*Player of the decade*

Please select your choice for player of the decade

  • Archer

    Votes: 33 11.1%
  • Immonen

    Votes: 53 17.9%
  • Reyes

    Votes: 82 27.7%
  • Deuel

    Votes: 1 0.3%
  • Van Boening

    Votes: 21 7.1%
  • Pagulayan

    Votes: 4 1.4%
  • Souquet

    Votes: 96 32.4%
  • Wu

    Votes: 1 0.3%
  • Strickland

    Votes: 2 0.7%
  • My choice is not listed

    Votes: 3 1.0%

  • Total voters
    296

eezbank

Silver Surfer
Silver Member
This is my second attempt to get thoughts on who you feel deserves the title "Player of the decade"

My apologies to everyone that voted in the first poll. I made a pretty severe error by forgetting to list a player with the only other option beign "other". Hopefully I got it right this time.
 
This is my second attempt to get thoughts on who you feel deserves the title "Player of the decade"

My apologies to everyone that voted in the first poll. I made a pretty severe error by forgetting to list a player with the only other option beign "other". Hopefully I got it right this time.

Thanks to fix this poll up:grin:

I just want to add that I think that when it comes to nominate the player of the DECADE (2000-2010), I mean the WHOLE decade, WU, Strickland, Deuel, SVB and Pagulayan have not to be on that list.
 
Last edited:
Much better.

I'll repost a list of accomplishments that I compiled for Mika Immonen:


Mika Immonen
=========

Major Titles (1st place finish of major events worth $20k or more)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 - ESPN Sudden Death 7-Ball Tournament ($25k)
2001 - World Pool Championship ($65k)
2003 - 1st Cafe Puro Philippine 9-ball Open ($20k)
2008 - US Open 9-Ball Championship ($40k)
2008 - Mosconi Cup MVP ($20k)
2008 - 2008 All Japan Championship ($21k)
2009 - Qatar International Open ($40k)
2009 - GalvestonWorld Classic 10-Ball Event ($25k)
2009 - Tournament of Champions ($25k)
2009 - US Open 9-Ball Championship ($40k)
2009 - World Ten Ball Champion ($65k)


Minor Titles (1st place finish worth $5k or more)
---------------------------------------------
2000 - USA Billiards Challenger Event 3 ($6k)
2000 - Joss Northeast Tour Turning Stone Casino Classic ($7.5k)
2002 - Derby City Classic 9-Ball ($9k)
2002 - LG Flatron Billiard Challenge 2 ($15k)
2004 - UPA Pro Tour Championship ($10k)
2004 - UPA Atlanta Open ($10k)
2005 - Atlanta Open ($10k)
2006 - Open Weert 9-ball Championships Open Division ($5k)
2006 - Open Weert 9-ball Championships 7-Ball Event ($8.5k)
2007 - Korea Pro Pool Tour Championship Open Division ($10k)
2008 - Quezon City Invasion ($5k)


Other High Paying Finishes (Worth over $10k but didnt place 1st)
--------------------------------------------------------------
2000 - Camel Pro 8-Ball Championship ($15k)
2001 - US Open 9-Ball Championship ($15k)
2005 - IPT King of the Hill 8-Ball Shoot Out ($40k)
2005 - World Pool Championship ($10k)
2006 - IPT North American Open Championship ($17k)
2006 - IPT World Open 8-Ball Championship ($92k)
2006 - Mosconi Cup ($15k)
2007 - 2007 World Cup of Pool ($15k)
2007 - 2007 World Pool Championship ($10k)
2008 - World Pool Masters ($10k)
2009 - Mosconi Cup ($10k)
 
Much better.

I'll repost a list of accomplishments that I compiled for Mika Immonen:


Mika Immonen
=========

Major Titles (1st place finish of major events worth $20k or more)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2000 - ESPN Sudden Death 7-Ball Tournament ($25k)
2001 - World Pool Championship ($65k)
2003 - 1st Cafe Puro Philippine 9-ball Open ($20k)
2008 - US Open 9-Ball Championship ($40k)
2008 - Mosconi Cup MVP ($20k)
2008 - 2008 All Japan Championship ($21k)
2009 - Qatar International Open ($40k)
2009 - GalvestonWorld Classic 10-Ball Event ($25k)
2009 - Tournament of Champions ($25k)
2009 - US Open 9-Ball Championship ($40k)
2009 - World Ten Ball Champion ($65k)


Minor Titles (1st place finish worth $5k or more)
---------------------------------------------
2000 - USA Billiards Challenger Event 3 ($6k)
2000 - Joss Northeast Tour Turning Stone Casino Classic ($7.5k)
2002 - Derby City Classic 9-Ball ($9k)
2002 - LG Flatron Billiard Challenge 2 ($15k)
2004 - UPA Pro Tour Championship ($10k)
2004 - UPA Atlanta Open ($10k)
2005 - Atlanta Open ($10k)
2006 - Open Weert 9-ball Championships Open Division ($5k)
2006 - Open Weert 9-ball Championships 7-Ball Event ($8.5k)
2007 - Korea Pro Pool Tour Championship Open Division ($10k)
2008 - Quezon City Invasion ($5k)


