Report – Thomas Janzso wins ÖSBV Shoot-out premiere ahead of Carl Walter Steiner

The first-ever winner of the ÖSBV Shoot-out, the unofficial Austrian championship in this format, is Thomas Janzso. The Viennese player secured the title in the final against his clubmate and surprise finalist Carl Walter Steiner.

With a total of 27 participants, the first edition of this popular alternative snooker format, where shouting, loud cheering, and enthusiastic support are encouraged – in stark contrast to conventional snooker etiquette – was well attended, especially considering the fact that every match can end after just 10 minutes of play.

Daniel Seyser, referee Christian Fock; ©ösbv/pstegmeier

The format, in which it is difficult to identify clear paper favourites, features 10-minute matches played in a knockout format on a single-table setup. This naturally adds a high level of tension to every game right from the first round.

Michael Peyr, referee Christian Fock, Daniel Seyser; ©ösbv/pstegmeier

Alongside Janzso, currently ranked fourth in the Austrian Snooker League, the field included two other top-10 general class athletes, Jérôme Liedtke and Josef Wimmer, as well as two of the top-3 Masters players, Garry Balter and Bernhard Wallner. However, likely due to the unforgiving open draw format, which is only determined directly before each round, only Janzso managed to make it to the semifinals. Along with eventual runner-up CW Steiner, the other medal matches included Daniel Seyser from the 15 Reds and TSG player Michael Peyr.

Carl Walter Steiner, referee Erich Pließnig, Thomas Janzso; ©ösbv/pstegmeier

After both HSEBC players secured their spots in the final, Seyser claimed bronze, leaving Graz player Peyr in fourth place. The final itself was relatively one-sided, with Janzso quickly establishing a lead of around 70 points, aided by a time foul from Steiner – the only one in the entire tournament.

For tournament winner Janzso, this victory brings a nomination for the upcoming EBSA Shoot-out and 6-Reds European Championship in Albania in October this year.

Congratulations to all the medalists, and a big thank you to the referees, scorers, and timekeepers Christian Fock and Erich Pließnig, as well as part-time timekeeper Alexander Trinkl, for their support in organizing the tournament. The tournament was managed by ÖSBV Sports Director Patrick Stegmeier.

The event, held at the Billairds and Snooker Academy in Vienna, the home venue of HSEBC club, received highly positive feedback – possibly also thanks to the mood-boosting playlist that played between matches – and is likely to be repeated in 2026.

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