A Championship to Remember: Inside the 44th VNEA PA State Tournament
- Miele Group
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
What an incredible weekend it was for the billiards community in Pennsylvania!
The 44th Annual VNEA PA State Tournament delivered an unforgettable weekend of competition, camaraderie, and celebration from March 12th to 16th, 2026, bringing together players from across the state for one of the largest billiards events in the country.
As the proud Title Sponsor this year, we at the Miele Group were honored to help bring the tournament to life by providing 120 brand new pool tables. Seeing this event thrive and continue to grow made it even more meaningful to be part of such a long-standing tradition.
From 10 Tables to a Statewide Phenomenon
When Ed Borgia, long-time Warner Coin employee and current Customer Service Representative for the Miele Group's Erie branch, first started the tournament back in 1982, it was a humble gathering with just 10 tables and about 100 players, he said. Today, it has evolved into one of the premier pool tournaments in the country.
Held at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, this year’s tournament welcomed approximately 5,000 attendees, over 1,500 players, and featured 200 tables, making it the third largest VNEA tournament nationwide.
Creating More Than Just Competition
The tournament kicked off on March 12th with the annual Spuds & Suds Welcome Party, setting the tone for a weekend filled. Players reconnected, new friendships were formed, and a mini tournament got everyone into competition mode. From there, the action never slowed down.
Singles competition began Friday afternoon, showcasing individual skill and focus under pressure. Team play followed on Saturday and continued into Sunday, where strategy, communication, and teamwork took center stage.
One of the most exciting parts of the weekend was the Junior League Championship. Around 50 young players competed across youth, minors, and majors divisions, representing the next generation of the sport. This year also introduced individual CSR (CompuSport Rating) standings, adding a new level of precision and competitiveness to the event.
But the action wasn’t limited to the tables. Between matches, participants made the most of their downtime, watching intense games, grabbing food and drinks, or enjoying offerings, like darts and skill games.
When asked about what was new and well received at this year's tournament, avid state pool tournament attendee Damon Dangle chimmed in.
“The dart boards! It was awesome that there were dart boards and skill games to play between matches,” Dangle said.
Photographs in order: Dave Pearson (by Erie Sports Commission), Brian Pauley (shared by Brian Pauley), and Tom Rossman (by Novice Billiards)
Bringing the Best in Billiards to Erie
We were also thrilled to help elevate the tournament experience by supporting appearances from some of the biggest names in the billiards world. These VIPs interacted with players and spectators to elevate their experience through challenge matches, autographs, and exhibitions.
Dave Pearson, the Ginger Wizard who has broken over 20 world records, wowed attendees with his world-famous trick shots, combining jaw-dropping skill with hands-on teaching moments for players.
Brian "Superman" Pauley, a world ranked Professional Artistic Pool Player who is the current World Draw Champion, brought creativity and excitement, showcasing artistic pool at the highest level while introducing new games to play with billiards equipment.
And Dr. Cue, also known as Tom Rossman, the 'Founding Father of modern artistic pool', once again made a lasting impact. He took extra time to connect with and inspire the next generation of Junior League players.
These experiences are what turn a tournament into something truly unforgettable.
Mike Wiltse, Executive Director of the VNEA presents Ed Borgia with the first ever VNEA Lifetime Achievement Award (left). Melena Thompson, the new Tournament Director (right).
Honoring Past and Present Leadership
This year also marked a significant transition in leadership. After decades of dedication, Borgia officially stepped back from his role as Tournament Director, leaving behind a legacy that’s impossible to overstate.
Though Melena Thompson, Pool League Coordinator, has been running the state tournament for the last four years, this was her first year working alongside the Miele Group. Thompson delivered an outstanding event this year and we are proud to work alongside her and her team to make this tournament such a success!
During the weekend, we also had the privilege of seeing Borgia receive the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award from the VNEA, a well-deserved honor for someone who has shaped generations of players. His contributions to the Junior League alone have helped develop dozens of state and world champions.
Gratitude and Looking Ahead
It’s clear the 2026 VNEA PA State Tournament is about more than competition, it’s about tradition, community, and shared love for the game.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all players, spectators, vendors, and organizers who made this event possible. Special appreciation to the VIPs and many supporting sponsors whose contributions helped create such an engaging and memorable experience, and to the organizing team whose hard work brought everything together seamlessly.
History was made at this year’s tournament in the most unforgettable way. The Twisted Sisters, an all-female team, became the first of their kind to capture 1st place in the PA VNEA League Championship outside of the women’s bracket.
Photos obtained from Pennsylvania VNEA State Tournament Facebook group
Congratulations to all the winners and participants!
At the Miele Group, we’re proud to support events that bring people together, celebrate skill, and create lasting memories. Being part of the VNEA PA State Tournament is something we truly value, and we’re already looking forward to what next year will bring.
We’ll leave you with a piece of wisdom from Ed Borgia that perfectly captures the spirit of the game:“In your life, you may not always be a winner—but you can always be a gracious loser.”
Information sourced from Erie Sports Commission, Erie News Now, YourErie.com, and Novice Billiards. Interviewed Ed Borgia, previous Tournament Director, and Damon Dangle, returning player.
Comments