Author: Randy Kilwag

There were three Americans that competed in the Veterans category: Peter Alegi, Varant Kurkeyerian, and Bryan Arnold. For these players, the Vets category was a long awaited and long anticipated tournament. Many hours of training went into preparation. Many matches back home to get fit and prepared were played. These players used their accumulated personal assets to take on the best Vets in the world.

Continue reading “US Players at the World Cup: Veterans Category”

By Bryan Arnold

Like many players all over the world, I had been anticipating the World Cup in Rome for several years: thinking on and off about what it would be like and what would happen. I looked forward to representing my country in a big way. I looked forward to being a teammate to some of our best players. 

My anticipation did not lag. The world cup cycle was changed to two years instead of one. My anticipation grew as more time passed. Then, the nasty beast of a pandemic thundered across the face of the earth. Time passed as it does, table soccer was no where near my consciousness.

Continue reading “World Cup: A Bit of My Experience”

The team event of the World Cup in Rome was a highly charged tournament: teams wanting to achieve great things together, and players wanting to win their matches to make dreams come true. There were scenes of teams huddling and whispering strategies. Fantastic team colors and jerseys made every view memorable. There were loud screams of satisfaction in scoring goals that jarred the onlookers, but who also smiled and laughed with enjoyment.

Continue reading “US World Cup Team Competition”

Americans were proud to participate in the FISTF World Cup Open category playing some of the best players in the world. Christian Filippella led the American effort with Benny Nuger as our second participant.

Continue reading “FISTF World Cup: Americans in the Open Category”

Christian Filippella excelled in this debut event of traditional Subbuteo at the FISTF World Cup. He achieved his second podium in a row across two World Cups by finishing in third place. His effort was of diligence and class. Christian’s success for the USA has been magnificent. He competed in the semi final losing to the eventual winner from Italy, Morgan Croce (as seen in the photo below).

Continue reading “World Cup, Traditional Rules: Christian Filippella on the Podium Again!!”

We spoke with Daniel Cranston of our FISTF World Cup team in the sixth installment of the interview series with members of the USA squad going to Rome.

ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the FISTF World Cup?

DC: I’ve had the privilege of representing the USA five times at the FISTF World Cup. Each time I always try to take a step back on the Saturday morning with all the players in the hall kitted out in matching uniforms from their national association and take the scenes in. It is always super motivating to see table soccer players from all over the world come together, make friends and relationships, and compete. Traveling, sightseeing, and playing with teammates from the USA also brings our community closer together by making new memories and bonds between players from across our vast country.

Continue reading “World Cup 2022 – Interview with Team USA’s Daniel Cranston”

We spoke with Benny Nuger of our FISTF World Cup team in the fifth installment of the interview series with members of the USA squad going to Rome.

ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the FISTF World Cup?

BN: When I tell people that I’m representing the USA in a hobby of mine people’s eyes light up and ask me a billion questions about it, which is a cool feeling. Most people never get to have that opportunity, so to be able to represent my country in a hobby I love is very special.

Continue reading “World Cup 2022 – Interview with Team USA’s Benny Nuger”

We spoke with Varant Kurkeyerian of our FISTF World Cup team in the fourth installment of the interview series with members of the USA squad going to Rome.

ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the FISTF World Cup?

VK: It’s an amazing feeling and honor to represent the USA! This will be the third time I have in the past eight years. One of the greatest memories I had was listening to our National Anthem, on September 11, 2015, in San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy, while embraced in the arms of my teammates. Still gives me goosebumps!

Continue reading “World Cup 2022 – Interview with Team USA’s Varant Kurkeyerian”

We spoke with Bryan Arnold of our FISTF World Cup team in the third installment of an interview series with the USA squad.

ASA: Can you describe the feeling of representing the USA at the FISTF World Cup?

BA: I feel thrilled!! Absolutely joyful and honored to represent the ASA overseas. The experience remains a singular motivation in my midlife. I am very gratified to refine my skills and support my teammates.

Continue reading “World Cup 2022 – Interview with Team USA’s Bryan Arnold”