Other High Paying Finishes (Worth over $10k but didnt place 1st)
--------------------------------------------------------------
2000 - Camel Pro 8-Ball Championship ($15k)
2001 - US Open 9-Ball Championship ($15k)
2005 - IPT King of the Hill 8-Ball Shoot Out ($40k)
2005 - World Pool Championship ($10k)
2006 - IPT North American Open Championship ($17k)
2006 - IPT World Open 8-Ball Championship ($92k)
2006 - Mosconi Cup ($15k)
2007 - 2007 World Cup of Pool ($15k)
2007 - 2007 World Pool Championship ($10k)
2008 - World Pool Masters ($10k)
2009 - Mosconi Cup ($10k)

So I repost my answer too;)

Nathan, my thoughts is that nobody doubt about Mika's accomplishments in the last decade. The point is that Ralf has been the most competitive and consistant player in that WHOLE decade. He certainly is also the most dedicated player in the game, travelling most of the year everywhere on the planet to play in tournament.

If someone deserved this reward, Ralf is the one who comes to the top of the list by far before the second... who could be Mika...;)
 
Bump to the front to keep people from voting in the wrong poll. Sorry for the confusion.
 
Reyes definitely should not get discounted because of the last 2-3 years. The money rankings this decade speak for themselves.

http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000thepros.php?year=2000
http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000thepros.php?year=2001
http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000thepros.php?year=2002
http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000thepros.php?year=2003
http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000thepros.php?year=2004
http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000thepros.php?year=2005
http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000thepros.php?year=2006
http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000thepros.php?year=2007
http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000thepros.php?year=2008
http://www.azbilliards.com/thepros/2000thepros.php?year=2009

I think it's a toss-up between Reyes and Souquet. In terms of money won, Reyes should win it hands down. In terms of consistent performance in major tournaments, Souquet should win it hands down.

Immonen definitely wins best player the last 2-3 years, but he comes in third for POTD behind Reyes and Souquet IMO.

But if I had to vote, I'd vote Souquet. The pool world owes Souquet an honor such as this, for his consistency and professionalism.
 
I put my vote in for Reyes. Not only because he has won more money than any other player the last decade but also because he shoots and kicks balls straighter than anyone I have ever seen. I watched him gamble with Jarvis at the DCC last year. He was playing lights out. I have a ton of Accu-stats videos. One thing that has always stood out with Reyes is the fact that even the pro commentators say he is the best player they have seen in their lifetime. Incardona says this a lot in the videos and I think he's been around the game awhile. My opinion doesn't suggest that I think anyone else on the list is less worthy. I just think Reyes has earned this title.
 
Ralf Souquet, even though my favourite player is Efren Reyes, I can't vote against Ralf in this one.

He finish atleast in the semifinals in almost every tournament he enters. He has been in the semifinals in 33 % of the more than 100 Eurotour's (70 of them has been in this decade), he has won the DCC 9-ball 3 times, World 8-ball Champion, US Open Champion, World Pool Master a couple of times, BCA, runner up twice in the World 9-ball Championship, runner up in US Open +++

Or, to do it easier for you guys, this is Ralf's finishes in the last 10 years. Unfortunately only semifinal or better are listed.

How can you possible vote against this man for the title "Player of the DECADE?"

2009

Gold Medallist World Games 9-Ball, Kaohsiung / TPE
Winner Turning Stone Classic XII 9-Ball, Verona, NY / USA
Winner Cologne Cue Club 10-Ball Masters, Cologne / GER
Winner German Open 10-Ball, Sindelfingen / GER
Runner-up Fatboy 10-Ball Challenge, Elisabeth, IN / USA
Runner-up Italian Open 9-Ball, Castel Volturno / ITA
Runner-up Predator Int. 10-Ball Championship, Las Vegas, NV / USA
Runner-up Twenty Nine 9-Ball Open, Freising / GER
Runner-up World Cup of Pool 9-Ball, Manila / PHI
Runner-up U.S. Open 9-Ball, Chesapeake, VA / USA
3rd place Derby City Classic 9-Ball, Elisabeth, IN / USA
3rd place French Open 9-Ball, Paris / FRA
3rd place Eurostructur Open 9-Ball, Timisoara / ROM
3rd place Brunswick Gold Crown V Cup 9-Ball, Alsdorf / GER
3rd place Portugal Open 9-Ball, Póvoa de Varzim / POR

2008

World Champion 8-Ball, Fujairah / UAE
Runner-up European Championship Straight Pool, Willingen
Winner Derby City Classic 9-Ball, Louisville, KY / USA
Winner Paris Open 9-Ball, Paris / FRA
Winner Gema 9-Ball Open, Athens / GRE
Winner Interpool 10-Ball Invitational, Gävle /SWE
Winner Interpool 9-Ball Open, Gävle / SWE
Winner Netherlands Open 9-Ball, Weert / NED
Winner Swiss Open 9-Ball, Payerne / SUI
Winner Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, Portomaso / MLT
3rd place World All Around Championship, Louisville, KY / USA
3rd place World Pool Trick-Shot Masters, Las Vegas, NV / USA
3rd place Puerto Princesa Mayor’s Cup 10-Ball, Puerto Princesa / PHI
3rd place Doha International 9-Ball Open, Doha / QAT
3rd place Revillo Cup 9-Ball, Neckarsulm / GER
Euro-Tour Series Champion
WPA World Tour Series Champion
AZ Billiards Player of the Year 2008

