Middletown Pool Shark Nathan Sena Rises to the Top in Las Vegas Showdown

If you or one of your friends ever owned a pool table, it's likely that you've pretended to be competing at the national level at some point.  A Middletown, Rhode Island man has earned a sizeable jackpot and the significant bragging rights to go with it after winning a Las Vegas national pool championship.

Sena Beats Out Thousands to Claim Championship Slot

Nathan Sena was able to elbow his way ahead of nearly 6 thousand pool players who were all vying for a spot in the national tournament.  Sena was able to grab one of the 883 slots in the 2025 American Poolplayers Association’s (APA) 8-Ball Classic, and he was able to make the very most of his opportunity.

Orange Tier Title and $15,000 Cash Prize

Sena returned home with not only a championship in the Orange tier of the tournament (which is the second toughest skill level in the competition), but also a check for a $15,000 cash prize.

Middletown’s “Big Dawg” May Be Tough to Beat

The only down side?  It's going to be much harder for Sena to find competiton willing to take their chances with the new pool champion.  In other words, pool players in places like Big Dawg's might think twice before challenging the true Big Dawg with the national status to go behind it.

Watch the Winning Match Online

Sena's finals matchup was live streamed and can be viewed here:  2025 APA 8-Ball Classic (SL6) Orange Tier Final.  More than 250,000 members compete in weekly 8-Ball and 9 Ball League play. Congratulations to Nathan Sena!