What do you people have against bumper pool?!??
Who was/is best all around pool player, still alive today?
- Thread starter JoeyA
- Start date
Bottom line, Reyes and Varner. Nicky was the only player that I heard of, that went and beat Efren in the Phillipines. Banks, one pocket, rotation pool, 14.1....the ultimate grinder in all pocket games, Nick gets my vote.
Of today's top players if it was limited to rotation and 14.1 I wouldn't bet against filler in a long set. If you add in one pocket it gets complicated. I'd lean toward Orcollo or Pagulayan. Maybe Van Boening. Not sure Filler has the one pocket game those guys do.
Great answer and well explained. I've asked Nick this same question and he said all around would be Wimpy Lassiter.
I've not travelled the world and have seen as much as you have, but I will say something. The other day in rockland county, I can honestly say was the first time I've seen two people play one pocket. Every other hall I've been to here in NY they are mainly playing 14.1. Unless one pocket, which is a game I admit do not watch or care much for, is only regulated to gambling and tournament matches?
Someone tell me if I'm wrong here, but it seems that the west coast is one pocket land whereas NY plays a lot more 14.1.
The Northeast has always been a hotbed for Straight Pool. One Pocket is played pretty much all over the country; North, South, East and West.
Mid Atlantic sees a lot of 1p.
I'd replace Efren with Earl, his focus on 9 ball not withstanding
I like how Alex handles this question.
He was asked in an interview about who was the best...a few years ago...he said..
“I’m not saying I’m the best....but I’ll gamble with the best.”
I believe that I give the nod to Alex the Lion on that one.
My opinion - Efren, hands down -
I wish your original post hadn't said 'pool' because ... if it hadn't ... and it included billiards ...
I would have thought, 'Whoa look at that' and said Efren - still - hands down -
9 Ball - Earl Strickland hands down. Earl had the greatest peak performance in 9 Ball ever imo.
Best All-Around is Efren Reyes. The Magician had astronomical impact on how the game is played with kicks and safety play. His skills on the table are beyond human comprehension that today's players can only dream of attaining. If only he had Busti's break, he'd be more than a legend than he already is.
Best All-Around is Efren Reyes. The Magician had astronomical impact on how the game is played with kicks and safety play. His skills on the table are beyond human comprehension that today's players can only dream of attaining. If only he had Busti's break, he'd be more than a legend than he already is.