As an avid fan of professional pool, I have always been fascinated by the game’s evolution and the players who have contributed to its growth. Professional pool players have become household names, and their achievements have inspired many to take up the sport. In this article, I will be discussing the top 7 professional pool players of all time, based on their achievements, style, influence, and consistency.
The professional pool has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The game has evolved over time, with new rules and techniques being introduced to make it more challenging and exciting. Today, professional pool is a global sport, with players from all over the world competing at the highest level.
To be considered one of the top professional pool players of all time, a player must have achieved a significant number of accolades, demonstrated a unique style of play, influenced the game in some way, and maintained a consistent level of performance over a long period. With these criteria in mind, I have compiled a list of the top 7 professional pool players who have left a lasting impression on the sport.
The Pantheon of Pool: A Look at The Top 7 Professional Pool Players
The seven players I am about to introduce are not only legends of the game, but also current stars who continue to dominate the sport.
- Shane Van Boening: Known as “The South Dakota Kid,” Van Boening is a five-time U.S. Open champion and has won numerous other titles. He is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world.
- Efren Reyes: Reyes is a Philippine pool player who has won countless titles, including the World Pool Masters three times and the WPA World Nine-ball Championship four times. He is known for his incredible shot-making ability and creative shot selection.
- Earl Strickland: Strickland is a six-time world champion and has won over 100 professional titles. He is known for his intense focus and competitive spirit.
- Jeanette Lee: Lee, also known as “The Black Widow,” is one of the most recognizable players in the game. She has won numerous titles and is known for her aggressive playing style and showmanship.
- Allison Fisher: Fisher is a British pool player who has won over 80 professional titles, including four WPA World Nine-ball Championships. She is known for her precision and consistency.
- Johnny Archer: Archer is a two-time world champion and has won over 60 professional titles. He is known for his powerful break and aggressive playing style.
- Wu Jiaqing: Wu is a Chinese pool player who has won numerous titles, including the WPA World Nine-ball Championship twice. He is known for his left-handed playing style and shot-making ability.
Why these seven stand out is because they all have unique playing styles and approaches to the game. The diversity of skills and backgrounds they bring to the table makes watching them play a true pleasure for any fan of the sport. From the powerful break of Johnny Archer to the creative shot selection of Efren Reyes, each player has something special to offer.
In addition to the players themselves, the cues and tables they use also play a significant role in their success. Many of these professionals use custom-made cues and practice on high-quality tables to hone their skills. The Billiard Congress of America and the World Pool Association also play a crucial role in organizing tournaments and promoting the sport worldwide.
Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes
I must say, when it comes to professional pool players, Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes is a name that cannot be overlooked. The Magician from the Philippines has made a name for himself with his impressive skills and numerous achievements.
Reyes has won multiple world championships and over 70 international titles, making him one of the most successful professional pool players of all time. His incredible skills on the table are what set him apart from his competitors. Reyes is known for his inventive kick shots and unparalleled position play, which have earned him the nickname ‘The Magician.’
But Reyes’ influence on the game goes beyond just his impressive skills. He has popularized creative shot-making, inspiring a new generation of pool players to think outside the box and push the boundaries of what is possible. Reyes’ rags-to-riches story is also an inspiration to many, proving that hard work and dedication can pay off in a big way.
Willie Mosconi
Willie Mosconi is undoubtedly one of the most influential professional pool players in the history of the game. As a 15-time World Straight Pool Champion, Mosconi was known for his precision in straight pool and legendary high runs. His lasting legacy in the sport includes standardizing techniques and promoting pool on television. In fact, the Mosconi Cup, an annual nine-ball pool tournament between Europe and the United States, is named in his honor.
Mosconi began his career at a young age, winning the juvenile straight pool championship at just 11 years old. He was also known for his trick shot exhibitions, which he regularly performed. After a brief hiatus from the game in the early 1930s, Mosconi returned with a vengeance, hoping to earn some money from his skills.
Throughout his career, Mosconi set new standards of cue mastery and racked up titles for five decades until his death in 1993. He was nicknamed “Mr. Pocket Billiards” for his skill on the table and is widely regarded as one of the greatest pool players of all time.
Mosconi’s influence on the sport of professional pool is still felt today, as his techniques and strategies continue to be studied and emulated by players around the world. His precision and skill in straight pool, in particular, are still revered by fans of the game.
Earl ‘The Pearl’ Strickland
As a professional pool player, Earl Strickland is a name that has become synonymous with the sport. With multiple U.S. Open titles and World Nine-ball championships under his belt, it’s hard to deny his impact on the game.
One of Earl’s most notable skills is his powerful break, which has helped him dominate the table time and time again. He also has an aggressive play style that keeps his opponents on their toes.
But Earl is more than just a skilled player. He’s a controversial showman who has made waves in the sport with his innovations in equipment and polarizing personality. While some love him for his brash attitude and entertaining antics, others find him off-putting.
Despite the controversy, there’s no denying that Earl’s achievements speak for themselves. With five U.S. Open Nine-ball Championships and six WPA World Nine-ball Championships, he’s one of the most successful pro pool players of all time.
