When Efren was a kid he used to sleep on a billiard table.. when Manny Pacquaio was a kid he used to sleep in the Boxing ring. These two grew up poor. But the passion for their sport made them Greatest Of All Time. Much Respect to these two amazingly Humble and Badass Filipinos..
I grew up in a bowling alley and bowled on the PBA and was also 6 time world pinball champion. Innate talent and where you grow up seem to be the keys to greatness.
I met an American guy who retired in the Philippines always boasting about how he met and watched Cesar Morales in his debut in America where he beat everyone easily with more than a 100 people in a tournament. Everyone was just shocked and mesmerized at how good and unique his style of playing was. He said Morales never hits the white ball in the center, it is always angled. All along that was Efren Reyes.
@@herbertnaive3431 it's true, he used a fake name before because no one wanted to compete with him 😅 they knew his name 'efren reyes' but haven't seen him play in person that's why it worked
In the 90's, Efren Reyes was in the way for the top Europeans Davis, Schmidt, Souquet, Americans Varner, Sigel, Davenport, Rempe, Morris, Strickland, Mizerak and Archer. I'm sure that this extraordinary field of players agree that he was the no.1 not by just being beaten by him in billiard circuits but they witnessed first-hand his stunning cue ball preparation as second to none, safety shots are not really safe for he can aggressively get away from any tough positions. In tournament level, he unleashed dynamic barrage of combination shots, kick safe, unheard-of 2-rail and even 3-rail kick shots, magic shots that stunned opponents, baffled live commentators and entertained audiences. It was evident that he has more weapons in his arsenal of techniques than his opponents. He topped the competition in terms of number of major contest won and amount of money won. He revolutionized the game of billiards because most of his shot selections was never attempted before in major competitions. and is the biggest influence to most upcoming pro player all over the world. He is the best billiard example of greatness and humbleness.
@@victorinaperez7484 I agree. Playing for Efren would be more of feelings in holding the cue and on the side of the ball or the rail that he is hitting, rather than verbal thoughts nor numbers.
Many years ago we were in a pool room in North Carolina. I don't remember the guy's name but we were watching him beat everyone all night. Effren came in and got a game with him. Effren went to the wall and grabbed a house cue without even looking at it. He then ran like 13 racks on the guy. Right after that a lot of people got into a bidding war trying to buy the house cue from the pool room.
Efren himself told us that in the Philippines, there are more Younger generations, who got the skills and can play toe to toe to those currently superstar player with titles in Billiards....
@Allen Mcclary who are you to argue with that maybe if you're rod Strickland but those great player never argue with it since they was beaten by reyes in a great fashion, he was never called a magician for nothing, you better watch the game where he defeated great pool player of this era..
@Allen Mcclary Efren Reyes plays several different discipline of billiards and in his prime he was better than anyone else. Among his numerous titles, Reyes is a four-time World Eight-Ball Champion, a three-time U.S. open winner, World Pool Leage Winner, 13-time Derby City Classic Winner, two-time World Cup of Pool Champion, five-time One Pocket Champion, etc.
Please allow me to add that Efren Bats Reyes revolutionized the game of pool. People see shots that were unthinkable before his time! The monicker , " The Magician ", says it all!
@@thomascarloeducalane170 Actually , Reyes brought grace and acceptability to Pool. He was the kind of character that made parents and their kids watched pool and had good time. His pool is entertaining, fascinating and educational.
Most players from and todays bests can do tricks that efren does in the tableTthe only diffrence is, efren is doin' it in the actual tournamnt. He even done it in a hill-hill championshp match. The REAL GOAT. salute
So god will bless a pool player but not stop child molesters, murderers and rapists. God needs to get some different priorities. Except there is no god and Efren developed his talent.
@@remlya I'm glad you asked me about why God let's all this jacked stuff go on in the world. 1. Like God; man has "free will" & God will not stop a lot of bad stuff happening because He gave "will" to us. 2. Though God gave earthly dominion to man; man keeps giving it back to Satan - who used to govern (with angels under him) this planet for God. Therefore Satan is the prince of this world: he and man's evil are the reason why all the bad happens. In His infinite wisdom GOD will intervene when He sees it to be done. Conditions will get worse ~ because He said it will, but worry not because He's ultimately in control & will come back to rule here as He's said.
