My name is Ahmed Aly Elsayad, and I was born in Cairo, Egypt, and grew up in beautiful Alexandria, by the Mediterranean Sea. I began playing pool at the age of 15, with my older brother and his friends and quickly progressed with the game. I fell in love with snooker after seeing my first table in my father’s private club. The big table and small pockets were a welcome challenge, and everyone was well-dressed.

I am self-taught and always used to watch the high-ranking players at their matches, adopting their techniques. I won my first tournament at age 18, the Under 21 Egypt National Championship. I then went on to represent Egypt at the World Amateur Championship and was asked to join the national team. I reached the top 16 in this tournament and lost to a Scotsman named Graeme Dott.

I hold the record for most consecutive wins at the USA National Championships with three Championships in a row. I am tied for most wins with five, but I am hoping to change this later this year. To add to this success I was recently appointed to the USSA board as a director. I am honored to have represented the USA multiple times at the World Championship, including our 5th place Team win with USSA president Ajeya Prabhakar. I also played in the inaugural 2019 Pan American Snooker Championships where I reached the quarter finals losing 4-1 to eventual winner, Igor Figueiredo from Brazil.

I’m always looking for ways to promote the game and build and connect with members of the snooker community. My home club is the New York Athletics Club (NYAC) in New York which has hosted the USA National Championships on several occasions. I have brought people such as World Champion Mark Williams and Chris Henry to play with us here in New York, and have travelled and played with a wonderful group with the International Snooker League, that includes Kenneth Shea and Cliff Thorburn. I was even lucky enough to make my Broadway debut with The Nap, Richard Bean’s black comedy about snooker.

Looking ahead, I would love to turn pro and join the tour. I think it would great if the United States could be represented on this world stage. In the meantime, I look forward to my new position on the board, working with a great group, and to share with everyone my love of the game.

Editor’s update: Aly Elsayad has since won a record 6 USA National titles, and recently won the Pan-American Snooker Championships 2022 to earn a pro tour ticket, becoming the first American to do so. Keep flying Ahmed!