2007

Bronze medal / European Championship 9-Ball, Liberec / CZE
1. Paris Open 9-Ball, Paris / FRA
1. Swiss 9-Ball Grand Prix, Biel / SUI
1. Billard-Aktuell Open 8-Ball, Bergisch Gladbach
1. Hestia Cup 9-Ball, Sopot / POL
1. Hestia Cup Masters 9-Ball, Sopot / POL
1. Twenty Nine 9-Ball Open, Freising
1. Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, Las Vegas, NV / USA
2. Interpool 10-Ball Invitational, Gävle / SWE
2. Interpool 9-Ball Open, Gävle / SWE
2. Metropool Open 9-Ball, Kranj / SLO
3. 8-Ball Battle of Scandinavia, Oslo / NOR
3. Billard-Aktuell Open 9-Ball, Bergisch Gladbach
3. Germany Open 9-Ball, Sindelfingen
3. All Japan Championship 9-Ball, Amagasaki / JPN


2006

Runner-up World Championship 9-Ball, Manila / PHI
European Champion 9-Ball, Brandenburg / GER
Runner-up European Championship 14-1, Brandenburg / GER
1. Derby City Classic 9-Ball, Louisville, KY / USA
1. Interpool 8-Ball Invitational, Gävle / SWE
1. Interpool 9-Ball Open, Gävle / SWE
1. EnjoyPool.com 9-Ball , Las Vegas, NV / USA
1. World Pool Masters 9-Ball, Egmond aan Zee / NED
Runner-up Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, Rotterdam / NED
3. Sudden Death 7-Ball Invitational, Weert / NED
3. Turning Stone 9-Ball Classic VI, Verona, NY / USA
3. UPA Gabriels Open 8-Ball, King of Prussia, PA / USA
3. World Pool League 9-Ball, Warsaw / POL
BD Player of the Year 2006


2005

European Champion Team, Veldhoven / NED
Runner-up European Championship 9-Ball, Veldhoven / NED
1. Interpool 10-Ball Invitational, Gävle / SWE
1. Interpool 9-Ball Open, Gävle / SWE
1. Mike Massey Open 9-Ball, Bettlach / SUI
1. King vs. Queen Pool Challenge, Shanghai / CHN
Runner-up Prattler 9-Ball Jubilee Open, Pratteln / SUI
3rd place Seoul Open 9-Ball, Seoul / KOR
3rd place Big Apple 9-Ball Challenge, New York, NY / USA
3. IBP Netherlands Open 9-Ball, Weert / NED
3. VNEA-Europe Grand Prix, Benidorm / ESP

2004

Runner-up European Championship 9-Ball, Prague / CZE
Runner-up European Championship Team, Prague / CZE
German Champion Mixed Scotch Doubles 8-Ball, Wuppertal
Runner-up German Championships 8-Ball, Brandenburg
1. Derby City Classic 9-Ball, Louisville, KY / USA
1. World All Stars Invitational Team Cup 9-Ball, Taoyuan / TWN
1. Dutch Open 9-Ball, Arnhem / NED
1. IBC Japan Cup 9-Ball, Hyogo / JPN
1. Summer Midnight Open Scotch Doubles 9-Ball, Ingolstadt
1. Moscow Challenge 9-Ball, Moscow / RUS
1. Russia Open Cup 9-Ball, Moscow / RUS
1. All Japan Championship 9-Ball, Amagasaki / JPN
1. CEP Anniversary 8-Ball Open, Benalmádena / ESP
1. Moscow Team Challenge 9-Ball, Moscow / RUS
2. World All Around Championships, Louisville, KY / USA
2. Pre-U.S. Open Warm-Up Event, Cambridge, MD / USA
2. UPA Atlanta Open 9-Ball, Athens, GA / USA
2. Costa del Sol Open 9-Ball, Benalmádena / ESP
3. UPA Pro Tour Championships 9-Ball, Bell Gardens, CA / USA
3. UPA Players Championship 9-Ball, Valley Forge, PA / USA
WPA World Tour Series Champion

2003

Winner WPA-IBC World Tour Series 2003
European Champion 8-Ball, Bialystok / POL
1. BCA Open 9-Ball Championships, Las Vegas, NV / USA
1. On Cue Team Showdown 9 Ball, Manila / PHI
1. Aruba Open 9-Ball, Aruba
1. Diamond 9 Belgium Open 9-Ball, Kortrijk / BEL
1. b&a Classics 9-Ball, Neckarsulm
2. On Cue Individual 9 Ball, Manila / PHI
2. World Stars Invitational Team Cup 9 Ball, Taoyuan / TWN
2. Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, Las Vegas,NV / USA
3. European Championship Team, Bialystok / POL
3. Derby City Classic 9-Ball, Louisville, KY / USA
3. Dutch Open 9-Ball, Arnheim / NL
3. Western Canadian Open 9-Ball, Calgary, AB / CAN
3. Olympic Cup 9-Ball, St. Petersburg / RUS
3. Renault Cup 9-Ball, Salzburg / AUT
3. German Open 9-Ball / St. Ingbert
3. World Continental Team Cup 9-Ball, Taoyuan / TWN


