Tyler Styer: The Debut That Began A Mosconi Cup Journey
Two appearances, two titles and a debut victory over a man now leading Europe. As Tyler Styer returns to Team USA, we revisit the moments that shaped his Mosconi Cup story.
Team USA were already two points behind when Tyler Styer stepped out for his first Mosconi Cup singles match in 2018. Waiting for the 23-year-old was Niels Feijen.
It was a formidable introduction to the competition. It was also a match Styer had wanted.
“I told coach Johan I wanted that match,” he said afterwards.
Styer beat Feijen 5–3 to put USA on the scoreboard. By the end of the opening day in London, the Americans had turned a 2–0 deficit into a 3–2 lead. Their newcomer had helped start the recovery.
With Styer confirmed for this year’s team, that debut offers a fitting starting point for his return to the Mosconi Cup. Johan Ruijsink, the captain who gave him that opportunity, is back in charge of USA. Feijen will be leading the opposition.
A first appearance to remember
Ruijsink’s decision to select Styer in 2018 followed a preparation programme that gave the young American the opportunity to earn his place. A victory over Feijen at the International Open had provided evidence that he could compete against one of Europe’s most experienced players.
The Mosconi Cup brought another test against the Dutchman, this time with a point for his country at stake.
Styer delivered. Three days later, USA completed an 11–9 victory to lift the trophy for the first time since 2009, ending Europe’s run of eight consecutive titles.
For the debutant, the competition began with a winning singles performance and ended as part of the team that restored American success.
Four racks that changed a match
A year later in Las Vegas, Styer returned to help defend the trophy.
His partnership with Skyler Woodward produced one of the most dramatic passages of the third day. Trailing Eklent Kaçi and Alex Kazakis 4–1, the Americans needed four consecutive racks to rescue the match.
They won all four.
Woodward urged the crowd to its feet before potting the final 9-ball, completing a 5–4 victory that extended USA’s overall lead to 8–5. A match that had been one rack from defeat became another point towards a successful title defence.
Styer’s first two Mosconi Cup appearances had brought two team victories. When Ruijsink selected him for the second of those campaigns, the captain had offered a clear assessment: “I believe that this guy is here to stay.”
A familiar stage in Orlando
The years since have brought a different challenge. Europe have won each of the past six editions, leaving USA searching for the breakthrough that would return the trophy to American hands.
Styer has continued to contribute important moments. At the Caribe Royale Resort in 2024, he again stepped into the first singles match with USA trailing 2–0.
This time his opponent was European debutant Mickey Krause. Styer won 5–3, finishing with a carom to claim his team’s first point.
The venue will be familiar when he returns this November. So will the responsibility of trying to turn individual performances into a winning team campaign.
Another chance on home soil
The 2026 Mosconi Cup brings Ruijsink and Styer together again, eight years after their first successful campaign. Across the arena, Feijen’s move into the captain’s role adds another connection to that opening night in London.
Styer knows what it feels like to win this trophy. In Orlando, the challenge is to help USA experience that feeling again.
The 2026 Mosconi Cup takes place from 27–30 November at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando, Florida. World Nineball Tour
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