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In this post, we will check out the top 10 best pool players of all time.

Pool, also known as pocket billiards, is a popular cue sport that has been played for centuries. It requires players to use a cue stick to strike a set of balls on a table with six pockets.

With its strategic gameplay, precision, and skill, the pool has become a competitive sport with a loyal following.

Over the years, many players have excelled in the sport and have become legends in the pool community.

These players have displayed remarkable accuracy, strategy, and mental toughness in their games, making them some of the best pool players of all time.

In this article, we will discuss the top 10 best pool players of all time, based on their achievements, records, and overall impact on the sport.

From the early pioneers of the pool to the modern-day champions, these players have left an indelible mark on the game of pool and have inspired generations of players to come.

Top 10 Best Pool Players Of All Time

10. Allison Fisher

Allison Fisher, also known as the “Duchess of Doom,” is a British professional pool player who has made her mark as one of the top 10 best pool players of all time.

Born in 1968 in England, Fisher began playing pool at a young age and quickly rose to prominence in the sport. Her dedication and passion for the game have earned her numerous accolades and awards, making her a true legend in the world of pool.

Fisher’s success as a pool player is due in large part to her exceptional talent and skill. She is renowned for her precision, accuracy, and consistency, which have earned her a reputation as one of the most dominant players in the game.

Her ability to read the table and make split-second decisions has also been a key factor in her success, allowing her to make difficult shots and outmaneuver her opponents.

She has also been inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame and the Women’s Professional Billiard Association Hall of Fame.

In conclusion, Allison Fisher’s impressive career and numerous accomplishments have cemented her status as one of the top 10 best pool players of all time.

9. Jeanette Lee

Jeanette Lee, also known as “The Black Widow,” is considered one of the top 10 best pool players of all time. She was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1971 and began playing pool at the young age of 18.

Lee’s skill and dedication to the game earned her numerous titles and accolades throughout her career. She has won over 30 national and international titles and was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame in 2013.

Lee also represented the United States in multiple international competitions and was a member of the Women’s Professional Billiard Association (WPBA).

What sets Lee apart from other pool players is her unique style and personality. She is known for her flamboyant and theatrical playing style, which includes wearing all-black clothing and spider-themed accessories.

Her confident and assertive demeanor at the table has earned her the nickname “The Black Widow,” a nod to her ability to intimidate her opponents and strike quickly like a venomous spider.

In addition to her success on the table, Lee has also been a positive force off the table. She has used her platform as a top player to advocate for the growth and promotion of the sport, particularly for women and minorities.

Her legacy as a trailblazer and ambassador for the game will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of pool players.

8. Johnny Archer

Johnny Archer is widely regarded as one of the top 10 best pool players of all time, and for good reason. Born in Georgia in 1968, Archer began playing pool at the age of 12 and quickly showed a natural talent for the game.

By the time he was 17, he was already competing in local tournaments and making a name for himself in the pool world.

Over the course of his career, Archer has won numerous prestigious titles and accolades. He has won over 60 professional tournaments, including nine major championships.

What sets Archer apart from other players is his exceptional skill and consistency. He is known for his precise shot-making, his ability to control the cue ball, and his cool demeanor under pressure.

His strategic thinking and knowledge of the game are also legendary. He is a master of both offensive and defensive play and can adjust his strategy on the fly depending on the situation.

Beyond his impressive skills on the table, Archer is also known for his sportsmanship and professionalism. He is widely respected by his peers and fans alike for his graciousness in victory and defeat, and for his dedication to the sport.

Throughout his career, he has been a true ambassador for the game of pool, and his contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.

All in all, Johnny Archer is undoubtedly one of the greatest pool players of all time. His impressive skills, consistent success, and exemplary sportsmanship make him a true legend in the world of billiards.

7. Luther Lassiter

Luther Lassiter, born in 1918 in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, was one of the best pool players of all time. Lassiter, also known as “Wimpy,” began his professional career at the age of 15 and quickly made a name for himself with his exceptional skills on the pool table.

Throughout his career, he won numerous titles and awards, including 7 world pocket billiard championships and a place in the Billiards Congress of America’s Hall of Fame.

Lassiter was known for his impeccable ball control and his ability to make seemingly impossible shots with ease.

He was also a master of strategy, often outmaneuvering his opponents and leaving them unable to respond. Many of his fellow pool players considered him to be one of the most talented players in the game’s history.

Despite his incredible talent, Lassiter was a modest and unassuming player who never sought the spotlight. He was respected by his fellow players and fans alike for his sportsmanship and his dedication to the game.

In addition to his many accomplishments on the pool table, Lassiter was also a trailblazer for African American players in the sport.

6. Mike Sigel

Mike Sigel is a legendary figure in the world of pool, widely regarded as one of the Top 10 Best Pool Players Of All Time.

He quickly developed a talent for the game, and by the time he was a teenager, he was already winning local tournaments.

Sigel’s rise to fame really began in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when he won a string of major tournaments, including the U.S. Open, the World Straight Pool Championship, and the World Nine-Ball Championship.

His dominant performances in these events earned him the nickname “Captain Hook,” a nod to his deadly accuracy on the table.