They didnt let him play pool in the 70s and he switch to carom then they don let him enter the tournament by disqualified him so he comeback to play pool
Efren "Bata" Manalang Reyes OLD PLH (born August 26, 1954) is a Filipino professional pool player. A winner of over 70 international titles, Reyes was the first player to win world championships in two different pool disciplines. Among his numerous titles, Reyes is a four-time World Eight-ball champion, the 1999 WPA World Nine-ball Championship winner, a three-time U.S. Open winner, a two-time World Pool League winner, and a 14-time Derby City Classic winner. Reyes also represented the Philippines at the World Cup of Pool, winning the event with his partner Francisco Bustamante in 2006 and 2009. By defeating American player Earl Strickland in the inaugural Color of Money event in 1997, Reyes took home the largest single match purse in pool history of $100,000. Many analysts, fans, and players consider Reyes to be the greatest pool player of all time.[1]
Efren The Magician Reyes is truly a genius in billiard pool. Thank you very much for ranking him number 1 in the whole world. Well deserved recognition! He is our modern day national hero for bringing pride and honor to our country! Mabuhay!
This guy is amazing to watch. So humble and quiet but his incredible shots makes the loudest noise. He totally Respect the game and keeping everything professional, fun and exciting. Wish I could watch Mr. Reyes more in competition. Thanks Mr. Reyes for bringing glory with classic in the sport 👍🏆. The mark of a true CHAMPION 👏
Efren never played in tournaments before because lack of cash, he went for hustling( which earn him a lot) when he took tournaments seriously the money was already "big" & he made billiard big not only in the US but the whole world, he is truly the best pool player not only of his skill but promoted it & made it known to the world!
@@theobvuno he's not. Efren only won the US open once in 1995, that's the most prestigious nine ball tournament in the world. Earl strickland and Shane van boening hold the record with five US Open titles each.
@@FLINTMICHIGANMEGABOWL he also lost to Johnny archer, rodney Morris, and earl strickland in the finals of the US Open. These eften fan boys think he's never lost a match before, they are the most disillusional fan base ever
Efren can shoot using both hands. In the 1st rack of the finals (world 8ball championships) against carter, he used his left hand to pocket his 1st ball, and it was a long shot. What a legend.
Its one thing to perform a premade setup trick shot, its another to do one in an actual match. I've never seen a guy as bold as reyes to try a lot of ridiculous shots during a live match. I particularly liked the shot he made against the chinese where he aimed at the side pocket, there was no ball in that direction and he looked like he was pocketing the cue ball when it hit the sharp edge of the side pocket and the ball bounced 90 degrees from its original path and pocketed the intended ball in the corner pocket. And also the shot where the last ball hit the cue ball twice and went in the side pocket. That was insane! Everyone laughed when he said he was gonna pocket it on the side and everyone including me thought he was kidding because there was no possible shot. His creativity is unparalleled.
Efren Bata The GOAT!!! i also like Earl Strickland. he was so mean towards efren in their earlier matches, then can't help but show his respect when it was clear who was the better (& the best!) cue artist between them
These days Strickland have nothing but all respect now to Reyes now that they're both past their primes and playing farewell tours with (if tag teamed together) or against each other
I've watched countless Top 10 videos on just about everything. I have never seen a Top 10 video where there is literally no argument as to who #1 is. And I'm certainly not gonna argue either. The Magician is the GOAT.
Someone complements his game, he just smiles and says he's lucky. Yeah, lucky you were born with more pool ability in your little finger than most of us have in our whole body.
@@vincentward2335 ,hustlers like Efren develop the skill of berating themselves to attract more money games...bragging is for the weak, and Efren truly understand and learn those stuff from players ahead of his time while he was lurking down on billiard pools in suburbs...
Yes, Bustamante should be on the list. But the reason I guess why he wasn't included, is because only top 10 were named in the list, and I believe they couldn't have left out some names to include him.
True I saw him as a youngest in San Antonio area I was 18years old . He was ok but like you said he played under rated players . Watched him play Willie Masconi. He whipped him bad .
Totally agree. Fats was a great character and by all reports a great hustler, but Irving Crane was a way greater player than Fats. Hell, Steve Mizerak was not only a better player, he was fatter!
