National Billiards Hall of Fame
The inaugural members of the National Billiards Hall of Fame represent the very best of American pool and billiards. This distinguished group includes legendary champions, influential instructors, unforgettable entertainers, respected broadcasters, innovative manufacturers, and industry leaders whose accomplishments have helped shape the game’s history.
Nick Varner
Nick Varner is recognized for his extraordinary versatility and success across multiple disciplines of pool. His ability to compete at the highest level in 9-ball, straight pool, one-pocket, banks, and other games made him one of the most complete players of his generation. Varner’s championship record, professionalism, and longevity established him as the standard for all-around excellence.
Earl Strickland
Earl Strickland is one of the most dominant and exciting 9-ball players the sport has ever produced. Known for his fearless shot-making, powerful break, competitive intensity, and remarkable championship career, Strickland helped define modern professional 9-ball. His talent and personality made him one of the most recognizable figures in billiards history.
Efren Reyes
Efren Reyes is celebrated for his creativity, imagination, and unmatched understanding of the game. His one-pocket play combined strategic brilliance, precise cue-ball control, and an ability to escape situations that appeared impossible. Widely admired by players around the world, Reyes changed how many people viewed strategy and creativity in pool.
Allison Fisher
Allison Fisher brought extraordinary skill, consistency, and professionalism to women’s pool. Her championship achievements and sustained dominance helped elevate the visibility and credibility of the women’s game. Fisher’s disciplined approach and international success made her one of the most accomplished players in billiards history.
Willie Mosconi
Willie Mosconi became the defining figure of straight pool and one of the most famous billiards players of the 20th century. His precision, pattern play, concentration, and record-setting performances made him a symbol of excellence. Mosconi’s influence extended far beyond competition and helped introduce generations of Americans to the beauty of championship pool.
Minnesota Fats
Minnesota Fats became one of the most colorful and recognizable personalities in the history of American billiards. His storytelling, humor, confidence, and larger-than-life personality helped bring pool into popular culture. Although remembered as an entertainer, his greatest contribution was his ability to make people interested in the game.
Anthony Beeler
Anthony Beeler is recognized for his extensive contributions to billiards education and the development of online pool instruction. As a PBIA Master Instructor and ACS Level 4 Master Instructor, he has taught thousands of students throughout the United States and around the world. His instructional programs, books, training tools, championship experience, and work developing other instructors have made him one of the most influential teachers in the modern game.
Bill Incardona
Bill Incardona has earned widespread respect for his knowledge, analysis, and ability to explain high-level pool to an audience. His commentary has helped viewers better understand strategy, shot selection, pressure, and professional competition. Through decades of broadcasting, Incardona became one of the most trusted and recognizable voices in billiards.
Greg Sullivan
Greg Sullivan has made a lasting impact on the sport through innovation, promotion, and leadership. Through Diamond Billiard Products, he helped create equipment respected throughout the professional game. As the founder of the Derby City Classic, he developed one of the most important and distinctive events in American pool, bringing together multiple disciplines and generations of players.
John Brumback
John Brumback is honored as one of the greatest bank-pool specialists the game has ever known. His knowledge of angles, speed, cue-ball control, and defensive play established him as a dominant force in the discipline. Brumback’s championship performances and reputation among fellow professionals have helped preserve and strengthen the tradition of bank pool.
Mike Howerton
Mike Howerton has played an important role in documenting and promoting the modern billiards world through AZBilliards. The platform has provided news, tournament coverage, player information, rankings, interviews, and historical records for fans around the world. His work has helped connect the billiards community and preserve important moments in the sport’s history.
Jim McDermott
Jim McDermott is recognized for his influence on American cue manufacturing and the growth of McDermott Cues. His craftsmanship, business leadership, and commitment to quality helped establish the company as one of the most recognized names in billiards equipment. The McDermott legacy represents American manufacturing, innovation, and decades of service to players at every level.
