Best in Billiards

08/26/2026

Read the committee report explaining why Willie Mosconi was selected as the Best Straight Pool Player in American History, including his championship record, sustained dominance, extraordinary consistency, longevity, and lasting influence on the game.

Read the full committee report here: https://www.bestinbilliards.org/earl-strickland-best-9-ball-player-in-american-history

08/26/2026

Read the committee report explaining why Earl Strickland was selected as the Best 9-Ball Player in American History, including the career achievements, championships, competitive dominance, longevity, and historical impact that separated him from the other finalists.

Read the full committee report here: https://www.bestinbilliards.org/earl-strickland-best-9-ball-player-in-american-history

08/22/2026

🇺🇸🎱 ANOTHER HISTORIC RECOGNITION FOR BEST IN BILLIARDS!

Congratulations to Kentucky legend John Brumback, who has been officially recognized and honored by the Kentucky Senate for being named Best Bank Pool Player as part of the Best in Billiards national awards program!

The Senate citation recognizes John’s extraordinary career, including his Derby City Classic Bank Pool Championships, Master of the Table title, BCA National Championship, back-to-back U.S. Open Bank Pool Championships, and induction into the Bank Pool Hall of Fame.

The citation also specifically recognizes Best in Billiards as a national awards program honoring the greatest players, instructors, products, manufacturers, publications, events, and contributors in American billiards history.

The recognition was made on the motion of Kentucky Senator Gex Williams and represents something much bigger than a single award.

Billiards is being recognized.

Its champions are being recognized.

And the accomplishments of the legends of our game are becoming part of the official record of government institutions across America.

🏆 John Brumback
Best Bank Pool Player
Best in Billiards
Celebrating 250 Years of American Billiards: 1776–2026

Congratulations, John, on another tremendous and well-deserved honor! 🇺🇸🎱

08/22/2026

🎱🏆 Congratulations to Anthony Beeler — Best Pool Instructor in American History!

After evaluating all of the most accomplished instructors in American billiards we narrowed it down to 5— Anthony Beeler, Jerry Briesath, Dr. Dave Alciatore, Mark Wilson, and Randy Goettlicher — the Best in Billiards Committee selected Anthony Beeler as the Best Pool Instructor in American History.

The committee evaluated nine areas, including teaching and student reviews, student success, number of students, playing ability, public and international reach, instructional publishing, teaching platforms, professional credentials, and historical legacy.

Beeler finished with a final committee score of 88 out of 90 — 9.8 out of 10 — placing first overall. The committee concluded that his combination of professional education, competitive accomplishments, master-level instructor credentials, student success, international reach, publishing, online and in-person instruction, and instructional innovation represented the most complete overall résumé among the finalists evaluated.

🇺🇸 250 Years of American Billiards: 1776–2026

🏆 Anthony Beeler — Best Pool Instructor in American History

Read the complete Committee Report and see why Beeler was selected:

https://www.bestinbilliards.org/anthony-beeler-best-pool-instructor

08/22/2026

🎱🏆 Congratulations to McDermott Cue — Named Best Production Cue in American Billiards History!

For more than half a century, McDermott has been one of the most recognizable and respected names in American cue making. Known for American craftsmanship, innovation, performance, and an unwavering commitment to the game, McDermott has helped shape the equipment used by generations of pool players.

After reviewing the leading production cue manufacturers and their contributions to the sport, Best in Billiards selected McDermott Cue as the Best Production Cue in American Billiards History as part of its 250 Years of American Billiards celebration.

🇺🇸 250 Years of American Billiards: 1776–2026

🏆 McDermott Cue — Best Production Cue in American Billiards History

Congratulations to everyone at McDermott on an extraordinary legacy and a well-deserved place in American billiards history! 🎱🇺🇸

We just received our official plaque from Best in Billiards recognizing McDermott as the “Best Billiards Cue in American History.”

This award is incredibly special to us. It’s a direct reflection of the dedication, artistry, and attention to detail our craftsmen pour into every single cue we build right here in Wisconsin.

To our employees, dealers, ambassadors, and players—thank you for your constant support. This plaque is a tribute to our shared passion for the game. We’re honored to keep crafting the tools that help you play your best.

08/22/2026

🎱🏆 Congratulations to Nick Varner — The Best All-Around Pool Player in American Billiards History!

After an extensive review of the greatest all-around players in the history of the game, the Best in Billiards Committee selected Nick Varner for its highest all-around honor.

The decision was incredibly close, with the legendary Efren Reyes providing the strongest challenge. So what ultimately gave Varner the edge?

