Pool is one of the most popular indoor sports around the world. Whether you're playing for fun or competing in a tournament, pool has been enjoyed by many over the years cocktail bar bangkok.
Here we will take a look at 10 famous pool players who have left their mark on this classic game. From pool hall hustlers to professional champions, these players have all earned their place in history.
Let's get to know these iconic figures and learn what made them so great! Q Pool Hall has compiled a list of 10 best and most famous pool players in this article.
Table of Contents
Willie Mosconi was a legendary pool player who had an illustrious career. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1913 and quickly became known as one of the most talented young players in the area.
By age 14 he was already a professional player and soon after he won his first world championship at the age of 15.
Mosconi went on to win a total of fifteen world championships over the course of his career, making him one of the most successful players the game has ever seen. He also created new techniques for playing pool, such as 'the power stroke' which allowed him to hit shots with incredible accuracy and power.
His skill and record-breaking performances earned him worldwide recognition, including being inducted into both the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame and the U.S. Billiards Hall of Fame.
Through his sheer talent and impressive accomplishments, Willie Mosconi is remembered as one of the greatest pool players that ever lived and continues to be an inspiration for players today.
Willie Mosconi, the legendary American professional pool player, was one of the most influential figures in the sport. He was renowned for his skills and command of the game and achieved great success in both tournaments and exhibitions. His career spanned four decades, during which time he dominated the sport and won a record fifteen world titles from 1941 to 1957.
In more recent years, Efren Reyes has been called 'The Magician' for his amazing shot-making abilities and talent for making difficult shots look effortless. His accomplishments are just as impressive as Mosconi's; he is a two-time world champion and has won multiple tournaments throughout his career. He is also known for his focus on fundamentals such as stance, stroke, speed control, cue ball control, and breaking techniques.
Reyes' achievements have made him an icon in the pool world and he has become an inspiration to many aspiring players around the world. He continues to be a fixture at major tournaments today as well as a true ambassador of the game.
As testament to his remarkable skill at pool, Reyes’ name is often mentioned alongside that of Willie Mosconi when discussing the greatest players in history.
Jeanette Lee, or “The Black Widow” as she is affectionately called, is widely considered one of the greatest pool players to ever take up a cue.
Born in Brooklyn and raised in Chicago, Lee learned to play pool at a young age from her father and began competing professionally when she was just sixteen.
She quickly rose through the ranks of professional pool playing and gained fame for her skill and grace on the table.
She has since become an icon in the sport, winning numerous tournaments over the course of her career and being inducted into both the Billiard Congress Hall of Fame and Women's Professional Billiards Association Hall of Fame.
Lee has also been credited with popularizing the game in mainstream media, appearing on television shows like Late Night with Conan O'Brien and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.
She has graced the covers of magazines such as ESPN Magazine, Maxim, and even Playboy.
In addition to her success as a competitive player, Lee has also become an ambassador for pool - giving back to communities by teaching children how to play - leading youth clinics across America.
Her passion for pool runs deep; she believes that it's not only a great way to spend time but can also be used as a tool for personal growth.
As she puts it, “Pool is life; it teaches you about yourself…it's about discipline, dedication, focus…and how hard work pays off.'
Through her inspiring story and lifetime of achievements Jeanette Lee shows that anyone can reach their goals if they stay motivated and put in the necessary effort.
Known as 'Wimpy,' Luther Lassiter was an iconic figure in the world of professional pool. He was a masterful player who had won numerous championships and earned the respect of his peers.
Born in Chesapeake, Virginia, in 1914, he started playing pool at age 5 and quickly developed into one of the greatest players of all time. His signature style saw him win tournaments with ease; he was known for his lightning-fast speed and skillful shot making. He also had an eye for angles and could find shots that other players couldn't.
During his career, Luther won the World Open Nine-Ball Championship three times and was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1968. Even after retirement, Luther remained a fixture on the tournament circuit and regularly gave advice to aspiring players.
His legacy continues to be felt today as a source of inspiration to those who want to make it big in the game. Luther Lassiter will always be remembered as one of the most talented pool sharks ever to grace a table.
Luther Lassiter's long-standing legacy as a pool player is undeniable. He was one of the greatest pool players of all time and won the World Straight Pool Championship for an impressive seven times throughout his career top billiards players.