I thought Earl Strictland is the best but according to him Efren Reyes was the best player , he even said that he learned from Efren in all the games that they played.
@@BladeRunner-td8be Exactly if were talking best nine ball player its earl the pearl but if its best pool or billiards player its Efren. I tried to watch as much of his pool matches on youtube to say otherwise but I just dont see anyone better overall.
Both of those guys are great and it’s tough to choose one… Earl had it all, and Efren was the Magician.. Sorry to burst your bubble, guys, but Buddy would beat both of them playing 9-ball.. He’s the greatest 9-ball player, ever..
Efren Reyes is truly the GOAT. He is a tactical genius. Sees shots nobody can. He would take shots no one would dare nor can do. He made his shots look so easy. You will never get bored watching him play.
Reyes is not a great potter that's his only flaw. The players today seem to be slightly better than the players ages ago. The same is true in darts but not in every sport. I believe had the best snooker player taken up billiards they would have been the best. Cliff Thorburn tried pool but his I.Q. is on the low side for thinking.
@@poypoy8788 Truthfully the only pool player that could make balls on the 6x12 foot snooker tables was Steve Mizerak. He was the only one. Meaning Steve Mizerak would be a much better potter on a pool table than Reyes.
And he did all those shots in actual tournament play, several of them in championship games and big money on the line. All the others took shots during exhibitions. Reyes has nerves of steel, he's not afraid to take those shots. That's why he's the GOAT.
You are the first person that I have found that your selection of top 10 are spot on with an American deciding top ten your the only one I have found that put Efran as #1 is not only fair but a fact he is the best and most often if Americans do give him credit its grudgingly given and always with a caveat. He's humbling a great joy to watch and learn from. I wish I had his carector in all aspects of my life. Thank you 👍
I respectfully disagree with your statement. Not the statement that Efren Reyes is the greatest, but that "if Americans do give him credit its grudgingly given..." I worked in a pool hall in the early 90's in central California USA where a few "real" players occasionally came through. I never saw him or saw him play, but Efren Reyes was already being considered as one of the greatest players then. I know for certain that he was highly respected in my pool room. Now in 2022, I really don't think anybody disagrees with the statement that he is the all-time greatest, even in the United States. There are certainly other names offered for the best 9-ball player of all time, but even most of us dumb U.S. Americans would agree that Efren is the best overall pool player, ever. There is literally nobody you would rather watch play than him. Also, he spells his name E-F-R-E-N, respectfully. #BataTheGoat
From the list, I only knew (except from Reyes) Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer, Mike "The Mouth" Sigel, and Earl "The Pearl" Strickland. I also consider other great pool players (with whom Efren had competed) like Mika "The Iceman" Immonen, Ralf "The Kaiser" Souquet, Nick "Kentucky Colonel" Varner, and Jim 'King James" Rempe, just to name a few (unfortunately not listed here). These pool players are great - no doubt. But while they make difficult shots, Efren makes impossible shots. While they wow the audience and earn their claps, Efren gets their heads shake while clapping in amazement, smiling and laughing. That's why he was called "The Magician". And that's what separates him from all the greats. My hats off to all in the list.
Sigel, Varner, and Strickland all have winning records against Efren in tournament play, and Nick traveled to the Philippines in the early 1990's and beat Efren 60 to 47.
@@9Ballrthose pool players you had mentioned was miles away far behind of greatness and milestone achievements compare to the real GOAT OF POOL NONE OTHER THAN EFREN "MAGICIAN" REYES
People forget that Reyes won over 70 international tournaments, as well as the very first player to win World Champoonships in TWO disciplines. And of course a highlight reel person. He's really the Michael Jordan of billiards: he's taking clutch and unforgettable shots WHILE ALSO WINNING.
@@frankgregory8891 When it comes to US Open, he won it in 1994 and appeared in the Finals from 94-97. He won the World Title in 99. And this is just the 9 ball. He also won the US Open in One-Pocket and the World Title for 8 ball, for example.