2002

European Team Champion, Tampere / FIN
3. European Champion 8-Ball, Tampere / FIN
German Champion 8-Ball, Willingen
German Champion 9-Ball, Willingen
German Team Champion
German Champion Scotch Doubles 8-Ball, Aachen
3. German Team Champion Pokal, Willingen
1. Dutch Open 9-Ball, Arnheim / NL
1. Russian Open 9-Ball, St. Petersburg / RUS
1. IBC Holland Open 9-Ball, Arnheim / NL
1. Dream Match Scotch Doubles 9-Ball, Tokyo / J
1. IBC USA Championship 9-Ball, Nashville, TN / USA
1. U.S. Open 9-Ball, Chesapeake, VA / USA
1. World Pool Masters 9-Ball, Milton Keynes / GB
1. Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, London / GB
1. b&a Classics 9-Ball, Neckarsulm
1. German Grand Prix 9-Ball, Hannover
2. European Club-Team Cup, Willingen
2. Japan Open 9-Ball, Tokio / J
2. Westfalen German Masters, Willingen
2. Olympic Cup 9-Ball, St. Petersburg / RUS
2. Alpe Adria Billiard Circuit 9-Ball, Trieste / I
2. Gabriels Las Vegas Invitational 9-Ball, Las Vegas, NV / USA
2. IBC Tokyo International 9-Ball, Tokio / J
3. German Grand Prix 9-Ball, Rheinbach
Winner IBC World Tour Series 2002
Player of the Year 2002


2001

Runner-up-Worldchampion 9-Ball, Cardiff / GB
German Team Champion, Karlsbad / CZ
Euro-Tour Winner 2001
German Champion 8-Ball, Willingen
German Champion 9-Ball, Willingen
German Team Champion Pokal, Willingen
German Team Champion
3. German Champion 14-1, Willingen
1. Liechtenstein Open 9-Ball, Vaduz / CH
1. Double Trouble 8-Ball & 9-Ball, Hannover
1. Alpe Adria Billiard Circuit 9-Ball, Trieste / I
1. Austria Open 9-Ball, Salzburg / A
3. Paradise Jubi Cup 9-Ball, Pratteln / CH
3. Masters 9-Ball Championships, Chesapeake, VA / USA


2000

European Champion 8-Ball, Bregenz / A
Runner-up-European Champion 9-Ball, Bregenz / A
Runner-up-European Team Champion, Bregenz / A
German Cup Champion, Willingen
3. German Champion 8-Ball, Willingen
3. German Champion 14-1, Willingen
1. Center Court Classics 8-Ball, Wiesloch
1. Pfullinger 9-Ball Open
1. U.S. Open 14-1, New York City, NY / USA
1. Magic 8 Cup 9-Ball, Hof
1. World Pool Masters 9-Ball, Thurrock / GB
1. Lithuanian Open 9-Ball, Kaunas / LT
1. Croatia Open 9-Ball, Zagreb / HR
Team Champion 2. Bundesliga
3. Brunswick Portugal Open 9-Ball, Bombarral / P
3. Match of the Masters 9-Ball, Manila / PH
3. World Continental Team Cup 9-Ball, Taipei / Taiwan
3. World Pool League 9-Ball, Warschau / PL
 
Ralf Souquet, even though my favourite player is Efren Reyes, I can't vote against Ralf in this one.

It depends on the criteria. Ralf is ahead if you count 9/10 ball, but the title is "Player of the decade".

Efren is far ahead of Ralf as an all-around player. Let's evaluate in terms of level of play (who would be the odds favorite despite the fact Ralf doesn't gamble).

9/10 ball - Ralf, but it's arguable (for the decade, not today)
Rotation - Efren
1p - Efren (by a large margin)
8 ball - Efren
Banks - Efren by slight margin
Straight Pool - Ralf
Carom - Efren (by a large margin)
Snooker - Ralf (assumed only by his origin, but Efren would win a bit here also)

This is not to knock Ralf, but this is not 9/10 ball player of the decade. No one will play Efren even 1 pocket, I believe a few would try Ralf at his game.

Edited: After information about Ralf's game from Roy, Terry, and others.
 
Last edited:
I would guess that 80 % or more of the events played around the world this decade have been played in 9-ball, perhaps even more.

Next?

Btw, I would bet on Ralf if they played 8-ball. Ralf is World 8-ball Champion, did well on the IPT, has ran 27 consecutive racks on a tight Diamond IPT table.

He is almost as good in 14-1 as anyone, and definitely better than any Filipino

It depends on the criteria. Ralf is ahead if you count 9/10 ball, but the title is "Player of the decade".

Efren is far ahead of Ralf as an all-around player. Let's evaluate in terms of level of play (who would be the odds favorite despite the fact Ralf doesn't gamble).

9/10 ball - Ralf, but it's arguable
Rotation - Efren
1p - Efren (by a large margin)
8 ball - Efren
Banks - Efren by slight margin
Straight Pool - Efren, but I am unsure of Ralf's accomplishments here
Carom - Efren (by a large margin)


This is not to knock Ralf, but this is not 9/10 ball player of the decade. No one will play Efren even 1 pocket, I believe a few would try Ralf at his game.
 
When Immonen won the World 9 ball title in 2001 and the US Open in 2009 he beat Ralf Souquet on both of those occasions.
 
