Uh oh, I've officially hijacked the thread. Mt. Rushmore threads have a way of getting carried away!
For me it can't be just about pool greatness, because there are too many greats to whittle it down. How can I pick between Nick and Mike, or Ralf and Alex, etc. I have to pick those who for me made the most memorable impresssion, i.e. who not only played great but left a stamp on the game or on me personally.
The players of the modern era of pool that have impacted me the most personally are as follows (I couldn't pick just four):
Nick Varner.
Efren Reyes.
Ralf Soquet.
Shane Van Boening.
Alex P.
Honorable mention: Siming Chen, she's so amazing, I think she plays closer to the way pool should look than anyone!
There are literally dozens more that could earn their way on any top 5 list, from Rempe and Hall, to Filler and Shaw. I can't even list them all. So I can only list my personal favorites based on attitude and character.
PS- I'm good with your old timer list!