When I was young, I didn't know that Efren "Bata" Reyes is the best pool player in the world, Tho. I always heard his name being mention during our AP class as a very talented 'Billiard Player' in our country which is the Philippines. I am really glad that I was able to witness his greatness in today's generation.
professional players most of the time go for the best and easiest way to win the game with proper positioning and bold safety plays,but efren is a class on his own with his' risky shot particularly the kick shot and the most popular one, the Z shot.
Efren got real balls by taking risks at any level of the game, may it be the last rack of a championship match or anything that looks 0.00001% chance of getting it that any pro could never even dare consider
He is NOT humble, just a quiet player. Don't mistake that with humility. In games that he lost, in a lot of them, he almost didn't even shook hands to the hopponent a the end o the match, in some he did i with disdaind and didn' even looked at the other player. Fake humble. Be ware of dogs that don't bark and men that are to quiet.
Thank you for the best Recognition to our One and a nly Efren Bata Reyes the most exciting Pool players in history.All the best shots he made was magical but he earned it with a lot of passion dedication hardwork and perseverance.He had a lot of struggles before he become one of the best but his humility was amazing that's how he became the most brilliant pool player ever.
Visiting the United States of America to play billiards is always my #1 dream since I was a little boy and to be honest, this video makes me feel sad because Shane Van Boening isn't included here but I'm still feeling glad because Efren Reyes is #1 here. Never mind, I would like to start playing billiards when I turn 21 next year, so I could represent my country Malaysia (the country that is only known for badminton, thanks to Lee Chong Wei) in the US Open 9-Ball Championship someday! ✊
I can't be the only one that comes back to this video every few weeks to here about Efren and smile he's just been so good for the game and has the personality of a King awesome human being and he elevates everyone around him
my dad is 63 he said he never seen someone like Efren and he is a Mosconi fan. he love both so he dont engage in goat topics but im sure he knows who is #1 haha
WOW. I’m from the Philippines. I’ve heard of Efren Reyes of course as a great pool player. But I never thought that he was regarded as the best in the world of all time. This is amazing.
I really did fast forward to see if efren is on the top. I am not disappointed. The precision The finesse The angles Everything is mindblowing. Just wow.
I admire Efren, his skill.in pool is amazing..I enjoy watching this man shoot his stick..such an amazingly talented man.. love watching this man shoot 🎱 ...
From 2 to number 10 they were excellent players .!! The magician is a different animal this guy is from Mars 👽. He is like Michael Jordan, Pelé, or Muhammad Ali, !! it won't be another one like them !!
My father is the finest teacher I’ve ever met. As a young teen I traveled with my Dad for his work and on one occasion I sat and watched as an opponent ran 5 racks of nine ball to start the session for a 100 bucks a rack. This was in 1970 so the pot was big enough and after the 5th rack my dad asked the gentleman if he would mind if he quit. They exchanged smiles shook hands and his opponent bought the drinks. I saw dad win most matches but never learned more than the day he was beaten. There is only one way to play pool win or lose and if your not doing that you’ve lost before the lag. Thanks for the vid and dredging up fond memories.
Minnesota Fats (Rudy Wanderone) is listed by people that don't know pool players very well. He was good at hustling and even better at talking a great game, but he wasn't in the same league as the championship winners.
Way back 2015 The humble oldman Efren Reyes visited my hometown CEBu Philippines when he was invited by our municipal mayor .. and he participated for a friendly match againnst 10 top pool player in our town , he had to play against 10 players in one match in different pools . And the match moderator even offered 10k pesos or 200$ for those who can beat Efren on that match .. unfortunately no one of them bagged the money as Efren beat them all.. but the humble man gave each one of them consolation prizes worth 2000 pesos just for participating that friendly match .. he is very humble despite of the recognition that the world has given to him.. he is the GOAT in billiards and earned more than 5million$ in his 20+years career .. but he preferred to be humble despite of those achievements .. one good thing about this man also was the fact that I never saw him show disappointments thru his face despite losses instead he is smiling in all of his games .. that's made him the greatest of all time.
I don't know enough about the older players to make this claim, but no way Johnny Archer is on this list over SVB, even right now. SVB prolly beats out some of these old timers too. In the 2010s, SVB won 40 something tournaments, more than double the amount of tournaments won in 2nd. But yeah, Efren at 1 is a given.
Relax, bustamante is not even on the list so other players should line up behind Bustie. Personally, bustie deserves to be on this list. The 2000-2003 bustamante (prime) was a beast.