Ralf Souquet

2009 Winnings: $74,585

2008 Winnings: $171, 852

2007 Winnings: $43,287

2006 Winnings: $219,350

2005 Winnings: $26,102

2004 Winnings: $40,515

2003 Winnings: $34,585

2002 Winnings: $79,167

2001 Winnings: $54,609

2000 Winnings: $48,100

Mika Immonen

2009 Winnings: $168,320

2008 Winnings: $149,582

2007 Winnings: $59,636

2006 Winnings: $158,450

2005 Winnings: $83,642

2004 Winnings: $44,604

2003 Winnings: $44,418

2002 Winnings: $59,475

2001 Winnings: $99,919

2000 Winnings: $69,693


Mika gets 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2009

Ralf gets 2002, 2006, and 2008

Mika also wins overall money if you add up all the years I believe, I don't have time to do it atm though.

The money a player made is fairly representative on the quality of play and competition. You make more money for simply playing better and playing in the more prestigious events that have bigger purses.

The numbers say Mika. Everyone says Ralf is so much more consistent and yet Mika out earns him in 7/10 years, and 2 of the 3 years Mika did not earn as much he still made $149,000+ and simply lost to a good year by Ralf.

Mika looks to be the player to me IMO.
 
Mika gets 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2009

Ralf gets 2002, 2006, and 2008

Mika also wins overall money if you add up all the years I believe, I don't have time to do it atm though.

The money a player made is fairly representative on the quality of play and competition. You make more money for simply playing better and playing in the more prestigious events that have bigger purses.

The numbers say Mika. Everyone says Ralf is so much more consistent and yet Mika out earns him in 7/10 years, and 2 of the 3 years Mika did not earn as much he still made $149,000+ and simply lost to a good year by Ralf.

Mika looks to be the player to me IMO.

Money doesn't make all...

BTW, if this is a criteria you have to consider that lists are not complete. This concern much Ralf who plays a lot in Europe and took part to most of the Euro Tour stops. In the last 5 years he won aroud 80'000$ in euro tour stops. And I don't know what he won the first 5 years of the decade. You can also add some money of other european tournament who are not listed.

Mika doesn't play eurotours for a while and almost all the tournament he played in are listed in az money list...
 
2008 on Ralf's list has a large number of Euro tour stops that ARE included in those money totals.

I gotta go write a final now, will chat about it later.
 
I would think even Mika would agree with you that Ralf is player of the decade....
 
2008 on Ralf's list has a large number of Euro tour stops that ARE included in those money totals.

I gotta go write a final now, will chat about it later.

Yes, this year, azb listed around 3 of the 7 eurotour that have been played.

Some years you can't find any Euro tour stops...

I will stop to stalk you now ;)
 
Ok,

Just for fun I've listed the events that Souquet finished either 1, 2, 3 or 4th in that are NOT listed on AZBilliards Money Rank, and I stopped counting after I did 2000-2003 because I came to 40 events only those four years.

What about the events Souquet finished 5th, 7th, 9th, 12th, 17th, 24th etc in during those years, that were not played in America?

You have to remember that AZBilliards rarely lists any tournaments outside America, and with Mika living in America and Ralf travelling the world, the list might be very wrong.

Ok, here are the events won by Souquet from 2000-2003 that are not listed. If someone has the time you can find the events from 2004-2009. I'm pretty sure it is about the double of this, so that gives us about 80 events where Souquet finished top 4 that is not on the Money Rank.

There is no way that Mika has the same numbers of events not listed, because he mainly plays in America.

2000:
1. Center Court Classics 8-Ball, Wiesloch
1. Pfullinger 9-Ball Open
1. Magic 8 Cup 9-Ball, Hof
1. Lithuanian Open 9-Ball, Kaunas / LT
1. Croatia Open 9-Ball, Zagreb / HR
Team Champion 2. Bundesliga
3. Brunswick Portugal Open 9-Ball, Bombarral / P
3. Match of the Masters 9-Ball, Manila / PH
3. World Continental Team Cup 9-Ball, Taipei / Taiwan

2001:
1. Liechtenstein Open 9-Ball, Vaduz / CH
1. Double Trouble 8-Ball & 9-Ball, Hannover
1. Alpe Adria Billiard Circuit 9-Ball, Trieste / I
1. Austria Open 9-Ball, Salzburg / A
3. Paradise Jubi Cup 9-Ball, Pratteln / CH

2002:
1. Dutch Open 9-Ball, Arnheim / NL
1. Russian Open 9-Ball, St. Petersburg / RUS
1. Dream Match Scotch Doubles 9-Ball, Tokyo / J
1. Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, London / GB
1. b&a Classics 9-Ball, Neckarsulm
1. German Grand Prix 9-Ball, Hannover
2. European Club-Team Cup, Willingen
2. Japan Open 9-Ball, Tokio / J
2. Westfalen German Masters, Willingen
2. Olympic Cup 9-Ball, St. Petersburg / RUS
2. Alpe Adria Billiard Circuit 9-Ball, Trieste / I
2. Gabriels Las Vegas Invitational 9-Ball, Las Vegas, NV / USA
3. German Grand Prix 9-Ball, Rheinbach

