This month, our community spotlight shines on the PAW Warriors - a team of eight players from Florida who have battled their way onto the world stage of competitive pool.

When you walk into the APA 8-Ball World Championships in Las Vegas, you can feel it - the weight of thousands of games, the focus of players from every corner of the globe, and the sheer size of the biggest pool tournament in the world. 

For the PAW Warriors, making it here isn’t just a trip; it’s the culmination of a year’s worth of grit, teamwork, and relentless competition.

The Road to Vegas

Qualifying for this event isn’t easy. Throughout the year, the PAW Warriors battled through multiple local and regional tournaments, facing hundreds of strong teams in Florida’s APA leagues. Each match was a step closer to earning that coveted spot at the World Championships, where only the best from across the United States - and beyond - are invited. Teams from Japan, Singapore, Canada, and all over the U.S. meet here in a single, electric atmosphere.

With Texas sending the largest number of teams and 49 U.S. states represented, the Warriors knew they’d be up against seasoned competition. But representing the PAW family on this stage meant more than just winning - it was about showing that their team belonged among the best.

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The Team Behind the Name

The PAW Warriors’ roster is made up of eight players - the maximum allowed: Frank, Frankie, Melissa, Kaitlyn, Sharri, Mikey, Rick, and Bill. Each one brings a unique style to the table, but together, they form a cohesive unit built on trust and shared ambition.

Competing Across Championships

For some members, this year’s journey began earlier. Rick and Bill represented PAW Chain in the Doubles World Championship last April - making an impressive run and finishing in the money.

Bill also took on the Singles 8-Ball World Championship, pushing through to the third round before bowing out in a hard-fought match.

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Streaming to the PAW Family

In true 2025 fashion, the team didn’t just compete - they brought their matches to the world. Broadcasting on their PAW Warriors YouTube channel, they’ve been streaming games live from Las Vegas, allowing supporters across the globe to tune in, cheer, and share in every tense moment.

The ultimate dream came true when they made it all the way to the championship arena - the nationally streamed finals stage.

Here’s a glimpse of the venue from the official APA channel.

Medals, Milestones, and Motivation

From their striking custom jerseys to the hard-earned tournament medals, the PAW Warriors carry more than just cues to each event - they carry a shared belief that with every frame, they’re writing another chapter in their team’s story.

For the PAW Warriors, this year’s World Championships are not the end of the road. The plan is to return to Vegas next year, stronger and sharper. For Bill personally, the journey continues in September at the United States Amateur Championship - the biggest singles event of the year. Winning there would mean stepping into the pro ranks, a goal that’s been years in the making.
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Champions in Their Own Right

The team’s most recent achievement speaks volumes - 2025 8-Ball World Qualifier Champions. It’s a title that cements their place among the elite and fuels the fire for what’s to come.

Watch, Follow, Support

You can catch their past matches and follow their journey on the PAW Warriors YouTube channel. Whether it’s a tense hill-hill match or a comfortable win, one thing is clear - this team represents not just Florida, but the heart of the PAW family, on one of the biggest stages in the world.

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In Other News: ApeBond Partnership

Beyond the table, PAW Chain has also been expanding its ecosystem. Our most recent step is a collaboration with ApeBond, designed to give the community a new way to access $PAW.

Through ApeBond’s Ethereum platform, approved assets can be exchanged for $PAW at a discounted rate. Purchased tokens are then released gradually over 30 days, with progress tracked transparently through an NFT that reflects each user’s vesting schedule.

This on-chain structure reduces immediate sell pressure while supporting a healthier market position for $PAW. At the same time, the partnership connects PAW with ApeBond’s established DeFi community - opening doors to new users, builders, and long-term partners.

In the coming weeks, joint Spaces and community events with ApeBond will help spread awareness and strengthen the relationship between both projects.

For those interested in exploring this new option, the ApeBond platform is now live: apebond.click/PAW.
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Upcoming Community Event: Discord AMA

We’re also bringing the latest updates straight to the community. On Sunday, August 24 at 3PM UTC, we’ll be hosting a special PAW Chain AMA on our Community Discord.

The session will feature team updates, insights, and a live Q&A. There’ll also be interactive fun, including Rumble battles where participants can win $PAW and XP rewards.

The AMA will be held on the Community Stage inside our Discord: discord.gg/pawecosystem.

Come prepared with your questions, share predictions about our special guests, and enjoy a relaxed space to connect with the team and wider community.

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