When Efren was a kid he used to sleep on a billiard table.. when Manny Pacquaio was a kid he used to sleep in the Boxing ring. These two grew up poor. But the passion for their sport made them Greatest Of All Time. Much Respect to these two amazingly Humble and Badass Filipinos..
I grew up in a bowling alley and bowled on the PBA and was also 6 time world pinball champion. Innate talent and where you grow up seem to be the keys to greatness.
@@parkerbohnn left handed Bowler?
@@FishersOfMen57 That's the one.
My neighbor slept on his bed when he was a kid. Now hes bedridden. What a goat
I 've been trying everything to be good in bowling but not getting any better. Now I know why, I should have slept in the bowling alley
I cant help but tear up while watching Efren and realizing he's getting older. He reminds me so much of my childhood days.. Long live Magician!
I feel the same sir. And i have not seen him in person yet 😢😢😢
Is he retired?
@@trustygaming3148 yap he is. I think he's on his 70-80
The great Mark Roth died this year in bowling. Keith Waples in horse racing died this year at age 97. Roth was only 70.
@@trustygaming3148 Yes sir in international games. But he is still playing money games here in the Philippines with disadvantage.
I met an American guy who retired in the Philippines always boasting about how he met and watched Cesar Morales in his debut in America where he beat everyone easily with more than a 100 people in a tournament.
Everyone was just shocked and mesmerized at how good and unique his style of playing was.
He said Morales never hits the white ball in the center, it is always angled.
All along that was Efren Reyes.
That was in Houston at a place called Reds
What? How true it is?
@@herbertnaive3431 it's true, he used a fake name before because no one wanted to compete with him 😅 they knew his name 'efren reyes' but haven't seen him play in person that's why it worked
He changed the way the game of pool is being played..
Buddy hall beat eften out of five thousand dollars at Reds in Houston when efren first came to the United states
To pull out such difficult and magnificent shots fearlessly in every championship matches really made Efren the GOAT.
Efren has the most courage in tournament play and he is the most humble. Rare combination. Class act from what I have seen.
Thanks🇵🇭🇵🇭🇵🇭
@@Zach-gx5xw the compliment is for Efren. Not you.
@@delacroixii too much patriotism
@@delacroixii no one Care
He got lucky lol
In the 90's, Efren Reyes was in the way for the top
Europeans Davis, Schmidt, Souquet, Americans Varner, Sigel, Davenport, Rempe,
Morris, Strickland, Mizerak and Archer. I'm sure that this extraordinary field of players
agree that he was the no.1 not by just being beaten by him in billiard
circuits but they witnessed first-hand his stunning cue ball preparation as
second to none, safety shots are not really safe for he can aggressively get
away from any tough positions. In tournament level, he unleashed dynamic barrage
of combination shots, kick safe, unheard-of 2-rail and even 3-rail kick shots, magic shots that
stunned opponents, baffled live commentators and entertained audiences. It was evident that he has more weapons in his arsenal of techniques than his opponents. He topped the competition in terms of number of major contest won and amount of money won. He
revolutionized the game of billiards because most of his shot selections was never attempted before in major competitions. and is the biggest influence to most
upcoming pro player all over the world. He is the best billiard example of
greatness and humbleness.
And he said “i’m just being lucky!!!!” Hahahha
Amen.
he learn his magic shots from newbie fluke shots. lolz
Well said!
Such a goofy looking guy earned the name "magician"
Absolutely amazing
Efren is a master of geometry. his calculation to bounce the ball on multiple angles is the most superb that no one else until now came close
Physics would be more of it than just geometry- inertia, momentum, elastic collision, resolution of vectors ...
My daughter's physics teacher taught them the physics of collisions in the pool hall. 😃
That said, Efren Reyes would not be able to explain them because his talent/skill is intuitive.
@@victorinaperez7484 I agree. Playing for Efren would be more of feelings in holding the cue and on the side of the ball or the rail that he is hitting, rather than verbal thoughts nor numbers.
Very well said my friend, Efren is the hustler of all hustlers
Love Philippines, such an interesting country and gave us the greatest pool player. Love from Brazil ❤
no it isn't
Perhaps I'm an filipino and I'm telling facts
@@nikelikesike1891 huh
Love Brazil, such interesting and beautiful/sexy girls in Ipanema, Leblon, Copacabana beach. Love from the Philippines.
