Inside the Fierce Competition of Professional Foosball

While Olympians are just warming up, we’ve got the inside scoop on another competitive sport: foosball. That’s right, this barroom favorite isn’t just for play, there’s a whole world of professional players and global competitions. We caught up with the number one foosball player in the world to see what it takes to be a foosball champion.
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[@Stellarffxi]

For people unfamiliar.. Tony Spredeman is not just a random professional foosball player... he absolutely dominates the pro tour winning almost every event he enters.. he's a beast.. insanely talented..

[@jeremybr2020]

There are 2 players in the foosball world that really stand out above all others. One being the great Tony Spredeman. The other is Ryan Moore. Both are just astonishing to watch. It's amazing to watch Spredeman's incredible 5 row passes and Ryan Moore's ability to shoot some of the most impressive goalie shots ever witnessed. Between those 2, they are a tour de force of talent and raw skill.

[@louis949]

what about Frederic Collignon...?

[@jeremybr2020]

louis949 Frederic is a bad ass to be sure and has been for many years. But he hasn't been dominating quite like Tony or Ryan. Granted, they don't often play the same tourneys, but the ones that they do...... It's possible Im wrong, and if you have some stats that prove otherwise then I will gladly concede. I just went and did a quick search into the ITSF current rankings. Tony Spredeman is number 1 Ryan Moore is number 25. For some reason I don't see Frederic's name in the top 200. And Im not trying to be an ass, because that really doesn't make sense. Even if Frederic hadn't been playing much recently, I would figure he would have acquired enough points to still be quite relevant. Maybe there's something I don't know about how they rank players. Those rankings also don't necessarily point to who's been on a hot streak recently. Just thought that was interesting though.

[@louis949]

Fred doesnt play that much any more. His last tournement in the USA was in 2012, then he finished his career. Thats the reason why he doesnt have so many itsf points. Only about 700 in OD for wining WCS'. In 1987 only Steve Murray could win "the trible" (single, double, mixed) in the World Championships in the USA until Fred came from Europe. He won the trible five times in 2000, 2002, 2004, 2007 and 2012 as a European (!). Dunno about Spredeman, Im sure he won it aswell. But the Tornado isnt the only table in the world and thats the main reason why Fred is better than all of the Americans. Collignon is able to beat everyone on every fucking table. Spredeman and Moore aren't, only on Tornado. And btw the beste defender isnt Spredeman or Moore, its Todd Lofredo on Tornado and theres still Pappas aswell (but not as defender). So I dont think Moore and Spredeman stand out of every other one.

[@jeremybr2020]

louis949 lol Well a couple of problems there louis. For one, if Frederic hasn't been playing since 2012 then why mention him when we're talking about recent players who are dominating the foosball circuit. I also realize that there are other tables besides Tornado.....hence the whole part of my last comment where I stated that they don't often play the same tourneys. But they do occasionally. Lastly, you should try watching a bit more foosball. Because there are plenty of tournaments other than tornado, where Tony Spredeman and other Americans like Mares, Pappas and Lofredo have played and beaten their European counter parts. Try watching the World Cup tournaments, which I believe is where they actually rotate thru different tables. If Im not mistaken, I believe America are the reigning champions. Im not saying they will ALWAYS win. But to act like these players are not able to play on anything other than Tornado is a bit disingenuous.

[@markporter2642]

I've been foosing for years but just starting to get serious about it recently. I met Tony a few days ago at my first tournament the Texas State Championships. I told him I had been waiting years to meet him. He took about 15 minutes to talk with me about the game, the struggles I face on the table, and how he overcame them. Probably the nicest fooser I've ever met. He's a champ on and off the table!

[@marklt808]

That deafening sound when the ball hits the goal just right. Nothing else like it.

[@MrDreamON3]

I watched this video thinking it would be a joke. But damn, new dream job

[@MrKSHellsslaughauter]

MrDreamON Same, if I can pursue both of my careers like pro foosball with others the salary is absolutely great.

[@corycg1956]

There’s a lot to it people just think you hit the ball hard but it’s nothing like that there are so many trick shots you have to learn and defense.

[@Checkmate1138]

Well, I suppose if they have tournaments for poker, chess, and StarCraft, then I can understand the appeal for this.

