Pool kings MushroomMen pocket December Madness crown

The CanCom MushroomMen sank their opponents at the CanCom December Madness Pool Competition, following four days of high-pressure, top-class competition.

Cape Town’s biggest team payday pool event brought together eight of the Western Cape’s strongest pool teams, many boasting players with national titles, international experience and years of dedication to the sport.

With only the top four teams advancing from a full round-robin format, there was little margin for error and every frame carried significance.

The MushroomMen made an encouraging start to the 12-16 December competition, registering early wins over Oliver Sudden Black, Super 8 and Pool Kings.

However, the intensity of the tournament quickly became clear, with tough matches against Miday and Miday Juniors testing the team’s resilience and depth.

Pressure mounted heading into the final round-robin match against No Way Out, a side that had beaten the MushroomMen on four consecutive occasions.

With qualification on the line, the team delivered a defining performance, overcoming past setbacks to secure a crucial victory. The win not only booked their place in the semifinals but saw them finish first overall after the round-robin stage.

In the semifinal, the MushroomMen faced Oliver Sudden Black in a tense contest, with the match going to a shootout after the teams finished level on 18-18. 

Both teams showed composure under pressure, with the MushroomMen edging through to reach the final.

The final against Miday Juniors proved to be a showcase of South African pool’s present and future. Juniors played fearless and intelligent pool, pushing the experienced MushroomMen to the limit as momentum swung throughout the match.

With nerves fraying, the MushroomMen held their composure in the closing stages. When the final frame dropped and the scoreboard read 19-17, the victory sparked scenes of celebration, relief and pride among the team.

The win marked more than just a tournament triumph, standing as a testament to teamwork, perseverance and the spirit of competitive pool in the Western Cape.