Thanks amigos. We love brazil
Many years ago we were in a pool room in North Carolina. I don't remember the guy's name but we were watching him beat everyone all night. Effren came in and got a game with him. Effren went to the wall and grabbed a house cue without even looking at it. He then ran like 13 racks on the guy. Right after that a lot of people got into a bidding war trying to buy the house cue from the pool room.
Nice experience brother..
Damn. So Efren just grabbed a cue stick and was like "Alright mortals, it's show time.".
@@jong-jongspeaks4224 Pretty much. I tried the same thing and it didn't work out nearly as well for me...
I never heard that one. thanks for sharing!
The goat!!!!
Efren himself told us that in the Philippines, there are more Younger generations, who got the skills and can play toe to toe to those currently superstar player with titles in Billiards....
You can argue about the rankings of players 2 through 10 on this list, but you can't argue with #1.
@Allen Mcclary who are you to argue with that maybe if you're rod Strickland but those great player never argue with it since they was beaten by reyes in a great fashion, he was never called a magician for nothing, you better watch the game where he defeated great pool player of this era..
I give Efren #2 and Ronnie O'Sullivan is my favorite. Just my opinion.
@Allen Mcclary Efren Reyes plays several different discipline of billiards and in his prime he was better than anyone else. Among his numerous titles, Reyes is a four-time World Eight-Ball Champion, a three-time U.S. open winner, World Pool Leage Winner, 13-time Derby City Classic Winner, two-time World Cup of Pool Champion, five-time One Pocket Champion, etc.
@@benedictvalenzuela6141 You have brainmissing disease!!!
Go away, and don't come back another day!
@@michaeloxenreider5202 O sullivan is a snooker player not pool
Please allow me to add that Efren Bats Reyes revolutionized the game of pool. People see shots that were unthinkable before his time!
The monicker , " The Magician ", says it all!
@Allen Mcclary If he did not revolutionized it, then maybe, he " magicalized" it.
What do you think?
@@thomascarloeducalane170
Actually , Reyes brought grace and acceptability to Pool. He was the kind of character that made parents and their kids watched pool and had good time. His pool is entertaining, fascinating and educational.
@@WeCube1898 That " parents and their kids watched together and had a good time", really hit the mark!
Do you believe Efren bata Reyes, the mentor of current World champion Carlo biado
Most players from and todays bests can do tricks that efren does in the tableTthe only diffrence is, efren is doin' it in the actual tournamnt. He even done it in a hill-hill championshp match. The REAL GOAT. salute
Watching Bata play from the sidelines or screen is amazing, but playing him is even more AMAZING! GOD has truly blessed this athlete!
So god will bless a pool player but not stop child molesters, murderers and rapists. God needs to get some different priorities. Except there is no god and Efren developed his talent.
@@remlya everything good that is developed is ONLY by God (Christ) saying so. And are you saying that Bata is a molester???
@@lenchonegro5567 ignore him dude is your typical christian that brings up religion for no reason lol
@@remlya I'm glad you asked me about why God let's all this jacked stuff go on in the world. 1. Like God; man has "free will" & God will not stop a lot of bad stuff happening because He gave "will" to us. 2. Though God gave earthly dominion to man; man keeps giving it back to Satan - who used to govern (with angels under him) this planet for God. Therefore Satan is the prince of this world: he and man's evil are the reason why all the bad happens. In His infinite wisdom GOD will intervene when He sees it to be done. Conditions will get worse ~ because He said it will, but worry not because He's ultimately in control & will come back to rule here as He's said.
@@lenchonegro5567 bruh you just made that Micheal guy shut up lol
Efren uses an alias in his early days in the US just so opponents wont back out off the game...WHO DOES THAT?!? undeniably, the GOAT.🐐 love from Perth
Correct and he used the alias 'Cesar Morales'
Lots and lots of players on the road back then used an alias.
Damn. Seriously?? The guy is GOATED!