The next great to follow in Luther's footsteps was Steve Mizerak, dubbed 'The Miz'. Mizerak had an incredible career in pool that spanned over 30 years:
In addition to his various championships, Steve Mizerak also had two eponymous pool cues lines released by McDermott Cues and Brunswick Billiards, granting him recognition as one of the most iconic and influential figures in pool history. His impact on the world of pool will never be forgotten.
Mike Sigel is arguably the most famous pool player of all time. His skill and success on the pool table throughout his career has earned him the nickname “The King of Pool”.
He has won numerous tournaments, including the World Straight Pool Championship an incredible seven times between 1975 and 1991, as well as various other titles.
Sigel has also been inducted into both the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame and the One Pocket Hall of Fame. He was given a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1997 by the US Open 9-Ball Championship to recognize his long career in pool.
Furthermore, he was named Player of the Decade for the 1980s by both Pool & Billiard Magazine and Billiards Digest.
As someone who has been playing professionally since 1969, Sigel continues to teach pool as well as compete in tournaments around the world today.
In a sport that requires precision and skill, Mike Sigel continues to be a respected figure within it and set an example for aspiring players everywhere.
Buddy Hall is a legendary pool player, who has earned his place in the annals of pool history. He is considered one of the greatest pool players of all time and has won countless tournaments throughout his career.
Here are some of the unique contributions he has made to the game:
Buddy Hall's accomplishments in the sport have earned him multiple accolades from peers, fans, and media alike. He continues to be an inspiration to generations of pool players worldwide, who strive to reach his level of success.
Johnny Archer, also known as 'the Scorpion,' is one of the most renowned pool players in the world. He has been a professional since 1987 and has won over 100 major titles, including five U.S. Open 9-Ball Championships and six World Pool Championships. His accomplishments have earned him numerous awards, including being inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 2005.
Archer is respected by his peers not just for his skill but also for his sportsmanship and professionalism on the table. He's known for his smooth style, ability to adjust to any game situation, and willingness to help others improve their gameplay. Off the table, he serves as an ambassador for the sport - organizing tournaments and giving back to those who are new to the game.
He continues to be a dominant force in pool today and works hard to leave a legacy that will continue long after he's gone from the sport. Through his dedication and achievements, Johnny Archer has made an indelible mark on both pool culture and history.
Nick Varner is a standout in the world of pool, having won countless titles throughout his career. His accomplishments include three World Pool Championships and two Mosconi Cups. He has also been inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in history.
Nick has also managed to make an impact outside the competitive arena; he owns a billiards store that specializes in custom cues and accessories. Throughout his career, Nick has been a mentor to many aspiring players, inspiring them with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the game. He is highly regarded for his innovative techniques on the table, which have pushed the boundaries of what is possible in pool.
He's even authored several books about pool strategy and technique, giving insight into how to play at an elite level. Nick Varner's influence on pool can be seen all around us today. His contributions have helped shape modern-day competitive play and are sure to remain ingrained in the game for years to come.
His skill and drive have made him one of the all-time greats, not just in pool but across all sports.
Thorsten Hohmann is a German professional pool player who has achieved great success in the sport. He was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and began playing pool at an early age, quickly developing into one of the top players in the country.
He won his first world championship title at the 2002 WPA World Nine-ball Championship, becoming the first non-Asian to win the title since 1993. Since then, he has won a total of five world championship titles and over 25 international tournaments, making him one of the most decorated and successful players of all time.
Hohmann is well known for his consistent performance both internationally and domestically. His signature break shot has been described as 'the deadliest break shot in pool' due to its high success rate, while his overall skill set is so impressive that it's often compared to that of a chess player. This combination of power and precision makes him an extremely dangerous opponent on any table.
In addition to his success on the felt, Hohmann is also an author and a coach who has trained many young pool players in Europe. He currently lives in Austria with his wife and two children where he still plays regularly on the European Pool Tour circuit.
His accomplishments have earned him recognition from fans across the globe as one of the greatest players ever to pick up a cue stick.
Rodney Morris is a legendary professional pool player who has been in the game since the early 1990s. He's been referred to as one of the greatest players of all time, and he's won more than thirty major titles throughout his career.
Rodney was born in Hawaii, where he began playing pool when he was only seven years old. He quickly proved to be a talented player and started competing professionally soon after.
