When Shawn Fitzsimmons of Cyclone first picked up a pool cue as a child in his parents’ basement in Eldred, he had no idea just how far the game would take him.

Now 53, Fitzsimmons recently scored big on the international stage, claiming two undefeated victories during the prestigious VNEA World Pool Championships in Las Vegas.

Between his two wins, Fitzsimmons brought home a trophy, championship belt and check for $11,000.

He was part of Team USA, which clinched its first ever World Cup title. Competing against nine international teams from across the globe, the USA squad bested them all.

But that wasn’t his only win.

Fitzsimmons also helped lead Team Bellator to a flawless finish in the open division, besting 380 other teams. Team Bellator is composed of six seasoned players, many of whom have been shooting together for decades. In addition to Fitzsimmons, there are Brian Thompson of Cochranton, Bruce Mowery of Port Allegany, Gary Layden II of Erie, Shawn Stratton of Erie and Rick Wykoff of St. Marys.

“They claim the open division is the hardest to win because it has the most teams,” said Fitzsimmons. “It got to be pretty tense at the end there but we beat them all.”

Fitzsimmons, who has been playing pool since he was 8, credits the game with giving him a lifetime of friendships and travel.

“Over the years, it’s let me meet some amazing people and travel the world,” said Fitzsimmons.

In both tournaments, teams consisted of six players with five competing in each match and one rotating in. The format spans five rounds and points are awarded based on how many balls each team sinks, with a total of 250 possible points per round.

“It was a great thing to be a part of this and play against so many amazing teams,” said Fitzsimmons. “I learn so much, and can see my skills start to improve dramatically when my competition is at that level.”

The victory was bittersweet for the team, who recently lost beloved member Michael “Cowboy” Ernhart. They dedicated the win to his memory.

“We had a cowboy in heaven looking over every shot,” said Fitzsimmons.

Despite his success, Fitzsimmons keeps things simple at home. He still practices on his home table for several hours a week, just as he did growing up. He says he keeps playing pool because he still loves the game and he hopes that the younger generation will come to love it, too.

“For young players, I just want to encourage them to practice,” said Fitzsimmons. “Not just practice but perfect practice so you get the right muscle memory.”

That means focusing on drills and seeking out skilled mentors.

“It doesn’t do you any good to keep practicing your mistakes,” said Fitzsimmons. “Find someone who has been shooting for a long time, watch them and learn from them.”

Team Bellator has a few more local tournaments on the horizon, but Fitzsimmons already has his sights set on next year’s world championships.

“We want to go back to Vegas next year and do what nobody has ever done before,” Fitzsimmons declared — “win back to back.”