He is the greatest pool hustler.. specially on the 70’s and 80’s
They didnt let him play pool in the 70s and he switch to carom then they don let him enter the tournament by disqualified him so he comeback to play pool
Efren "Bata" Manalang Reyes OLD PLH (born August 26, 1954) is a Filipino professional pool player. A winner of over 70 international titles, Reyes was the first player to win world championships in two different pool disciplines. Among his numerous titles, Reyes is a four-time World Eight-ball champion, the 1999 WPA World Nine-ball Championship winner, a three-time U.S. Open winner, a two-time World Pool League winner, and a 14-time Derby City Classic winner. Reyes also represented the Philippines at the World Cup of Pool, winning the event with his partner Francisco Bustamante in 2006 and 2009. By defeating American player Earl Strickland in the inaugural Color of Money event in 1997, Reyes took home the largest single match purse in pool history of $100,000. Many analysts, fans, and players consider Reyes to be the greatest pool player of all time.[1]
💗✨😭
Correction it's $500k
I thought it was $500,000?
Efren bagged 500k on 8ball championship event.. he defeated Rodney Morris.
a three-time U.S. Open winner,.....Incorrect. Reyes has won 1 US 9ball Open.
It was my personal privilege to have played Efren!!!!! I have also played Lori John Jones…. What a sport!
I would like to play with her too.
“Played with” is the term
care to elaborate when and where? so jealous
@@randyquench8731 Huntsville , AL at two local pool halls
@@vebnew damn nice! i'm filipino and i never even met efren yet
when you fast forward just to confirm efren is on top. 💜
me i don't even know the top 9 lol haha
Same 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Hahaha same here 😆
Yeah
Yes!😂
Nobody will argue to the number 1 Efren Reyes (The Magician). The most humble pool player among the list
Efren The Magician Reyes is truly a genius in billiard pool. Thank you very much for ranking him number 1 in the whole world. Well deserved recognition! He is our modern day national hero for bringing pride and honor to our country! Mabuhay!
HaHa!
This guy is amazing to watch. So humble and quiet but his incredible shots makes the loudest noise. He totally Respect the game and keeping everything professional, fun and exciting. Wish I could watch Mr. Reyes more in competition. Thanks Mr. Reyes for bringing glory with classic in the sport 👍🏆. The mark of a true CHAMPION 👏
Efren never played in tournaments before because lack of cash, he went for hustling( which earn him a lot) when he took tournaments seriously the money was already "big" & he made billiard big not only in the US but the whole world, he is truly the best pool player not only of his skill but promoted it & made it known to the world!
professional players are lucky to win derby city classic 2 times but efren won an unprecedented 14 times. meaning he is the hustler of all hustlers
he is also a 5 time world champion
He was born to pool thats why
@@theobvuno he's not. Efren only won the US open once in 1995, that's the most prestigious nine ball tournament in the world. Earl strickland and Shane van boening hold the record with five US Open titles each.
So what?? Reyes He lost the 1994 nine ball us open to Pierce 11-6.
@@FLINTMICHIGANMEGABOWL he also lost to Johnny archer, rodney Morris, and earl strickland in the finals of the US Open. These eften fan boys think he's never lost a match before, they are the most disillusional fan base ever
This is one video we all knew the ending but still watched it till the end. Long live the GOAT.
Efren can shoot using both hands. In the 1st rack of the finals (world 8ball championships) against carter, he used his left hand to pocket his 1st ball, and it was a long shot. What a legend.
Its one thing to perform a premade setup trick shot, its another to do one in an actual match. I've never seen a guy as bold as reyes to try a lot of ridiculous shots during a live match. I particularly liked the shot he made against the chinese where he aimed at the side pocket, there was no ball in that direction and he looked like he was pocketing the cue ball when it hit the sharp edge of the side pocket and the ball bounced 90 degrees from its original path and pocketed the intended ball in the corner pocket. And also the shot where the last ball hit the cue ball twice and went in the side pocket. That was insane! Everyone laughed when he said he was gonna pocket it on the side and everyone including me thought he was kidding because there was no possible shot. His creativity is unparalleled.
That's right..World champions jump the ball, the GOAT bends it
Efren Bata The GOAT!!!
i also like Earl Strickland. he was so mean towards efren in their earlier matches, then can't help but show his respect when it was clear who was the better (& the best!) cue artist between them
These days Strickland have nothing but all respect now to Reyes now that they're both past their primes and playing farewell tours with (if tag teamed together) or against each other
Real trick player is the Magician because he did most of them during official games. Others were recorded videos that were practiced repeatedly.
absolutely correct
Correct!!!
