Eric Hughes was born and raised in Perth Amboy, N.J., also the hometown of the former world’s pool champion, the late Steve Mizerak Jr. The late Steve Mizerak, Sr. taught Eric the principles many years ago of the game of 3-cushion billiards. After a hiatus of many years, Eric returned to the game in 2006 after meeting with and being encouraged by Mr. Mazin Shooni, former National Champion of 3-Cushion Billiards, to participate in various tournaments. Eric has been a regular participant ever since. Eric is a three-time published author, Founder and CEO of the Anguilla Pocket Billiards Association on the Caribbean Island of Anguilla, served 4 years in the U.S. Air Force where he was trained in the fields of teletype and cryptography and received an honorable discharge, worked a combined 35 years with the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Commerce (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), respectively, where he received numerous awards for outstanding performance, inducted into the Perth Amboy High School Hall of Fame as one of its distinguished graduates, and received the N.J. State Assembly Recognition Award for his outstanding life achievements. Eric holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Community Planning and Development from the University of the District of Columbia, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from American University, Washington, D.C. Eric is married and has 2 daughters and 4 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandson.