Who Is the Best Pool Player in the World?

Pool and billiards games are enjoyed around the world by many people. The love of the game led to the first official billiards championship game back in 1870 in England, where William Cook beat John Roberts, Sr. Cook was given the title of world champion, a trophy, and a cash prize of 100 pounds.

Here in the United States, the first official pool championship was held in 1878 using rules for 15-ball pool, where the first player to receive 61 or more points won the game. The first U.S. championship winner was Cyrille Dion from Canada.

The 1870 match led to the creation of an actual pool world championship. It also paved the way for the birth of the Billiards Association and Control Council, the United States Professional Poolplayers Association (UPA), the Billiards Congress of America (BCA), and the eventual formation of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA).

The Greatest Players of All Time

Over the years, there have been many outstanding pool players and pool tournaments, resulting in some of the greatest players of all time—but who is the best pool player in the world today? These players include men and women from around the world, in no particular order:

Efren “Bata” Reyes

If you ask anyone who is the greatest pool player in the world, Efren Reyes is the most well-known and highly regarded player. Known as “The Magician,” he is considered one of the best pool players in the world. He has won over 100 professional tournaments and earned more than 80 international titles.

What makes Efren so amazing is that he was the first player to win World Championships in two different categories: the WPA World Nine-ball Championship and the WPA World Eight-ball Championship. Other outstanding achievements include winning numerous titles at the Derby City Classic, where he has been a dominant force, and earning a notable presence in various U.S. tournaments.

Allison Fisher

Allison Fisher is considered not only one of the greatest pool players of all time but also the best female pool player in the world. She was only 17 when she won her first World Championship. Since then, she has won 3 World Nine-ball Championships and a total of 12 World Championships. By 2009, she had achieved a record-breaking 53 WPBA titles, leading to her induction into the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Hall of Fame.

Furthermore, her accomplishments and playing style have earned her the nickname “The Duchess of Doom.” She also teaches pool at the Allison Fisher World Champion Academy located in Charlotte, NC.

Willie Mosconi

Willie Mosconi was an American professional pool player who created and developed numerous trick shots, earning him the nickname “Mr. Pocket Billiards.” He was one of the top pool players in the United States in the 1940s and 1950s. In fact, from 1941 to 1957, he won the World Straight Pool Championship 15 times in a row.

He also holds the world record for the highest number of consecutive balls in straight pool: 526. In 1996, he was one of the first three pool players inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.

In addition, he helped popularize pool with his contributions and consultant work for the 1961 film The Hustler, starring Paul Newman. In real life, he taught Newman how to play the game, set up many of the shots for the movie, and was known to have taken a few shots in place of Newman that ended up in the released version of the film.

Ralph Greenleaf

Ralph Greenleaf was a pioneer in establishing pool in the United States as a professional sport. He is considered one of the most prolific pool players of his time, active from 1919 to 1937.

He mainly enjoyed playing straight pool in various formats, which allowed him to win the World Pocket Billiards Championship 20 times. He was also one of the first three pool players inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1966.

Jeanette Lee

Jeanette Lee is considered one of the greatest and most influential female pool players from the United States. Her style of play earned her the nickname “The Black Widow.” She has a reputation for dominating her opponents and has famously stated that, while she is a sweet person, if it were possible, she would eat her competitors alive at the table.

In addition, she is not just dominant in female pool competitions but has also competed against top male players, including legends like Efren Reyes. Jeanette Lee has won over 27 national and World Championship titles. In 1998, the WPBA named her the WPBA Sportsperson of the Year, and in 2013, she was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.

Earl Strickland

Earl Strickland is considered one of the greatest 9-ball players of all time. He has won the Mosconi Cup nine times and is a three-time WPA World Nine-ball Championship winner. Additionally, he is a five-time U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship winner and holds numerous other titles. Strickland was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 2006.

Rudolf Wanderone

While Rudolf Wanderone, better known as “Minnesota Fats,” never won any major championships, he was one of the most well-known and proficient pool players of his day. His charisma and entertaining personality made him the most publicly recognized pool player in the United States.

He adopted the nickname “Minnesota Fats” after the release of the 1961 film The Hustler, as the character in the movie was loosely inspired by Wanderone’s pool hustling days. He also hosted the television program Celebrity Billiards.

In 1984, the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame inducted him, recognizing his significant contributions to promoting pool over many decades. He is often celebrated as one of the greatest legacy pool players.

Mike Sigel

Mike Sigel has been named "Pool and Billiards Player of the Year" three times by Billiards Digest and Pool magazines. He has won over 108 pool championships, including 10 World Pocket Billiard Championships and 3 U.S. Open Nine-Ball Championships.

He earned the nickname “Captain Hook” for his skillfulness at using safety plays to “hook” his competitors. Another reason he is considered one of the greatest players of all time is his ability to shoot using either his left or right hand. He was also one of the youngest pool players to be inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1989, at the age of 35.

Currently Best Ranked Players

The currently best-ranked players by the World Pool Association (WPA) include the following top-five ranked men and top-five ranked women players:

Men’s Rankings

The current top male pool players are distinguished by their exceptional skills. This includes numerous titles and significant contributions to the sport. They represent a global array of talent and dedication.

1. Fedor Gorst

Fedor Gorst, from Russia, is celebrated for his strategic brilliance and consistency. As a multiple-time champion, he has made a significant impact in international tournaments.

2. Joshua Filler

Joshua Filler, from Germany, is known for his sharp precision and dynamic play. He has secured multiple major titles, solidifying his status as a leading player in the global pool scene.

3. Shane Van Boening

Shane Van Boening, from the USA, is renowned for his powerful breaks and tactical gameplay. He has won numerous championships, including the prestigious U.S. Open.

4. Jayson Shaw

Jayson Shaw, from Scotland, is admired for his aggressive playing style and remarkable skill. He has achieved high rankings and won several significant titles.

5. Albin Ouschan

Albin Ouschan, from Austria, has claimed the WPA World Nine-ball Championship and the World Cup of Pool. His technical prowess and calm under pressure have earned him top accolades.

Women's Rankings

The top female pool players today are recognized for their outstanding achievements and influential roles in the sport. These women exemplify excellence and inspire the next generation of female athletes globally.

1. Kelly Fisher

Kelly Fisher, from England, has won multiple world titles. These include the WPA World Nine-ball Championship and the Women's World Ten-ball Championship. Her success and dedication make her a role model for aspiring players.

2. Chou Chieh-Yu

Chou Chieh-Yu, from Taiwan, is known for her precision and tactical play. As a top player in Asia, she has inspired many young talents and achieved numerous international victories.

3. Wei Tzu-Chien

Wei Tzu-Chien, also from Taiwan, has made a significant impact with her consistent performances and strategic gameplay. She has won several major titles on the women's circuit.

4. Allison Fisher

Allison Fisher, from England, is a legendary figure in women's pool with numerous world championships to her name. Her contributions to the sport extend beyond playing, as she promotes and mentors upcoming players.

5. Kim Ga-Young

Kim Ga-Young, from South Korea, is celebrated for her dynamic playing style and multiple championships. She continues to be a leading figure in promoting women's pool internationally.

These players represent the pinnacle of pool excellence in their respective categories. They continue to inspire the next generation of pool players around the world.

The Best Player in the World