Jorgen Sandman’s extraordinary life in cue sports begins far from the bright lights of world championships and Olympic committees. In this opening episode of Legends of the Cue, Jorgen takes us back to Sundsvall, Sweden, where a childhood shaped by ice hockey, discipline, outdoor play, and multi-sport development laid the foundation for a lifetime in pool, billiards, coaching, and sports leadership.

Jorgen recalls learning to skate before he could walk, being taught fundamentals before being allowed near a puck, and later carrying those same lessons into cue sports. Alongside Allison Fisher, Mark Wilson, and Michael Gonzalez, he explores why early sport specialization can limit young athletes and why the world’s best competitors often benefit from a broad athletic background.

The story then shifts to 1968, when a young Jorgen first encountered billiards while watching his uncle play in Stockholm. What began with laughter, missed balls, and a humbling first attempt soon became a lifelong calling. Back home, Jorgen found his way into a local billiard club, a basement room with coin-operated table lights, strong carom influences, and a mentor, Rolf Larsson, who would change the course of his life.

This episode also touches on Sweden’s pioneering role in putting pool tables into schools, Jorgen’s early exposure to players and entertainers like Paul Gerni and Jimmy Caras, and the first signs of the teacher, promoter, and organizer he would become.

A rich origin story for anyone interested in pool history, billiards culture, Swedish pool, youth sports development, or the roots of modern cue sports governance.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come.

Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.

Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”