I think that if Willie wanted to play 9 ball he would be one of the best that ever lived. Hi skill was so great, so obvious, the game being played would not matter.
They all know that "black spider" lady - I'd say more than mosconi. Every body knows of her even if they're not 100% on the nameOutside of pool, nobody knows the names better than Mosconi or Minnesota Fats (at least here in the U.S). The two most popular people to ever play and name recognition. Steve Mizerak (beer commercials) could be 3rd in name recognition. In Europe I'm sure a few Snooker players will be on the list of on-the-street name recognition.
The only thing that changed since the Mosconi era (how many players have an era named after them?) is the equipment. His gift was such that he would adapt to the fast tables, new balls and cues. Hard to believe otherwise. There is more competition these days with the entire world involved but I think Mosconi would be a top, top player today. He was incredible. I saw a video of him running 75 balls left handed, it was right after a 75 and out right handed.Many people believe Mosconi is just a player and he cannot match today's level of play. Nobody knows that. Who knows, if he lived today he might still be a world champion. But Mosconi is Mosconi, one of the greats. It is right to have memorial tournaments under his name.
That would be The Schmidt Challenge!The straight pool challenge at Street Light... good name for that would be The Mosconi Challenge...