Author & Tournament Director: Phil Trieu

The 2026 BEF State Championships in Houston, Texas delivered an action-packed Saturday, showcasing some of the region’s most talented junior players. Both seasoned competitors and rising newcomers gathered at Big Tyme Billiards in Spring, Texas to battle for two coveted entry spots to the BEF National Championships.

Despite a smaller turnout, the 7/5 double-elimination format proved to be both demanding and exciting, giving every player the opportunity to display their growth, determination, and skill. The field was highly competitive, and it was captivating to watch many of these young athletes continue to improve since their previous BEF matchups.

In the end, only one player could claim the top spot. After an impressive run to the hot seat, Lee Arroyo demonstrated incredible resilience in the finals, surviving a dramatic double-dip set that went hill-hill to secure the championship. Shane Petrick also put together an outstanding performance after losing in the opening round, battling his way through the one-loss side and earning himself a hard-fought spot at the national tournament.

Other standout players, including Brandon Garcia, Branden Cole, and Lee LaCook, played exceptionally well and competed with heart from start to finish, never showing signs of backing down. Every player in the field displayed sportsmanship, determination, and passion for the game, proving that the future of junior billiards is in great hands.

These young competitors will soon have another opportunity to punch their ticket to the BEF National Championships, and based on this event, the future looks incredibly bright.