By 
Ralph Greenleaf won a total of 20 Pocket Billiards World Championship titles between 1919 and 1937 and wowed audiences with his display tricks. A combination of alcohol and wildlife landed this billiards legend to an early grave at the age of 50.
Willie Mosconi, known as “Mr. Pocket Billiards,” garnered 15 world titles during his era, setting a 127-ball single game record in 1945, as well as pocketing 546 consecutive balls in 1954.
Luther Lassiter, nicknamed “Wimpy,” was a famous gambler from Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Winner of multiple world championships and many other titles, Lassiter is best known for his mastery of the game of 9-ball, in which he is widely considered one of the greatest players in history.
Efren Reyes, nicknamed “Bata” and “the magician”, is a Filipino two-time world champion billiards player, considered one of the all-time greats in 9-ball and pocket billiards. He became the first non-American to win the US Open 9-Ball Championship by defeating Nick Varner in 1994. Reyes has won World Championships in both 8-ball and 9-ball pool, taking the WPA World Men’s 9-Ball Championship in 1999, along with the inaugural WPA World Men’s 8-Ball Championship in 2004.
Eddie Taylor, the “Bear of Knoxville,” defeated Luther Lassiter in 1964 at Johnston City and is a double world heavyweight champion, though he lost to Lassiter in the 1967 Johnston all-around final. in pocket and bank pool.
John Layton is considered the most scientific pool player in the world. A 12-time world champion in three-cushion, “The Diamond King” became famous for his “diamond system,” which uses markings on the tables to determine angles.
Steve Mizerak, a world champion billiards player, reigned throughout the 1970s and early 1980s in the 14.1 continuous game. He won the US Open 14.1 Pocket Billiards Championship in four consecutive years, from 1970 to 1973 inclusive, defeating Luther Lassiter (see above) in 1970 and 1973, Joe Balsis in 1971, and Danny DeLiberto in 1972. He was also successful in the PPPA. World. Pocket Billiards Championship (14.1) events from 1982 and 1983.
Lefty Mike “Captain Hook” Sigel is one of the greatest 9-ball players of all time, illustrated by most tournament wins in the 1980s and 1990s. Renowned for his defensive play, as with other 9-ball players, he is also an “outright” pool champion with a “career” high of 346.
Earl Strickland is also believed to be one of the greatest 9-Ball players of all time with numerous championship titles over 25 years, including the WPA 9-Ball World Men’s Championship in 1990, 1991 (the only player to defend with title success) and 2000 and the US Open 9-Ball championship in 1984, 1987 and 1997. He is also one of the most controversial characters with outspoken views and sometimes volatile behavior in tournaments.
Ray Martin is one of only 7 players to win at least three 14.1 titles, racking up “straight” billiards world titles in 1971, 1974 and 1978. His nickname “Cool Cat” originates from the 1971 event, which he won during a earthquake. Martin has also won many 9 ball tournaments.