Read the Committee’s Final Report, including the historical evidence, accomplishments, versatility, championship record, and head-to-head considerations that led to the final decision.

🇺🇸 **250 Years of American Billiards: 1776–2026**

🏆 #1 Nick Varner — Best All-Around Pool Player in American History

Read the complete report:

https://www.bestinbilliards.org/nick-varner-best-all-around-pool-player

Congratulations, Nick Varner, on an extraordinary career and a well-deserved place in American billiards history! 🎱🇺🇸

07/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Best in Billiards Names the Greatest Players, Products and Contributors in American Billiards History

National awards program honors the individuals, companies, publications and events judged to be the best of America’s first 250 years

LOS ANGELES, California, July 2026 — In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Best in Billiards has announced its inaugural award recipients, recognizing the greatest players, instructors, products, manufacturers, publications, events and contributors in American billiards history.

The Best in Billiards Awards were created to answer one of the sport’s most important historical questions: Who and what truly represent the best in billiards during America’s first 250 years?

The selections extend far beyond popularity or success during a single season. Honorees were evaluated for championship achievement, historical significance, longevity, innovation, influence, reputation and lasting contributions to the game. Together, the recipients represent the highest levels of excellence found in American billiards history.

Nick Varner was selected as the Best All-Around Player, honoring his extraordinary ability to win major championships across multiple disciplines. Earl Strickland was named Best 9-Ball Player, Willie Mosconi received Best Straight Pool Player recognition, Efren “Bata” Reyes was chosen as Best One-Pocket Player and John Brumback was honored as Best Bank Pool Player.

Allison Fisher was selected as Best Female Player, recognizing a championship career that helped establish a new standard for excellence and professionalism in women’s billiards. Minnesota Fats was named Best Entertainer for his unmatched personality, promotional ability and lasting influence on the public image of pool.

The awards also recognize the people who taught, documented, promoted and explained the game. Anthony Beeler was selected as Best Pool Instructor in American history for his instructional innovation, competitive credibility, published scholarship and international reach through the Virtual Billiard Academy.

Bill Incardona was named Best Billiards Broadcaster for decades of knowledgeable commentary that helped viewers better understand professional pool. Mike Howerton and Billiards Buzz were selected for Best Billiards Magazine, while Garret Troop received recognition for Best Instructional Publication.

Greg Sullivan received two major honors. Diamond Billiard Products’ Diamond Pro-Am was selected as the Best Pool Table, while the Derby City Classic was named Best Billiards Event. Since its founding, the Derby City Classic has become one of the most important gatherings in the sport, preserving the traditions of bank pool, one-pocket and 9-ball while bringing together generations of elite competitors.

McDermott Cue Manufacturing was selected as Best Billiards Cue, recognizing decades of American craftsmanship, technological development, quality construction and industry influence. Joe Whitten and Whitten Cases received Best Billiards Case honors for handmade craftsmanship, protection, personalization and a reputation established among serious players and collectors.

These awards are intended to preserve billiards history while giving today’s players and fans a clear point of reference for the people and organizations that reached the highest level of distinction. Each recipient represents more than individual success. Collectively, they tell the story of American billiards through competition, manufacturing, instruction, media, entertainment and event promotion.

Complete profiles explaining the historical evidence, accomplishments and lasting influence behind each selection are available through Best in Billiards.

Official Websites

McDermott Cues — https://www.mcdermottcue.com
Nick Varner — https://nickvarner.com
Allison Fisher — https://allisonfisher.com
Billiards Buzz / Mike Howerton — https://www.azbilliards.com/buzz/
Greg Sullivan / Derby City Classic — https://www.derbycityclassic.com
Garret Troop / SPM Billiards Media — https://www.spmbilliardsmedia.com
Anthony Beeler — https://www.poolteacher.com
Whitten Cases — https://www.whittencases.com
Diamond Billiard Products — https://diamondbilliards.com
Best in Billiards — https://www.bestinbilliards.org

07/05/2026

07/03/2026

Congratulations to Joe Whitten and Whitten Cases on being named Best Billiards Case in American History by Best in Billiards!

Whitten Cases has earned a worldwide reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, durability, protection, and timeless design. Built with serious players in mind, each case reflects a commitment to quality and attention to detail that has helped set the standard in the billiards industry.

Joe, thank you for your dedication to the game and for creating products that players trust to protect their equipment at the highest level.

Recognizing Excellence. Preserving History. Inspiring the Future.