He was known for his aggressive playing style, his incredible shot-making ability, and his mental toughness under pressure.

But Sigel’s contributions to the sport of pool go beyond just his impressive record on the table. He was also a pioneer in the development of the modern game, introducing new techniques and strategies that have since become standard practice among top players.

Today, Mike Sigel is recognized as one of the greatest pool players of all time, and his legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of players.

5. Ralph Greenleaf

Ralph Greenleaf is widely regarded as one of the greatest pool players of all time. Born in 1899 in Monmouth, Illinois, he began playing pool at a young age and quickly demonstrated a natural talent for the game.

He became a professional pool player in the early 1920s and quickly rose to prominence, winning numerous championships and earning a reputation as one of the most skilled players in the world.

One of Greenleaf’s greatest achievements was his seven consecutive World Pocket Billiards Championships, which he won between 1926 and 1932.

In addition to his world championships, he won countless other tournaments and exhibitions, cementing his legacy as a true master of the game.

Greenleaf was known for his exceptional skill and precision on the pool table. He was a master of the bank shot, and he developed a unique style of play that emphasized speed and accuracy.

Greenleaf was also renowned for his ability to perform under pressure, and he often made seemingly impossible shots in high-stakes matches.

He was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1966, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats of the game.

Overall, Ralph Greenleaf’s incredible skill, his numerous championships and achievements, and his contributions to the sport of pool make him one of the top 10 best pool players of all time.

4. Rudolf Wanderone

Rudolf Wanderone, better known as “Minnesota Fats,” was a legendary figure in the world of billiards and one of the top 10 best pool players of all time.

Wanderone earned the nickname “Minnesota Fats” after the character “Fast Eddie” Felson, played by Paul Newman in the movie “The Hustler.” Fats was known for his flamboyant personality, sharp wit, and his ability to hustle opponents.

He was a showman and would often engage in trash talk, creating a spectacle around his games.

He also won the Stardust Open in 1972 and was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1984.

Despite his success, Minnesota Fats was a controversial figure in the world of pool. He was known to exaggerate his abilities and would often make false claims about his accomplishments.

However, there is no denying that Minnesota Fats was a pioneer in the world of pool and helped to popularize the sport.

He was a colorful character who brought excitement and entertainment to the game, and his legacy as one of the top 10 best pool players of all time is secure.

3. Earl Strickland

Earl Strickland is widely regarded as one of the greatest pool players of all time. Born in 1961 in North Carolina, he began playing pool at the age of nine and quickly developed a natural talent for the game.

He turned professional at the age of 19 and soon made a name for himself on the tournament circuit. Over the course of his career, he has won numerous titles and set several records, cementing his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

One of the reasons why Strickland is considered one of the best pool players of all time is his consistent dominance in major tournaments.

His ability to perform at the highest level on the biggest stages has earned him a reputation as a fierce competitor and a true champion.

Another reason why Strickland is held in such high regard is his unique style of play. He is known for his aggressive and unconventional approach, often taking risky shots that other players would shy away from.

Finally, Strickland’s impact on the game of pool cannot be overstated. He has been a pioneer in the sport, helping to push it into the mainstream and raise its profile around the world.

He has also been a mentor to many young players, passing on his knowledge and experience to the next generation of pool stars.

2. Willie Mosconi

Willie Mosconi is widely regarded as one of the greatest pool players of all time. Born in Philadelphia in 1913, Mosconi began playing pool at a young age and quickly developed a reputation for his skill and talent.

He turned professional at the age of 19 and soon became known as a formidable opponent on the pool circuit.

Mosconi’s talent was undeniable, and he quickly rose to prominence in the pool world. He won the world pocket billiards championship 13 times in 15 years from 1941 through 1956, cementing his place as one of the greatest players of all time.

Mosconi’s skill was not limited to tournament play. He was known for his impressive trick shots, which he performed in exhibitions and on television. He was also an accomplished writer and contributed to several books on billiards and pool strategy.

What set Mosconi apart from other players was his precision and consistency. He was known for his ability to sink difficult shots with ease and could run long racks of balls with remarkable accuracy.

Mosconi’s legacy continues to inspire players today, and he remains a beloved figure in the world of pool. His contributions to the sport, both as a player and a promoter, have earned him a place among the top 10 best pool players of all time.

1. Efren Reyes

Efren Reyes is widely considered the best pool player of all time. Born in the Philippines in 1954, Reyes began playing pool at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigy.

Reyes’ skill and technique are unmatched, and his ability to make seemingly impossible shots has earned him the nickname “The Magician.”

He has won numerous world championships in both the nine-ball and eight-ball pools, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

One of the things that set Reyes apart from other pool players is his versatility. He is equally skilled in both the nine-ball and eight-ball pool, as well as other variations of the game.

His mastery of the sport has earned him a legion of fans all over the world, and he is widely respected by his peers.

Reyes has also demonstrated incredible sportsmanship throughout his career. Despite his dominance of the sport, he is known for his humility and grace both on and off the table.

In conclusion, there can be no doubt that Efren Reyes is the best pool player of all time. His skill, versatility, and sportsmanship have earned him a place in the pantheon of greats, and his legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of pool players for years to come.