My Night of Pool With Joe

Joe Rogan, stand-up comedian, television host, US Open Tae Kwon Do Champion, TV celeb, and POOL PLAYER EXTRAORDINAIRE…

Who knew?

Most people in the pool world already know that Joe is a fan of our sport but did you realize the man can play him some pool?!??

Me with Joe Rogan at Table Steaks South

I met Joe through our mutual friend Max and with his recent relocation from CA to the CO with his fam, I wanted to be a proper pool-hostess. I had no idea what to expect. How well does he play? Is he just a social player? Would he prefer a players’ room or more of a bar?

I opted for Table Steaks South. Since the Colorado Cue Club is currently out of commish, this would be the best half-way-ish option. (However, now that I know he’s also partial to Diamonds, we’re going to Rack ‘Em next time!)

We started with a three-handed ring game with Joe, Jimmy, and me, where Joe proceeded to pot every ball he could see. The guy was a complete monster! I’m already a slow starter but at this rate I was never going to get warmed up.

Mechanics? Excellent!
Strategy and Position? Outstanding.
Kicking? Like a mule.
Banking? Also good.
Etiquette? Like he grew up in a pool room (which I later found out he kinda did).
Now, if only he could remember to set the blue side up every time.

I was completely blown away by not only how solid his mechanics are but at how savvy his knowledge is of the game, the players, and the equipment. We were both so eager to share about the little things we love so much about the game. It was like the first day of college a thousand miles from home and bumping into someone from your high school. Not that I don’t have friends that are also excited about pool, but they already know where I stand on all this stuff. This was a new person that was just as passionate as I was about leather versus rubber pockets, aiming, mechanics, etc. I couldn’t believe all the subtleties that he understood about our sport!

You know how you know people that play pool but because they may not be that serious you might say, “Well, they play, but they’re not a player.” Let it be known that I officially consider Joe Rogan a full-fledged pool player. And for the record, I’m now a fan.

Not only was he an exceptional player but he was truly humble and respectful. It was an honor and privilege for me.

I was most impressed with his focus and intensity at the table. His pre-shot routine and ball-address was enviable and so was his concentration. In fact, I was dealing with some focus issues myself. For me, there’s a fine line between leisure pool and serious pool. I’m either competing or I’m hanging out with friends. It’s very difficult for me to do both. No matter how much we were chit-chatting, Joe could not wait to get to the table and each time he did, he was dead serious about every single shot. No mercy, no break in concentration. He definitely won way more games than me and did it all modestly. I would consider him an excellent sparring partner for anyone!

The evening was slightly surreal, in the same way that it was the first time I talked to or interviewed Johnny or Busty or Ralf. I see them on TV and then they’re standing right in front of me, hanging out together. My brain just gets a little confused.

Overall, Joe is just a flat out super cool, down-to-earth guy. In many ways, watching him play was quite inspirational. I think I should practice some before we play again.

Joe's Unique Schon

Joe's Unique Schon

Joe's Southwest and other Schon

Joe's Custom Joint Protectors

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