Mosconi Cup
Recap
Published April 13, 2026
The 2006 PartyPoker.com Mosconi Cup ended in a 12-12 tie at Rotterdam’s Cruise Terminal. This was the first tie in thirteen editions of this transatlantic nine-ball competition between Team USA and Team Europe. The Americans retained the trophy as defending champions under the tournament’s tie-breaking rule.
Europe came close to capturing their first Mosconi Cup since 2002 on home soil. The Dutch crowd watched as the match entered Sunday night’s final session at 9-9. Germany’s Thomas Engert defeated US Open champion John Schmidt 5-1 to put Europe ahead at 10-9.
The match remained competitive throughout. American Rodney Morris defeated England’s Imran Majid 5-2 to tie the match at 10-10. Germany’s Ralf Souquet won 5-4 against American captain Johnny Archer after trailing 4-2. Holland’s Nick van den Berg then defeated Earl Strickland 5-4, also after trailing 4-2, putting Europe at 12-10.
Team USA won the final two matches to force the 12-12 tie. Corey Deuel, who earned MVP honors, and Mike Davis both recorded victories in the decisive matches. This prevented a European victory and ensured the Americans retained the trophy.
This tournament marked several significant milestones, including David Alcaide becoming the first Spanish player to compete in Mosconi Cup history. The tie prompted organizers to eliminate the possibility of future ties, ensuring that subsequent tournaments would always produce a definitive winner. The 2006 edition remains notable in the history of pool’s premier team competition.
Sources: Wikipedia – 2006 Mosconi Cup
This recap was compiled from public tournament records and tournament organizer communications. ForceFollow is not affiliated with the tournament organizer.