SPM Billiards Magazine Issue 32

A Junior to Remember ~ Dustin Muir

By Brian Pauley

Dustin Muir

Photo provided by Dustin Muir

Junior pool is on fire! Almost daily, you see social media posts about a junior player finishing high in a tournament. The crop of junior players getting out there and making a name for themselves is a great group of kids. There are more avenues for juniors now than ever before. It started with the BEF, and now there are multiple league organizations that offer junior leagues as well as many in-house junior leagues in pool rooms across the nation. The JIC is another contributing factor in allowing these talented juniors to show what they can do and to get some name recognition.

Many juniors are also playing in tournaments that more mainly for adults and placing in the money, and often winning. Such events as the Predator 10 Ball Championships, the US Open 9 Ball Championships, and the Super Billiards Expo Men’s Pro 10 Ball Event see the participation of these junior players. It is through all these avenues that junior players can carve out their own place in the pool world, with many getting multiple sponsor deals with companies in the industry. Just like in pool, there are the names that everyone knows.

Likewise, there are talented players that maybe many fans have not heard too much about. Say hello to Dustin Muir from Ohio. Dustin has been competing in the BEF for years, as well as the JIC events and many tournaments around the Midwest. Dustin has a great attitude when it comes to playing the game. He is serious when it comes to playing but is all about having fun with his team and/ or other players after the match. Last month there were three teams of juniors invited to play for Team USA at the 2022 WPA Predator World Junior 9- Ball Championships that will be held in Puerto Rico in November, and Dustin will join four other players in the U19 Boys division.

How did you get introduced to pool, and how old were you? I was introduced to pool as a young kid but never thought about taking it seriously until around the age of 13/14.

How often do you practice, and what does your practice entail? I practice every day for at least 3 hours a day, and my practice consists of doing drills. After I complete the drills, I like to play the ghost.

Do you have a coach? If yes, then how do they teach you, and what are the highlights of what you have learned from them? I don’t have a specific coach, but I have been blessed to receive lessons from Denny Stewart, Dee Adkins, and Cody Myers. They have been a huge help to me.

How did you get selected for the World Junior 9 Ball Championship? I got selected for the world championship by getting 5th place at BEF Nationals.

How many JIC events do you normally play in, and where do you normally finish? I try to play in as many as I can, but it is hard with my job. When I am able to go, I usually place anywhere from 4th place to 7/8th.

Who are some of the pro players of today that you look up to, and why? Sky Woodward and Fedor Gorst would have to be my top 2.

Favorite game to play and least favorite game to play and why? Favorite game would have to be banks because of the creativity and least would be one pocket because of how inpatient I am.

What do you think has been the factors that have allowed you to get better in the game? Definitely would be the people around me, especially some of my friends on the JIC tour. That has helped me with my mental game as well.

Who has been your toughest opponent? I would say my boy Lazaro Martinez.

When was the moment that you felt you “arrived” in the junior pool scene? For sure, when I received my invitation to play for Team USA.

If you could play any player, living or deceased, in any game and format, who would it be and why? I would play Efren so I could see his creativity and execution live in person.

What are some bucket list tournaments you want to play in? The Derby City Classic, US Open, hopefully, the Mosconi Cup.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I hope to see myself on the pro circuit, winning major titles. It would be a blessing.

Dustin Muir

Photo provided by Dustin Muir

Brian Pauley, Writer, Trickshot Artist, Pool Player