Smoky Mountain 9-Ball Shootout Roars Back:

$15 K purse, Johnny Archer’s cameo, and a 30-year players’ reunion light up the Armory

WAYNESVILLE— After a three-year pandemic hiatus, the Smoky Mountain 9-Ball Shootout returned to the Old Armory Recreation Center last weekend—and the break only seemed to raise the stakes. More than 120 cue-sport die-hards packed the historic gym from Friday through Sunday to chase a $15,000 prize fund, custom-cue raffles, and pure bragging rights.

“We weren’t sure people would come back this strong,” admitted Scott Maddox, event director and commander of American Legion Post 47, which hosted the tournament. “But pool players are a stubborn bunch. Once we announced a firm date, they came out of the woodwork—some driving ten hours to get here.”

Star power: Johnny Archer drops in

Four-time world champion Johnny “The Scorpion” Archer stepped into the feature arena Saturday afternoon, drawing a silent semicircle of phones and awestruck league warriors.

“Johnny didn’t ask for an appearance fee,” Maddox said. “He just loves grassroots events. He ran a quick clinic, signed cues, and still found time to sweat a few money matches from the bleachers.”

A room buzzing like it’s 1995 

Eight freshly-recovered Diamond tables filled the floor, their neon-blue cloth popping under vintage green shade-lamps. From the control desk—stacked high with bracket sheets, Sharpies, and the obligatory 32-ounce coffee mug—volunteers kept matches rolling on two-minute intervals.

 

Local vendors ran brisk business on barbecue plates while Post 47 members hawked raffle tickets for two custom cues and a weekend getaway in Gatlinburg.
The Armory floor during Saturday’s second round. Volunteers tracked every rack from the control desk.

Grand-prize raffle: twin custom cues valued at roughly $800 apiece.
 

Where the money goes

While the $15 K purse paid out across Open, Women’s, and Senior brackets, all raffle proceeds funnel straight into Post 47’s veterans-assistance fund.

“Last year we covered five overdue utility bills and bought two wheelchairs for Haywood County vets,” Harrison said. “This tournament is our biggest fundraiser by far.”

Final rack—and what’s next

Sunday’s championship saw Josh Ussery (Charlotte, NC) out-duel Tony Chohan (Atlanta, GA) 11-9 in a break-and-run clinic that had Archer nodding in approval from the bleachers. Ussery pocketed $4,500 and the custom winner’s cue; Chohan took home $2,700.

Harrison says planning for 2026 starts “next week.”

“We want ten tables, a streaming deal, and maybe a women-only clinic with Kelly Fisher—dream big, right?”

If opening-weekend turnout is any gauge, the Smoky Mountain 9-Ball Shootout is back for good—and growing.

We hope to attract a Title Sponsor next year. The event was open to all young and old, we had 11 and 13-year-old players both were very good. We helped out with utility bills, also helped veterans affected by the flood from our relief fund. Organizations. The VFW and  VVA supported the event. We grateful we are to have the opportunity to host this tournament.

Quick stats

Top Three Winners

1st Placve Michael Dechaine
2nd Place Shane McMinn
3rd Place Billy Usserry