For the Players

To understand the game, you must first understand how it started...

Meet the experts of the past, present & future.

William "Willie" Mosconi

1913-1993

Known as "Mr. Pocket Billiards" Mosconi is widely regarded as one of the greatest pool players of all time. A 15-time World Champion between 1941 - 1957.

Mosconi holds the world record for hitting an astonishing 526 consecutive balls in straight pool without a single missed shot in 1954. Upon his passing in 1993, the first stage of The Mosconi Cup, a world-wide known 9-ball tournament consisting of teams representing Europe & the US. Named after Mosconi, the event is comparable to the Ryder Cup in professional golf. Team USA has won 14 Mosconi Cups since its origin in 1994.

Rudolf Wanderone Jr. aka "Minnesota Fats"

1913-1996

An iconic figure in the world of billiards, renowned for his flamboyant personality and exceptional skill on the table, he became a household name during the mid 20th- Century. "Fats" gained widespread fame through his hustling escapades and his portrayal in the 1961 film "The Hustler", where he was played by Jackie Gleason. He was undeniably talented, with a knack for showmanship that captivated audiences. His mastery of pool earned him respect among his peers and fans alike, solidifying his place in billiards history. Wanderone passed away in 1996 leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and entertain billiards enthusiasts worldwide.

The best in the business!

"Train your mind to stay calm amidst chaos, and you'll find clarity in the storm". -Efren Reyes Credit Beta Biography

Efren Bata Reyes

1954-Current

Known as "The Magician," Reyes began his career as a hustler in the pool halls of the Philippines in 1962 before gaining international recognition for his exceptional talent. He has won numerous world championships in various disciplines, including nine-ball, eight-ball, and straight pool, solidifying his status as a true master of the game.

Beyond his accomplishments on the table, Efren Reyes has become a cultural icon in the Philippines and a global ambassador for the sport of pool. His influence transcends borders, inspiring generations of players and leaving an enduring legacy that cements his place in billiards history.

Earl "The Pearl" Strickland

1961-Current

Renowned for his exceptional talent, fiery temperament, and unyielding determination, Strickland has left an indelible mark on the sport.

Winnings include multiple world championships in both 9-ball and 8-ball Strickland's playing style is characterized by his aggressive shot-making, unmatched cue ball control, and a fierce competitive spirit that has made him a force to be reckoned with on the table.

He is known for his passionate outbursts and candid interviews, adding an element of drama and excitement to tournaments in which he competes.

Mike Sigel

1953-Current

From Rochester -New York, nicknamed "Captain Hook from his ability to hook his opponents with safety plays, Mike is known as one of the greatest pool players of all time. In 2000, Mike was voted "Greatest Living Player of the Century" by Billiards Digest Magazine. Sigel was dominant during the 80s in 9-Ball and Straight Pool and has a high run of 339 balls in Straight Pool. Sigel has won over 100 billiards titles.

Shane Van Boening

1983-Current

His impressive list of achievements includes multiple U.S. Open titles, numerous World Pool Masters championships, and victories in prestigious events such as the Derby City Classic.

Van Boening's playing style is characterized by his methodical approach, precise shot-making, and remarkable mental fortitude under pressure. He is known for his ability to maintain composure in high-stakes situations, earning him the respect of his peers and fans alike.

Francisco Bustamante

1963-Current

Nicknamed "Django"and sometimes also called "Bustie", especially in the United States. Bustamante has won over 70 International titles and is considered one of the best pool players of all time. Bustamante won 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 also won the Sudden Death Seven-ball tournament, dedicating the victory to his daughter. With this string of victories, he became the AZBilliards 2002 Player of the Year.

Jeanette Lee

1971-Current

Known worldwide as "The Black Widow", Lee has won twenty-seven national & world championships and is a two-time winner of the Tournament of Championship tournaments and won the 1994 WPBS U.S. Open 9 Ball Championship earning her the roll as one of the greatest players of all time, in both woman and mens compatation.

Allison Fisher

1983-Current

Allison is one of the most accomplished and celebrated professional pool players in the history of the sport. Known for her precision, composure, and strategic prowess, Fisher has dominated the world of women's pool for decades.

Her illustrious career includes over 80 tournament victories, including 11 world championships. Fisher's remarkable skill and dedication have earned her the nickname "The Duchess of Doom" among her peers and fans.

Fedor Gorst

2000-Current

In 2024, Gorst won his first major title, defeating Joshua Filler in the final of the World Pool Masters 13‍–‍12. Gorst said: "It feels unbelievable! Later the same year, Gorst made it to the final of the 2024 WPA World 9-Ball Championship and went on to win 15-14 against Eklent Kaci, winning his second major Matchroom title and at 24 years old, the youngest player to win the event more than once, following his previous victory in 2019. Gorst is Russian born but has become a US citizen and now represents the United States in the Mosconi Cup.

"One of the biggest frustrations in the game is sometimes there isn't much a player can do to get that paycheck, if his or her apponent is shooting extremely well.

-Gary "The Bushwacker" Nolen

We will always remember the locals who are no longer with us...

Gerald "Jerry" Elliott

1949-2021

Jerry, a beloved figure in our community, has earned his status as a local hero through his tireless dedication to the game of billiards. Over the years, his warmth and compassion about the game touched countless lives, providing mentorship and most importantly, his friendship to anybody he met. Jerry was always willing to lend his time to new players of the sport. You could always find Jerry at the local billiards rooms in the area throughout his lifetime.

Jerry passed away in 2021 leaving behind his legacy & memories to the entire billiards community.

Gary "The Bushwacker" Nolan

1972-1990

Nolan made a career out of playing pool professionally from 1972 until 1990.

In 1982, his professional career hit its apex when he won that year's world 9-Ball championship in Milwaukee.

Nolan eventually moved to New York City and started playing against world champions. Some of them took an interest in Nolan and began to teach him the finer points of the game.

"At an early age, I was in pretty good competition," Nolan said. "I always had someone to look up to, somewhere to set a goal for myself because there were so many good players around."

The "Bushwacker" name will live forever as a statement for the compassion and love he had for the game.