Garret Troop and SPM
Billiards Media
Best Instructional Billiards Publication in American Billiards History
Garret Troop and SPM Billiards Media have been selected for the Best Instructional Billiards Publication in American History Award, honoring a publishing platform that has combined professional instruction, industry news, player features, multimedia innovation, and a strong sense of community.
Troop founded the Sneaky Pete Mafia billiards community in 2014 with a vision of creating a welcoming place where players, fans, instructors, manufacturers, and other industry professionals could connect through their shared appreciation for the game. What began as an online community developed into a broader media organization that now includes SPM Billiards Magazine, SPM TV, digital programming, social-media coverage, interviews, and other promotional platforms.
Under Troop’s leadership, SPM Billiards Media has worked to make pool instruction accessible to players of every background and ability level. The magazine regularly features respected professional instructors, accomplished competitors, equipment experts, and knowledgeable contributors who explain the physical, strategic, and mental sides of the game.
Its instructional articles cover subjects such as aiming, stroke mechanics, position play, cue-ball control, banking, breaking, practice methods, equipment selection, and competitive psychology. Rather than focusing only on professional tournament results, SPM provides readers with practical knowledge they can apply to their own games.
SPM has also given instructors an opportunity to present detailed lessons in a professionally designed publication. These contributions preserve valuable teaching concepts while allowing readers throughout the world to benefit from the experience of established coaches and champions.
Troop recognized early that the future of billiards publishing would extend beyond conventional printed pages. SPM incorporated interactive elements, embedded instructional videos, digital links, interviews, and multimedia features designed to create a more engaging experience. The publication also introduced what it described as the first digital billiards magazine with a video cover, demonstrating its willingness to experiment with new methods of presenting the sport.
The magazine’s content extends beyond instruction. SPM has featured world champions, rising players, custom cuemakers, equipment manufacturers, tournament promoters, junior competitors, room owners, trick-shot artists, and many of the individuals working behind the scenes to strengthen billiards.
This broad approach reflects Troop’s belief that the billiards world is a diverse family. His stated mission has been to create a positive and welcoming environment—particularly for young people and newcomers who may otherwise feel intimidated by outdated stereotypes surrounding pool.
SPM Billiards Media has also helped deserving players and contributors receive recognition that may not always be available through mainstream sports outlets. Through interviews, profiles, covers, live broadcasts, and social-media promotion, Troop and his team have provided valuable exposure to individuals and organizations at every level of the game.
Producing an independent billiards publication requires persistence, creativity, and a genuine commitment to the sport. Troop has assembled writers, photographers, designers, broadcasters, instructors, and industry contributors who collectively document both the competitive and human sides of pool.
Through SPM, instructional knowledge is not presented as something reserved only for professionals. It is shared with league players, recreational competitors, aspiring champions, instructors, and anyone interested in learning more about the game. That accessibility has made the publication an important educational resource within modern billiards.
For creating an innovative multimedia platform that educates players, promotes deserving members of the billiards community, supports the industry, and presents the game in a positive and welcoming manner, Garret Troop and SPM Billiards Media are recognized with the Best Instructional Billiards Publication Award for America’s first 250 years.