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by Maksym Marshchivskyy
When we talk about sports as a cultural phenomenon, we rarely think of billiards. Even less so — about the Billiards Pyramid. But in much of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, this discipline is more than just a game. It’s a symbol of precision, patience, and strategic thinking. It’s a tradition passed down through generations — from grandfathers to sons, from coaches to students.
Today, this sport exists in several formats — Free, Combined, Dynamic. There are individual and doubles disciplines. And it’s gaining new ground far from its historical roots.
Why Pyramid Matters
The Billiards Pyramid is not just a game — it’s a mindset. For kids growing up in cities like Kyiv or Bishkek, learning to play on a 12-foot table is a rite of passage. It sharpens focus, builds self-confidence, and develops strategic thinking.
Unlike fast-paced pool games, Pyramid is slower and more deliberate. Every shot demands calculation, calm, and character. It teaches discipline in the most elegant way.
Building Pyramid in the U.S.
As an immigrant and entrepreneur, I saw how valuable this game could be for youth development in America. In 2023, we opened Peaky Sticks Billiards in Los Angeles — not just a billiards room, but an infrastructure project. Our mission:
👉 to create a space where Pyramid can grow, and where people of all backgrounds can learn, compete, and build community through sport.
In our first year, we hosted dozens of tournaments, family events, and training sessions. We introduced the game to hundreds of locals — both immigrants nostalgic for their childhoods and Americans playing for the first time. Every month, our tables unite kids, parents, seasoned players, and beginners.
Federation as a Platform
To scale this vision, I co-founded the American Billiards Pyramid Federation (ABPF) — a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing Pyramid across the United States. We created an official rulebook (based on Ukrainian and international standards), translated the rules into English, and launched training programs for referees and club managers.
Our strategic goals include:
- School partnerships and youth engagement
- National ranking and competitive system
- Hosting major U.S. tournaments
- Franchise-ready club model
- Youth development programs through billiards
More Than a Sport
In a time when many sports are losing their educational purpose, Pyramid offers something different. It teaches respect, precision, and dignity. It slows you down — and in that, there’s power. It builds character, regardless of age or background.
For Ukrainian, Armenian, and Kyrgyz families in the U.S., it feels like a piece of home. For American players, it’s a new challenge — a game unlike any other. And that’s the kind of bridge that can connect communities through sport.
We’ve seen this firsthand: American pool players walk into our club, try the Pyramid table, and are fascinated. They feel the weight of the balls, the speed of the cloth, the demand for strength and finesse. Many come back. One player, who spent years in competitive pool, now plays Pyramid regularly — and has already joined multiple tournaments.
What’s Next?
The Billiards Pyramid is not just a game. It’s an ecosystem in progress. With the right infrastructure, leadership, and community support, it has every chance to become the next big cue sport in America.
And we’ve already laid the foundation.
Maksym Marshchivskyy
Vice President, American Billiards Pyramid Federation
Founder, Peaky Sticks Billiards
EB1A Visa Applicant (Extraordinary Ability)
Learn more: maksymmarshchivskyy.com | @peakysticks | @ukrainian_hills