2003:
1. On Cue Team Showdown 9 Ball, Manila / PHI
1. Aruba Open 9-Ball, Aruba
1. Diamond 9 Belgium Open 9-Ball, Kortrijk / BEL
1. b&a Classics 9-Ball, Neckarsulm
2. On Cue Individual 9 Ball, Manila / PHI
2. World Stars Invitational Team Cup 9 Ball, Taoyuan / TWN
2. Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, Las Vegas,NV / USA
3. European Championship Team, Bialystok / POL
3. Dutch Open 9-Ball, Arnheim / NL
3. Olympic Cup 9-Ball, St. Petersburg / RUS
3. Renault Cup 9-Ball, Salzburg / AUT
3. German Open 9-Ball / St. Ingbert
3. World Continental Team Cup 9-Ball, Taoyuan / TWN
Ralf Souquet

2009 Winnings: $74,585

2008 Winnings: $171, 852

2007 Winnings: $43,287

2006 Winnings: $219,350

2005 Winnings: $26,102

2004 Winnings: $40,515

2003 Winnings: $34,585

2002 Winnings: $79,167

2001 Winnings: $54,609

2000 Winnings: $48,100

Mika Immonen

2009 Winnings: $168,320

2008 Winnings: $149,582

2007 Winnings: $59,636

2006 Winnings: $158,450

2005 Winnings: $83,642

2004 Winnings: $44,604

2003 Winnings: $44,418

2002 Winnings: $59,475

2001 Winnings: $99,919

2000 Winnings: $69,693


Mika gets 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, and 2009

Ralf gets 2002, 2006, and 2008

Mika also wins overall money if you add up all the years I believe, I don't have time to do it atm though.

The money a player made is fairly representative on the quality of play and competition. You make more money for simply playing better and playing in the more prestigious events that have bigger purses.

The numbers say Mika. Everyone says Ralf is so much more consistent and yet Mika out earns him in 7/10 years, and 2 of the 3 years Mika did not earn as much he still made $149,000+ and simply lost to a good year by Ralf.

Mika looks to be the player to me IMO.
 
Thanks Roy

Ralf Souquet, even though my favourite player is Efren Reyes, I can't vote against Ralf in this one.

He finish atleast in the semifinals in almost every tournament he enters. He has been in the semifinals in 33 % of the more than 100 Eurotour's (70 of them has been in this decade), he has won the DCC 9-ball 3 times, World 8-ball Champion, US Open Champion, World Pool Master a couple of times, BCA, runner up twice in the World 9-ball Championship, runner up in US Open +++

Or, to do it easier for you guys, this is Ralf's finishes in the last 10 years. Unfortunately only semifinal or better are listed.

How can you possible vote against this man for the title "Player of the DECADE?"

2009

Gold Medallist World Games 9-Ball, Kaohsiung / TPE
Winner Turning Stone Classic XII 9-Ball, Verona, NY / USA
Winner Cologne Cue Club 10-Ball Masters, Cologne / GER
Winner German Open 10-Ball, Sindelfingen / GER
Runner-up Fatboy 10-Ball Challenge, Elisabeth, IN / USA
Runner-up Italian Open 9-Ball, Castel Volturno / ITA
Runner-up Predator Int. 10-Ball Championship, Las Vegas, NV / USA
Runner-up Twenty Nine 9-Ball Open, Freising / GER
Runner-up World Cup of Pool 9-Ball, Manila / PHI
Runner-up U.S. Open 9-Ball, Chesapeake, VA / USA
3rd place Derby City Classic 9-Ball, Elisabeth, IN / USA
3rd place French Open 9-Ball, Paris / FRA
3rd place Eurostructur Open 9-Ball, Timisoara / ROM
3rd place Brunswick Gold Crown V Cup 9-Ball, Alsdorf / GER
3rd place Portugal Open 9-Ball, Póvoa de Varzim / POR

2008

World Champion 8-Ball, Fujairah / UAE
Runner-up European Championship Straight Pool, Willingen
Winner Derby City Classic 9-Ball, Louisville, KY / USA
Winner Paris Open 9-Ball, Paris / FRA
Winner Gema 9-Ball Open, Athens / GRE
Winner Interpool 10-Ball Invitational, Gävle /SWE
Winner Interpool 9-Ball Open, Gävle / SWE
Winner Netherlands Open 9-Ball, Weert / NED
Winner Swiss Open 9-Ball, Payerne / SUI
Winner Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, Portomaso / MLT
3rd place World All Around Championship, Louisville, KY / USA
3rd place World Pool Trick-Shot Masters, Las Vegas, NV / USA
3rd place Puerto Princesa Mayor’s Cup 10-Ball, Puerto Princesa / PHI
3rd place Doha International 9-Ball Open, Doha / QAT
3rd place Revillo Cup 9-Ball, Neckarsulm / GER
Euro-Tour Series Champion
WPA World Tour Series Champion
AZ Billiards Player of the Year 2008

2007

Bronze medal / European Championship 9-Ball, Liberec / CZE
1. Paris Open 9-Ball, Paris / FRA
1. Swiss 9-Ball Grand Prix, Biel / SUI
1. Billard-Aktuell Open 8-Ball, Bergisch Gladbach
1. Hestia Cup 9-Ball, Sopot / POL
1. Hestia Cup Masters 9-Ball, Sopot / POL
1. Twenty Nine 9-Ball Open, Freising
1. Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, Las Vegas, NV / USA
2. Interpool 10-Ball Invitational, Gävle / SWE
2. Interpool 9-Ball Open, Gävle / SWE
2. Metropool Open 9-Ball, Kranj / SLO
3. 8-Ball Battle of Scandinavia, Oslo / NOR
3. Billard-Aktuell Open 9-Ball, Bergisch Gladbach
3. Germany Open 9-Ball, Sindelfingen
3. All Japan Championship 9-Ball, Amagasaki / JPN