Alison Fisher
Alison Fisher is one of the best in the game. Known as the “Duchess of Doom,” she has made a name for herself with her tactical approach to the game and precision in potting and safety play.
Over the course of her career, Fisher has won over 80 international titles, including 11 world championships. Her achievements have earned her a spot in the Women’s Professional Billiard Association Hall of Fame, a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
What’s even more impressive is that Fisher has broken barriers in a male-dominated sport. Her dominance on the table has inspired aspiring female players to pursue their dreams and follow in her footsteps. As a role model, she has shown that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
In my opinion, Alison Fisher is one of the top pro pool players in the world. Her skills, achievements, and impact on the sport make her a true legend in the game.
Shane Van Boening
Shane Van Boening, also known as “The South Dakota Kid,” is a professional pool player from Las Vegas, Nevada. Van Boening has won numerous titles throughout his career, including five US Open 9-Ball Championships and multiple world titles. As of 2023, he holds the record for the AZBilliards Money List at over $2 million in earnings since 2005.
Van Boening is known for his consistent high-level performance and is considered a master of the break shot. He has contributed significantly to the sport, including advocacy for the deaf community and engaging with the next generation of players.
As a fan of professional pool, I have always admired Van Boening’s skill and dedication to the sport. His achievements speak for themselves, and he is undoubtedly one of the greatest players of all time. Whenever I watch him play, I am always impressed by his focus and precision.
Ralph Greenleaf
Ralph Greenleaf was one of the most dominant American pocket pool players of the early 20th century. He was born in Monmouth, Illinois, and began playing pool at a young age. His natural talent and charisma helped him become a prodigy in the sport at a young age.
Greenleaf’s achievements in professional billiards are impressive. He won the World Pocket Billiard Championship multiple times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame. His flawless execution of shots and ability to set standards in the early 20th century made him one of the most influential players of his time.
Greenleaf’s historical significance extends beyond his achievements in the sport. He was instrumental in influencing the popularity of pool in the United States during his time. His captivating charisma and exceptional skill made him a leading figure in American sports during the 1920s.
Francisco Bustamante
I have been following the professional pool scene for quite some time now, and it is impossible to talk about the sport without mentioning Francisco Bustamante. The Filipino pro pool player, nicknamed “Django,” is a legend in the game, having won numerous international titles over the years.
One of Bustamante’s notable skills is his powerful and accurate break. He is known for his ability to control the cue ball exceptionally well, which has helped him win many tournaments throughout his career. Bustamante’s smooth stroke and calculating style of play have earned him a reputation as one of the best players in the world.
Bustamante’s achievements include winning the World 9-Ball Championship, the Peninsula Nine-ball Open, Gabriel’s Las Vegas International Nine-ball tournament, the IBC Tokyo Nine-ball International, and the All Japan Nine-ball Championship. He has also won the Sudden Death Seven-ball tournament, dedicating the victory to his daughter.
As a Filipino player, Bustamante is a role model for many aspiring pool players in the Philippines and around the world. He has contributed significantly to the global pool scene and is considered a global ambassador for the sport. His fearless attitude and competitive spirit make him a force to be reckoned with on the table.
Conclusion
As with any sport, pool is constantly evolving. New technologies, training methods, and a growing global audience continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. It will be exciting to see which new stars emerge in the coming years and how these iconic players will inspire the next generation. Who knows, maybe the future ‘top 7 professional pool players‘ are just picking up a cue for the very first time.
FAQs
Who is the highest-paid professional pool player?
The highest-paid professional pool player is Shane Van Boening. He has been dominating the pool world for years and has won numerous championships, including seven US Open titles and three World Pool Masters. Van Boening is also known for his unique style of play, always using a closed bridge and wearing a glove. His total net worth is estimated to be around $3 million.
Who is ranked number 1 in the pool?
Niels Feijen is currently ranked number 1 in pool according to the US Professional Poolplayers Association. The Dutch player has won numerous titles, including the World Pool Masters, the US Open, and the European Pool Championships. He is also known for his smooth and consistent playing style, making him a formidable opponent on the table.
Who are some of these up-and-coming professional pool players to watch out for?
There are several up-and-coming professional pool players to watch out for, including Skyler Woodward, Tyler Styer, and Billy Thorpe. Woodward has represented the United States in the Mosconi Cup since 2015 and was named the Most Valuable Player in both the 2018 and 2019 events. Styer is a young player from Wisconsin who has already made a name for himself in the pool world, winning several titles and competing in the US Open. Thorpe is another rising star in the pool world, winning the US Open 9-Ball Championship in 2019 and representing the United States in the Mosconi Cup.
Additional Resources
Websites and Online Forums
- AZBilliards Forums – An online community where enthusiasts discuss everything from pool ball selection to maintenance.
- Billiards Forum – A platform for billiard players to discuss various topics, including pool ball comparisons and experiences.
Professional Organizations
- Billiard Congress of America (BCA) – They provide resources and standards for pool balls and other equipment, along with a wealth of other billiard-related information.
- World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) – Offers rules and specifications for pool balls used in international competitions.
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