[@samuelmadden6811]

There was a much bigger appeal back in the 1970's. Which was mentioned by Tony in this video.

[@TablesoccerTV]

Tony is an amazing person and player. Strong competitor but always fair and friendly. It´s always fun to watch him play and to see that he loves that game overall. keep it up, Tony

[@reaver414]

look at the flick of those wrists

[@3030hp]

lol

[@EveRestUpsb]

lmaooo

[@rrockrain1067]

I played hours and hours a day in the 70's , would be fun to play this guy .

[@lifeisgood3589]

It wouldnt be any fun. Ive watched him beat expert level players using just his left hand. In Pro foos thats 2 levels behind being a Master. You have beginner, rookies, ameture, expert, pro and pro master

[@jeremybr2020]

Yeah fun may not be the best word to describe it if you are at all competitive. But no doubt it could be a very constructive learning experience and a very humbling experience. There's very few people on the planet despite how good they believe themselves to be who would play Tony and not think that they maybe aren't as good as they thought prior to playing him.

[@Baumsteigar]

There is nothing more impressive and inspiring than watching a master in action.

[@fishhookspirit]

I am rally good at this game, i used to play with the players made out of wood instead of plastic..also the whole table was made out of wood with no silicon grips for the hands, i still got a bone on my right wrist looking funny because of too much foosball games in a row, its so sad to know that in my country that game is extinct today but i am so glad to see that people out there still play the game and making it better...keep the dream real dudes!!

[@jordymertens6771]

Where do you live? Where I live we use wooden grips and players as well

[@NathanDCLubb]

They really just need to get the table thing sorted than.

[@445xone]

I played against Tony's father Bud locally in Wisconsin and on the TS tour in the late 1970's . I've never spoke with Tony but he is an amazing player.. I still play some tour events today without success but I still love the game ! any competitive person should take a shot at this game...ya never know ...this game is an addiction..

[@VMFoosball]

Great video showing how competitive that foosball could be...which is much more than everyone think

[@corycg1956]

My Dad is the one that got me into Foosball to he is really good he taught me everything I know today I’m a really good player because of him I’m not no pro or nothing like that but I could beat the average player.

[@aadilhoosen64]

Wow,I'd never knew this game was so big, I'm Abit rusty but I'm sure I will give you a run👌

[@BCWR8]

Everyone at my school says they’re a pro but all they do is spin :/

[@euflaxen3608]

That's not even allowed lmao

[@the_realJP_]

That used to piss me off so much!

[@TheRealJay33]

That's really cool man

[@VictorHernandez-nj2lo]

I've always wondered if there was anyone who took foosball seriously.now i know,i better start practicing

[@bowmanvmi]

Did I just see someone feed the ball through the hole? >Professional

[@staygold-kq5mg]

Dope

[@starlight6924]

ikr

[@Phoozball_]

Dope v2

[@brianhiggins4080]

Mannnnnnn......So here for this. Love to see the whole film.

[@otisgarter78]

Foosball is all i do. I live for this sport for once theres hope for me to play against ppl ob my level thank god. Where do i start. Im just as good maybe better..yeah

[@bishop2985]

Not even joking I respect this man

[@FoosballNationClub]

Learn how to play foosball just being in the comfort of your home. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGbNmIyOqJJpkKs Subscribe us for the Indian Foosball Scenes Subscribe asap

[@UnknownUnknown-nd6ho]

Bro I ruled my middle school foosball table for 3 years at the boys and girls club center It was pretty fun while it lasted

[@idofunthings1629]

I can't tell if he's smiling because its a joke or because he's so high, maybe both.

[@Stellarffxi]

I dont think he smokes actually.. could be wrong..

[@rickemmerich1]

It’s neither. He is the most talented and accomplished professional table soccer or foosball player of all time and a sincere nice guy.

[@lifeisgood3589]

@@rickemmerich1 Well actually thats not True. Cindy Head holds that title with more Pro tour titles then any two players combined.

[@rickemmerich1]

@@lifeisgood3589 Cindy is awesome. I am not sure how many games she would win against Tony no matter how you configured it. She is far older, so give the guy a little time. I love her. Her talent level is nowhere near his. He also wins on every table. I am not sure if there is a total on all tables between the two.....

