Hunia (35), an Oamaru mechanic, has been selected to represent New Zealand at the world 8-ball championships in the United Arab Emirates next month.
Joking that he had been waiting about 15 years for the phone call telling him of his selection, Hunia described it as a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.
The competition, which will be held in Fujairah between February 19 and 26, comprises 112 players, with just one from New Zealand.
First prize of $US40,000 would be "a good start to the year", he said.
Describing it as his passion, Hunia has been playing pool at a top level for the past 17 years, and while he had competed in Australia years ago, the world championships were the "big one".
He believed he had a realistic chance of success, saying he needed "all the C's" - "I've just got to keep cool, calm and collected."
He only learned of his selection a couple of weeks ago and the news was still sinking in.
He is heading to Christchurch for training this week with friend Paul Bartlett, and then to Dunedin next week to train with Mike Bowen and Sam Chin.
He was grateful for their support, along with that of his partner, Katrina, and the Oamaru Club.
It was costing about $5000 for flights and accommodation, so he was also looking for sponsorship to fund the trip.
A pool competition will be held at the Northstar in about two weeks and people will have an opportunity to play against Hunia.
Once back from UAE, he should be "fired up" for the South Island championships and national championships later in the year, he said.