2006

Runner-up World Championship 9-Ball, Manila / PHI
European Champion 9-Ball, Brandenburg / GER
Runner-up European Championship 14-1, Brandenburg / GER
1. Derby City Classic 9-Ball, Louisville, KY / USA
1. Interpool 8-Ball Invitational, Gävle / SWE
1. Interpool 9-Ball Open, Gävle / SWE
1. EnjoyPool.com 9-Ball , Las Vegas, NV / USA
1. World Pool Masters 9-Ball, Egmond aan Zee / NED
Runner-up Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, Rotterdam / NED
3. Sudden Death 7-Ball Invitational, Weert / NED
3. Turning Stone 9-Ball Classic VI, Verona, NY / USA
3. UPA Gabriels Open 8-Ball, King of Prussia, PA / USA
3. World Pool League 9-Ball, Warsaw / POL
BD Player of the Year 2006


2005

European Champion Team, Veldhoven / NED
Runner-up European Championship 9-Ball, Veldhoven / NED
1. Interpool 10-Ball Invitational, Gävle / SWE
1. Interpool 9-Ball Open, Gävle / SWE
1. Mike Massey Open 9-Ball, Bettlach / SUI
1. King vs. Queen Pool Challenge, Shanghai / CHN
Runner-up Prattler 9-Ball Jubilee Open, Pratteln / SUI
3rd place Seoul Open 9-Ball, Seoul / KOR
3rd place Big Apple 9-Ball Challenge, New York, NY / USA
3. IBP Netherlands Open 9-Ball, Weert / NED
3. VNEA-Europe Grand Prix, Benidorm / ESP

2004

Runner-up European Championship 9-Ball, Prague / CZE
Runner-up European Championship Team, Prague / CZE
German Champion Mixed Scotch Doubles 8-Ball, Wuppertal
Runner-up German Championships 8-Ball, Brandenburg
1. Derby City Classic 9-Ball, Louisville, KY / USA
1. World All Stars Invitational Team Cup 9-Ball, Taoyuan / TWN
1. Dutch Open 9-Ball, Arnhem / NED
1. IBC Japan Cup 9-Ball, Hyogo / JPN
1. Summer Midnight Open Scotch Doubles 9-Ball, Ingolstadt
1. Moscow Challenge 9-Ball, Moscow / RUS
1. Russia Open Cup 9-Ball, Moscow / RUS
1. All Japan Championship 9-Ball, Amagasaki / JPN
1. CEP Anniversary 8-Ball Open, Benalmádena / ESP
1. Moscow Team Challenge 9-Ball, Moscow / RUS
2. World All Around Championships, Louisville, KY / USA
2. Pre-U.S. Open Warm-Up Event, Cambridge, MD / USA
2. UPA Atlanta Open 9-Ball, Athens, GA / USA
2. Costa del Sol Open 9-Ball, Benalmádena / ESP
3. UPA Pro Tour Championships 9-Ball, Bell Gardens, CA / USA
3. UPA Players Championship 9-Ball, Valley Forge, PA / USA
WPA World Tour Series Champion

2003

Winner WPA-IBC World Tour Series 2003
European Champion 8-Ball, Bialystok / POL
1. BCA Open 9-Ball Championships, Las Vegas, NV / USA
1. On Cue Team Showdown 9 Ball, Manila / PHI
1. Aruba Open 9-Ball, Aruba
1. Diamond 9 Belgium Open 9-Ball, Kortrijk / BEL
1. b&a Classics 9-Ball, Neckarsulm
2. On Cue Individual 9 Ball, Manila / PHI
2. World Stars Invitational Team Cup 9 Ball, Taoyuan / TWN
2. Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, Las Vegas,NV / USA
3. European Championship Team, Bialystok / POL
3. Derby City Classic 9-Ball, Louisville, KY / USA
3. Dutch Open 9-Ball, Arnheim / NL
3. Western Canadian Open 9-Ball, Calgary, AB / CAN
3. Olympic Cup 9-Ball, St. Petersburg / RUS
3. Renault Cup 9-Ball, Salzburg / AUT
3. German Open 9-Ball / St. Ingbert
3. World Continental Team Cup 9-Ball, Taoyuan / TWN


2002

European Team Champion, Tampere / FIN
3. European Champion 8-Ball, Tampere / FIN
German Champion 8-Ball, Willingen
German Champion 9-Ball, Willingen
German Team Champion
German Champion Scotch Doubles 8-Ball, Aachen
3. German Team Champion Pokal, Willingen
1. Dutch Open 9-Ball, Arnheim / NL
1. Russian Open 9-Ball, St. Petersburg / RUS
1. IBC Holland Open 9-Ball, Arnheim / NL
1. Dream Match Scotch Doubles 9-Ball, Tokyo / J
1. IBC USA Championship 9-Ball, Nashville, TN / USA
1. U.S. Open 9-Ball, Chesapeake, VA / USA
1. World Pool Masters 9-Ball, Milton Keynes / GB
1. Mosconi Cup 9-Ball, London / GB
1. b&a Classics 9-Ball, Neckarsulm
1. German Grand Prix 9-Ball, Hannover
2. European Club-Team Cup, Willingen
2. Japan Open 9-Ball, Tokio / J
2. Westfalen German Masters, Willingen
2. Olympic Cup 9-Ball, St. Petersburg / RUS
2. Alpe Adria Billiard Circuit 9-Ball, Trieste / I
2. Gabriels Las Vegas Invitational 9-Ball, Las Vegas, NV / USA
2. IBC Tokyo International 9-Ball, Tokio / J
3. German Grand Prix 9-Ball, Rheinbach
Winner IBC World Tour Series 2002
Player of the Year 2002