[@jordymertens6771]

That is kinda disrespectful, even with his feet he would beat you with ease

[@10ksubstocuremydepression46]

I have a *Foosball*

[@ivanhenwood1072]

his wrists must be unbelievably strong

[@EarthSurferUSA]

If your father played pro in the 70's, he might remember a guy who I hear was ranked #7 in the world from the USA named Bob "the Bionic Pull" Kurten. I am just a rural guy who met him after I moved to Grand Rapids, MI. in the early 90's, and played against him and his buddies at a dive on 28th street. Pssst,--- I could beat him if my 5-guy passing was as good as his was. Can't make the shot if you can't get the ball.

[@quentin3330]

Are FABI tables good? Here in the Toronto all the italians and others play on Fabi .......

[@manoftheocean6988]

I just go nuts with the rods with my brothers lol

[@Lee-eb5fo]

I love foosball!!!!!

[@johndiokno96]

wow! that was AMAIZING

[@lil_ed1877]

Your 7 times better than me

[@RandysFiftySevenChevy]

I learned to play in Europe while playing on glass tables...talk about a fast game.....At 60 years old I sometimes freak out some young guns when they think they are the shits if I come across someone playing in a bar., If I wasn't running a business and traveling around the country nostalgia drag racing I would love to play again in competition. Is there a senior class?I miss the sound of the ball hitting the back of the goal on a perfectly slammed ace.

[@Stellarffxi]

Yep.. there sure is..

[@chraffis]

Could someone please tell me if foosball tables with ramped corners (You know, old school style) are “official” in any way and/or are used in any “official” tournaments?? I have a friend that prefers those tables. FINE. But he tries to further legitimize his preference/table by telling me: “it’s an official tournament table, my dude!” I’ve looked and am somewhat sure that apart from garage leagues and the like, there’s no ramped corner tables in pro foosball tournaments. Am I wrong?

[@GigaFatGingerTTV]

Tornado tables are the best. They just are plain and simple.

[@TheCrazedLife]

My Dad actually knows Tony

[@crockingmadness]

foosball played properly is extremely technical and competitive.. you actually do need alot of skill and control to the many people who seem very uninformed here..

[@byronmouton9527]

OH yea should be an olympic game awsome to watch yall play its so fast its admirable to see the talent.

[@codeman99-dev]

So honest question. Why multi-goalie tables? I personally love having a single goalie and angled corners. Makes the game move much faster since the ball never gets stuck in the corner.

[@Haizorn]

0:16 What is the specific name of this ball?

[@kenahn3551]

Luan Fernandes I think it’s a tornado one but I’m not 100% sure

[@TheTaurus502]

That my friend luan is A Fossball!! of course.

[@sammiescoots6331]

It is the tornado table red tournament ball. Just look it up as I told you and it will come up!

[@kavkav4810]

intense

[@danmor7995]

Orange County "The Goat tavern" Costa Mesa. Best Foosball players in the world!!!

[@gabrielsilvas7105]

Goes to amazon to get football table lol

[@stanstanly3812]

Are there any tournaments with other tables other than Tornado here in the U.S? Like maybe Rene Pierre tables. Thanks

[@Klos1neMN]

The North Carolina State tournament is organized by Alan Cribs and is played on a Bonzini table, almost identical to a Rene Pierre. To be fair, a Rene Pierre is a knock off of a Bonzini.

[@thelocustman1]

Rene Pierre has been making foosball tables since 1952. Bonzini has been around longer but Rene Pierre made the jump to America first with coin operated tables in the late 60's early 70's.

[@russellhammond5657]

Warrior builds a great table and sponsors many tournaments.

[@smcmediallc]

Hand to hand combat...hm.

[@Stellarffxi]

analogy.. hm.

[@tshepomakhado5500]

I really wanna play but i dont know of any leagues in south africa. Is there a worldwide organisation or something?

[@Levindd]

The itsf... tablesoccer org

[@buckrowley1506]

wait I played (crappy but I played ) in the 70's you either play on that table and Only that table or I wont/cant play ...I think I may not have played since then and don't know what the differences are between todays table and the origin table

[@Stellarffxi]

It's the same if you played on Tornado... What he's talking about is other countries / continents... Europe plays on Bonzini, Tecball?, Garlando, Roberto Sport, Lionheart, etc... Most of USA is pretty standard playing on Tornado.. and its def the best table.. imo!

