Nieko Isturis ran through the winner’s bracket and found himself in the hot seat. For a trip to the 8-ball bronze tournament championship at the BCA Pool League National Championships, he faced Steve Iverson, the only remaining undefeated player.

Both were riding hot streaks in 160 player tournament. Matches were decided as a “race to five” — each player had to win five games to progress.

“I was just shooting really hot. I was beating people 5-2, 5-1, 5-3,” Isturis said.

At this point in the tournament, every shot was crucial. Both players were waiting to pounce on their opponent’s mistakes and “run the table,” hitting ball after colored ball into the pocket to keep their opponent on the sidelines.

“If he scratches or misses a ball and gives the table back to me, I am going to make him pay for it. I did every time and so did he,” Isturis said.

After seven nearly mistake-free matches, Isturis’ luck ran out. One mistake led to two wins for the opportunistic Iverson, who would go on to take the match 5-2.

“I scratched on a break and then he table ran. That was game over. Then he broke and ran the table out. So it cost me two games, one mistake,” Isturis said.

After the loss in the hot seat, the 27-year-old Juneauite said he lost momentum. He fell to Curtis Muller 5-2, securing third place in his first entry in the singles tournament. (Isturis played with a five person Juneau team last year.)

“180 tables in the first room, it’s an absolutely amazing feeling. Your stomach drops for a second for someone like me,” Isturis said.

His win was one of several big moments for the Juneau Billiards Association. The group, which meets weekly at The Viking on Front Street, sent two teams of five and several individual players to the annual tournament.

Craig Tiedemann placed fifth in mixed nine-ball singles. Isturis placed 33rd in the same division. Sam Martin took 13th in the Women’s nine-ball singles division.

JBA Vice President Mark Rackley said Isturis’ podium finish was a highlight in a trip where Juneau players exceeded expectations.

“I was not surprised to see him perform as well as he did. He worked incredibly hard and was very determined to play his absolute best game that he could play,” Rackley said.

Pool used to be a bit more popular in Juneau and JBA is looking to build interest in the game. To that end, Rackley said he’s trying to create an atmosphere which is friendlier to novices.

They’ve instituted a B bracket for newer players at their marquee Capital City Classic tournament. Rackley recently formed and joined a second five person team with some newcomers to the league.

It’s important to coach newer players up, Rackley said, and the game can teach respect, discipline and sportsmanship. It’s a sport that’s helped him deal with personal demons and one he hopes to share with as many people as he can.

“I have found a passion for what this game has meant to me. It has helped me conquer life demons of my own, clear my mind and be a pastime. It’s one of the most challenging sports I have ever tried in my life to master. I am constantly a student of the game,” Rackley said.

Isturis can attest to that. He credits his work on the tables with Rackley and JBA with helping him become a better pool player and person.

“If it wasn’t for our league here, it’s probably something that may never have happened for me. I would have been just that same guy hustling on the table here,” Isturis said.

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• Contact reporter Kevin Gullufsen at 523-2228 or kevin.gullufsen@juneauempire.com

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