Nick’s Year
- Thread starter L.S. Dennis
- Start date
Nick said that when he showed up to a tournament that year (1989) he'd immediately check to see how much first place paid because he wanted to know how much he was going to make that week.
I believe he won something like 11 pf 22 pro tournaments that year.
IMO his name is not mentioned enough when the greatest all-around players ever are discussed.
I believe he won something like 11 pf 22 pro tournaments that year.
IMO his name is not mentioned enough when the greatest all-around players ever are discussed.
Last edited:
No matter how many times it comes up I'll never get tired of saying it: Nick Varner is my favorite of all time.
His attitude is transcendent. Positive, determined, humble, passionate, earnest. He didn't display any skill that looked superhuman, he just took what he had and with tremendous effort and a great attitude he developed it into a game that had a seat on the Mount Rushmore of champions from the late 1900s.
I learned so much from studying his games. He will never know the gift that he gave to me for leading the way. Thank you Nick.
His attitude is transcendent. Positive, determined, humble, passionate, earnest. He didn't display any skill that looked superhuman, he just took what he had and with tremendous effort and a great attitude he developed it into a game that had a seat on the Mount Rushmore of champions from the late 1900s.
I learned so much from studying his games. He will never know the gift that he gave to me for leading the way. Thank you Nick.
Agreed, besides a very high skill level at the game, Nick Varner personified the entire package of how quiet determination and effective emotional management can truly keep one on the path towards superior sports achievement. He rose above everyone else, in part, because he managed himself so effectively.
I've seen Nick do his exhibition twice here in Denver.
Once by him self and once with Karen Corr.
First class both times.
Also saw Earl Strickland,he was good but not quite as entertaining as Nick.
Once by him self and once with Karen Corr.
First class both times.
Also saw Earl Strickland,he was good but not quite as entertaining as Nick.
Nick has aged well, could be KY Bourbon.
He has been one of my favorite players, both in play style and mannerism, pretty much since I learned about pool. When I would try to show new players how to play "properly" I would point out Nick Varner along with Budddy as examples to study.
I mean when Efren was asked who he would pick as a doubles partner, he said he would pick Nick, he thought Nick was a very smart player. And I think they would get along great together. What a fun doubles team they would make.
That'll make your day! Haven't heard that before, very cool.
L.S. Dennis
Well-known member
Let’s not forget that Nick went over to the Philippines and beat Efren on his OWN TURF I believe it was back in the 89 when Nick was playing lights out that year. I wonder what the odds would be on the big board in Vegas on something like that happening? Admittedly it was just a one off but still,,,,
The first time I saw him was the Semi-Finals at the World Nine Ball 1991 against Johnny Archer. I remember they interviewed Earl and asked him who he liked? He said Archer because it looked like the two of them would match up all year. Then the ESPN camera cut to Billy I and asked him. He said I disagree. Varner will be very difficult to beat. No Kidding! He torched Archer. He was so calm except when the Ref called a couple of terrible fouls on him! I was a fan for life. I also remember thinking this Billy Incardona is pretty smart! 
L.S. Dennis
Well-known member
If I were teaching someone who had never played before, as far as proper stance at the table I would point to Kim Davenport. For just about everything else I would have him study Nick Varner. Nobody likes to lose but when you do you need to lose with respect for your opponent and lose with dignity. Nick Varner exemplified this to a T! Kind of like the old saying ” before you learn to win, you first have to learn how to lose”
I hope Nick is doing well,,,
I hope Nick is doing well,,,
Exactly right. Won virtually everything he entered in that amazing year!
What an unparalleled record he had that year. No player in the 170-year history of professional pool had ever accomplished a one-year record like that, and given the growth of our game worldwide -- with so many international world-class heavy hitters competing against each every year, I don't think it will ever even be possible for any player to have a single-year total like that again.
1989 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship
1989 Brunswick World Open 9-Ball Championship
1989 Rak'em Up 9-Ball Classic
1989 Knoxville 9-Ball Open
1989 Governors Cup 9-Ball
1989 Glass City Open 9-Ball
1989 Sands Regency Reno Open 9-Ball
1989 Golden 8-Ball Invitational
1989 Scranton Open 9-Ball
1989 Lexington All Star Open
1989 Akron Open 9-Ball
Arnaldo ~ Shorter in stature than many players, Nick was/is a giant at any pool table. Great role model for players of any height anywhere, and any present (highly-improvable) skill level.
Fun for them and those watching, you mean. Probably not so fun for any opponents.
Winning all those titles would be a tremendous accomplishment over an entire career by any pool player. Nick won 'em all in one year!
Last edited: