By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE local pool scene reached its grand finale Sunday at Aqua Resort Saipan as the 2025 Saipan Billiards Association Budweiser Open 8-Ball League officially capped the season with an awards banquet honoring individual players and teams.
From Black 8 Pool Bar to True North, the season delivered an unforgettable masterclass across a handful of sponsored venues.
Individual brilliance was on full display in the Tuesday Division, where Last Shot Hobbies Sharks enjoyed a dominant campaign, placing three of their players among the award recipients. Frankie Blas claimed the Run the Rack Award with eight, while PJ Ramos earned the MVP-Elimination Round award and Marc Brian Nelvis was named MVP-Finals. Joining them on the podium were Black 8 Pool Bar Noypi Strikers’ Rjhay Singca, who took home Rookie of the Year honors, and Jerry Soriano, who captured the Top Gun award with 28.
The Thursday Division saw evenly matched performances from all participating teams. Ray Torres of Black 8 Pool Bar Fighters emerged as the division’s ultimate marksman, securing the Top Gun title with a staggering score of 40, while teammate John Lara claimed the Run the Rack Award with two. Meanwhile, Last Shot Hobbies Chokie Chokie’s Brian “Kai” Neil Bernabe pulled off a rare double feat, earning both Rookie of the Year and MVP-Elimination Round honors, while True North Noypi Strikers’ Rjhay Singca captured the MVP Finals award.
Team awards were also presented to the top three finishers in each division. In the Tuesday Division regular season, Last Shot Hobbies Sharks took first place, followed by Black 8 Pool Bar Noypi Strikers in second and Black 8 Pool Bar Ideal Signs in third.
Last Shot Hobbies Sharks added to their haul by also claiming the Budweiser Cup, while Last Shot Golden Breakers settled for second place.
In the Thursday Division, True North Noypi Strikers secured the regular season title, with Last Shot Golden Breakers 2 finishing second and Black 8 Fighters third. Despite falling short in the regular season, Black 8 Strikers found redemption by winning the Budweiser Cup, defeating Black 8 Crooked Arrow, who finished second.
Sportsmanship honors were awarded to Black 8 Rock N’ Roll in the Tuesday Division and Black 8 Crooked Arrow in the Thursday Division for upholding the spirit of the game throughout the grueling season.
The Saipan Billiards Association thanked the Pacific Amusements staff for their dedication and support, as well as Jim Gebhard and Madam Jum. The league also recognized major sponsor Marpac and secondary sponsor IT&E.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