Throughout his career, Rodney has earned many accolades for his skill and success in pool. He won numerous regional tournaments before entering the professional ranks in 1993, becoming a member of the Professional Pool Players Association that same year.
In 1998, Morris made history by becoming the first person ever to win both the Professional Pool Players Association World Championships and U.S Open 9-Ball Championship in the same year.
Throughout his career, Rodney has also become well known for being an ambassador of the sport - working with brands such as Predator Cues and Brunswick Billiards to promote pool worldwide. He's also served on committees at several organizations dedicated to growing interest in billiards and teaching new players how to play properly.
Rodney Morris is truly an icon in professional pool and will undoubtedly continue to influence generations of players for years to come.
Shane Van Boening stands out among his peers in the pool world. His tall stature and powerful stroke command attention, yet his humble nature and sense of fair play set him apart.
He has a reputation for being one of the most reliable players on the pro tour, known for his consistency and strategic prowess. Van Boening has racked up a number of impressive accomplishments throughout his career, including two U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship titles, two World Pool Masters championships, and numerous first-place finishes at other major tournaments around the world.
He's also been named Player of the Year five times by various professional organizations. He's consistently ranked among the top players in the world and is widely respected by both fans and fellow competitors alike for his levelheaded approach to competition and his commitment to growing the sport of pool.
It's no wonder he's become one of the most popular names in pool today!
Earl Strickland is a legendary pool player, known as one of the greatest players of all time. At the age of only 19, Strickland had already won three world championships and was on his way to becoming a living legend.
Strickland's skill at the table was unmatched, even earning him the nickname “The Pearl” due to his ability to play with precision and finesse. He possessed a talent that few could compete with, including:
Today, Strickland is still an active competitor in pool tournaments around the world. Despite being in his seventies, he remains a force to be reckoned with, still showing off the same skills that made him a star decades ago.
With such an impressive career spanning more than 50 years, it's no wonder why Earl Strickland is considered one of the greatest players in history.
Vivian Villarreal is a professional pool player from San Antonio, Texas. She has been playing pool since she was 12 years old and has achieved great success in the sport.
Vivian won the Women's Professional Billiards Association (WPBA) Championship in 2017, and she continues to dominate the WPBA tour today.
Vivian is also recognized for her unique style of play. Her smooth strokes are complemented by her focus on strategy and speed. This combination of technique and mental fortitude gives her an edge over many other players on the tour.
She is known for her ability to make difficult shots look effortless and routinely surprises opponents with unexpected shot-making skills.
As one of the top female pool players today, Vivian continues to set high standards for future generations of female players. Her passion for the sport has inspired many young women to start playing, and she frequently visits local clubs to share her experience with up-and-coming talent.
Vivian's dedication to the sport is evident in all that she does, making her a role model for aspiring pool players everywhere.
Ray Martin is one of the most accomplished pool players in the world. He has been playing for over 30 years, and his talent in the game is well known.
He is a two-time winner of the World Pool Championship, and he has also won numerous other prestigious tournaments:
Martin's skill on the table can be attributed to his keen focus and determination to win. His ability to read the table and pick out shots that give him an edge is unmatched. He often spends hours studying every shot before making it and never rushes his decisions.
His attention to detail makes him one of the most successful players in competitive pool today. This mastery has helped him achieve great successes such as becoming a five-time member of Team USA, being inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame, and now coaching young players who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
Ray Martin is certainly an inspiration for all pool enthusiasts!
In conclusion, Willie Mosconi, Efren Reyes, Jeanette Lee, Luther Lassiter, Steve Mizerak, Shane Van Boening, Earl Strickland, Vivian Villarreal and Ray Martin are some of the most famous pool players in the world. They have all made significant contributions to the sport of billiards and have inspired generations of other players.
Mosconi is known for revolutionizing the game with his unique style and is considered to be one of the greatest players ever. Reyes is also a master of his craft and has won many tournaments throughout his career.
Lee was a trailblazer for women's pool as she became one of the most recognizable faces in the sport. Lassiter and Mizerak were two of the best players in their era, while Van Boening continues to dominate today's tournaments.
Strickland has a long history in professional pool and still competes at a high level. Villarreal is a young player that has already been making waves on tour and Martin was an innovator who helped shape modern-day pool strategy
These iconic figures have left an indelible mark on professional pool and will continue to do so for years to come. Their legacies live on through current players as they strive to reach similar heights of success as these 10 greats. Read more