"It was a very competitive event, but social too. You're out to win your game, but quite a few players didn't really know the rules, so the opposition were helping them out."
Stewart has organised pool at the last three Masters Games events, which requires finding the right venue to host it and the funding for things like extra tables.
This was something Stewart struggled with in 2019 as he was unable to raise sponsorship for extra tables once the number of competitors increased.
Six tables was fine for 28 players, but not ideal for 52.
"With the extra players that came in, it made for some long days and long nights, but everyone enjoyed themselves and we had the perfect venue," Stewart said.
"One of the requirements of course is to have water available and we had plenty of that and other beverages."
Back at Barracks Bar today is the Wanganui 8-Ball Open, with up to 80 entrants set to duke it out across the tables.
The event runs all weekend and will draw a different type of player to the River City with a prize pool of $2000 on offer.
Stewart hopes to see some more supporters show up at the event after what he described was a bit of a disappointing turnout at the Masters Games.
"There were a few there, but not a lot. This one this weekend is definitely worth going to, you'll get some really top New Zealand players there," he said.
"At the games in two years time it would be nice if people say 'right, we're not going to play in it, but we'll go in and show a bit of support'".
Results from the 8- and 9-ball competitions at the Masters Games can be found on page 21.
