigfoot 10-Ball Challenge to the 2022 Hex.com Pro Am 8-Ball and every win in between.
Diving into the World of Writing and the New Authorial Voice at rhinocues.us
Oh, and here’s a little update for you all: Since August 2023, I’ve taken a dive into the world of writing and have become an author for rhinocues.us. It’s been a new and exciting journey, sharing my experiences, tips, and love for the game with a wider audience, and I’m looking forward to where this new path takes me!