[@buckrowley1506]

you will not go back to todays table if you play on the old one I just didn't want to say it that way it was that good

[@Stellarffxi]

buck rowley probably depends on the individual, because I've played on both and prefer the newer Tornados.. the old ones hold up well because Tornado makes quality products, but I prefer the newer handles and the flatter clear strip on sides of playing surface.

[@buckrowley1506]

hmm ok I'm 53 and there was tornado and dynamo and off brands the dynamo was out slow and not so cool the tornado had humps in the corners and guaranteed that the ball would stay in play that's the one I like with three fronts and two backs and a single goalie when I saw a new table I was seriously butt hurt and said to myself I was old and never going to play again true story take care they gave a car to the champ in the 1970 s so keep on and good luck

[@spoderman1528]

can i have one of those pleaseeeee

[@drewspumpkin3988]

Is that big Ed in background? 0:40

[@amazingkids4157]

wanna play foosball Bobby?

[@ZuluCOD]

I'm amazing at fooseball and my dream is to be a fooseball champion, but no leagues in my town 😭 and I'm 13

[@jordymertens6771]

If you want to become foosball champion, you should not look in your town, but it means traveling to other states, and even countries. I live in Belgium, we often go to germany and france for tournaments. I would say: keep on training and maybe you might become champion, like i did, I can call myself now Champion of Belgium in junior singles

[@paulj9174]

I lost my tooth playing fooseball

[@jordymertens6771]

Haha than you probably play it the wrong way

[@PlantsPupsPaintball]

not a sport, but a competitive activity.

[@cosmicast6217]

It is a sport. The definition of sport is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment. So hes using his brain and muscles to compete against others, and people watch this. Its a sport.

[@alexross1997]

You are probably one of those that would say show choir isn't a sport either. You dance, act, and sing at the same time while competing against 20 or more teams. If it fits the definition it's a sport. So foosball is a sport

[@TradiTree]

Hahaha, keep on telling your self that.

[@Stellarffxi]

Who gives a shit if people define it as a sport or not... Not like I'm going to play or not play based on the way another individual wants to define it...

[@buckrowley1506]

do you mean river dance or clog step or something like that?you really ruined things for me with that picture

[@mexicanwaffles3314]

Odds are they can’t play soccer

[@kraniumdranium1364]

That matters why?

[@andrewmowbray7035]

Yeah and chess players can’t actually murder kings and knights. Your point?

[@jonathanrivero3424]

Aleta see him play real soccer/football

[@leeolga2439]

wowwww

[@sinashadowan6107]

👏👏👏🤩

[@rjaquaponics9266]

It's a shame these foosball manufacturers are only interested in selling tables and not promoting the sport! The payout for big tournaments should be 10x the current rate and then foosball would regain the traction it once had where big money rewards were possible.

[@Vedrajrm]

Fooseball in the olympics ?😂😂😂

[@adventureawaitsromit512]

i think i can beat you in foosball

[@jo11ymr]

Amagine they play fps

[@jeromefgfgfgfgfgfgfgfgfgsa7282]

سنك

[@xzavierracedo434]

Hahaha you’re sore

[@chriswalls5831]

They should put this on ps5

[@feline-gamerflocket7541]

Lmao he called foosball a sport XD

[@jeremybr2020]

Feline-gamer Flocket Do me a favor genius and look up the word 'sport' in the dictionary. Now if you would be so kind, explain to everyone how foosball doesn't meet the criteria.

[@HATL201]

If table tennis can be a sport, then so can foosball.

[@Tigerland1962]

Typical American, boasting and up his own backside ..

[@crieverytim]

'it's like chess'. gtfoh

[@SilverKnight124]

whitest sport of all time

[@Stellarffxi]

not totally true.. I know a number of black dudes, mexicans, and especially a lot of asians..

[@Emrysanimation]

Hahhaa XD Funny but not true. I actually learned foosball in Costa Rica, from a local champion.

[@Jonasty00]

Yeah I’m In Guatemala right now learning.

[@ZainKhan-ot1xv]

bad game 😂