2001

Runner-up-Worldchampion 9-Ball, Cardiff / GB
German Team Champion, Karlsbad / CZ
Euro-Tour Winner 2001
German Champion 8-Ball, Willingen
German Champion 9-Ball, Willingen
German Team Champion Pokal, Willingen
German Team Champion
3. German Champion 14-1, Willingen
1. Liechtenstein Open 9-Ball, Vaduz / CH
1. Double Trouble 8-Ball & 9-Ball, Hannover
1. Alpe Adria Billiard Circuit 9-Ball, Trieste / I
1. Austria Open 9-Ball, Salzburg / A
3. Paradise Jubi Cup 9-Ball, Pratteln / CH
3. Masters 9-Ball Championships, Chesapeake, VA / USA


2000

European Champion 8-Ball, Bregenz / A
Runner-up-European Champion 9-Ball, Bregenz / A
Runner-up-European Team Champion, Bregenz / A
German Cup Champion, Willingen
3. German Champion 8-Ball, Willingen
3. German Champion 14-1, Willingen
1. Center Court Classics 8-Ball, Wiesloch
1. Pfullinger 9-Ball Open
1. U.S. Open 14-1, New York City, NY / USA
1. Magic 8 Cup 9-Ball, Hof
1. World Pool Masters 9-Ball, Thurrock / GB
1. Lithuanian Open 9-Ball, Kaunas / LT
1. Croatia Open 9-Ball, Zagreb / HR
Team Champion 2. Bundesliga
3. Brunswick Portugal Open 9-Ball, Bombarral / P
3. Match of the Masters 9-Ball, Manila / PH
3. World Continental Team Cup 9-Ball, Taipei / Taiwan
3. World Pool League 9-Ball, Warschau / PL


Roy,
After posting in the previous P.O.D. thread I had to leave and I just returned home a little while ago. While I was at therapy (physical, not mental :)) I was thinking about how I got to compile a list of all of Ralf's wins in 8 ball, 9 ball and 14.1 for the last decade. And I am really pressed for time this whole week. But it needed to be done. And then I log on, voted in the updated poll and low and behold...YOU did it!! You compiled a nice list of some of his accomplishments. Many thanks!

Also while I got you here...JoeyA correctly pointed out to me that you did not need to 'fly home" as you were never stateside! Boinggg!:eek: I knew that but can't explain why I thought you were flying back over the pond with team Europe. I think it's that you are now thought of as such an intrical part of those fellas that my mind played some trickeration on me.
:)
 
Good points iba7467

It depends on the criteria. Ralf is ahead if you count 9/10 ball, but the title is "Player of the decade".

Efren is far ahead of Ralf as an all-around player. Let's evaluate in terms of level of play (who would be the odds favorite despite the fact Ralf doesn't gamble).

9/10 ball - Ralf, but it's arguable
Rotation - Efren
1p - Efren (by a large margin)
8 ball - Efren
Banks - Efren by slight margin
Straight Pool - Efren, but I am unsure of Ralf's accomplishments here
Carom - Efren (by a large margin)

This is not to knock Ralf, but this is not 9/10 ball player of the decade. No one will play Efren even 1 pocket, I believe a few would try Ralf at his game.


I have Ralf #1, Efren #2 and Immonen #3.

In 14.1 Efren has won only the 1995 Maine Event. Ralf I have to say would be favored over Bata in a 14.1 tournament. Souquet beat Reyes in the 2000 U.S. Open 14.1 Championships by a 150-139 score. Souquet did not play in the 1995 Maine Event, which would be a moot point anyway as far as this discussion goes.

Efren was on a rampage with the IPT earnings (8 ball). SpiderWebComm made a good point on the thread that is removed. He said he took into consideration total monies won in the decade, and Reyes shined there for sure. Efren also dominated one pocket. Few would argue that Reyes is a better all-around player. He's a genuine threat at any discipline.

I could make valid points for Souquet or Reyes as far as #1 is concerned. But when I factored in the rock steadiness thru out the entire decade of The Kaiser, that tipped it for me. That and his numerous major wins in 8 ball, 9 ball and 14.1 over stacked fields year after year. Reyes, great as he is, has slipped some the last few years.

You also mentioned Rotation and caroms (3C). Unfortunately, not many, if any, rotation tournaments have been held during that time frame. Efren has not won a major 3C tournament. I would have said that he has a far better and impressive resume in gambling at pool than Ralf does, who has elected not to pursue that aspect (gambling). I think (know) that Reyes kicks better also.

Mika has won everything but the powerball the last few years. He's on a serious roll going into the NEXT decade (2010-2019). He's young enough to keep the streak going also.
 
Back
Top