Factss
yeah that's Realtalk. You have to have balls to take every crucial shot that efren did in most of tournament.
Indeed
I've watched countless Top 10 videos on just about everything. I have never seen a Top 10 video where there is literally no argument as to who #1 is. And I'm certainly not gonna argue either. The Magician is the GOAT.
I am sure Efren would contest. He will insist he is just lucky.
True.lol
Someone complements his game, he just smiles and says he's lucky. Yeah, lucky you were born with more pool ability in your little finger than most of us have in our whole body.
@@vincentward2335 ,hustlers like Efren develop the skill of berating themselves to attract more money games...bragging is for the weak, and Efren truly understand and learn those stuff from players ahead of his time while he was lurking down on billiard pools in suburbs...
@@rexatienzajr.8845 Oh you really know his story well.. Bet you've watched his documentary
He is humble and self effacing.the very qualities that make him the GOAT!
Efren is definitely number one he can play any games at a high level so I have to completely agree with this list.
Efren Bata Reyes " The Magician" The Goat
Minnesota Fats was more a character than a great player. Francisco Bustamante should definitely be on the list.
Yes, Bustamante should be on the list. But the reason I guess why he wasn't included, is because only top 10 were named in the list, and I believe they couldn't have left out some names to include him.
True I saw him as a youngest in San Antonio area I was 18years old .
He was ok but like you said he played under rated players . Watched him play Willie Masconi. He whipped him bad .
Totally agree. Fats was a great character and by all reports a great hustler, but Irving Crane was a way greater player than Fats. Hell, Steve Mizerak was not only a better player, he was fatter!
Fats couldn't play. Period.
@@ChengManChing Irving Crane was before my time. He was from Rochester NY, I believe. I've heard it said he was the greatest safety player there was.
I thought Earl Strictland is the best but according to him Efren Reyes was the best player , he even said that he learned from Efren in all the games that they played.
Ronnie O' Sullivan said that Efren is The greatest.
Overall Reyes was definitely stronger than Strickland. Earl imo is the best 9 ball player of all time though. Reyes was close however. Cheers
@@BladeRunner-td8be Exactly if were talking best nine ball player its earl the pearl but if its best pool or billiards player its Efren. I tried to watch as much of his pool matches on youtube to say otherwise but I just dont see anyone better overall.
Well reyes defeated him in race to 120 in 1997.. 120-117 the final score . And even legends considers him as the greatest.
Both of those guys are great and it’s tough to choose one… Earl had it all, and Efren was the Magician..
Sorry to burst your bubble, guys, but Buddy would beat both of them playing 9-ball.. He’s the greatest 9-ball player, ever..
Efren Reyes is truly the GOAT. He is a tactical genius. Sees shots nobody can. He would take shots no one would dare nor can do. He made his shots look so easy. You will never get bored watching him play.
The man did his trick shot on high stake tournament
I always thought that Willie Moscone was the best pool player in the world but after watching Efren Reyes play I sure changed my mind.
Moscone was in his day. Efren was in his day.
He is called The Magician the GOAT ✅🏅🤩💰
Reyes is not a great potter that's his only flaw. The players today seem to be slightly better than the players ages ago. The same is true in darts but not in every sport. I believe had the best snooker player taken up billiards they would have been the best. Cliff Thorburn tried pool but his I.Q. is on the low side for thinking.
@@parkerbohnn surely you didn't see efren on his prime... try to watch his early years when he's young his potting skills is second to none
@@poypoy8788 Truthfully the only pool player that could make balls on the 6x12 foot snooker tables was Steve Mizerak. He was the only one. Meaning Steve Mizerak would be a much better potter on a pool table than Reyes.
Not fair. Efren is a magician, of course he'll be the GOAT.
efren is in different level so entertaining
And he did all those shots in actual tournament play, several of them in championship games and big money on the line. All the others took shots during exhibitions. Reyes has nerves of steel, he's not afraid to take those shots. That's why he's the GOAT.
*Efren "Bata" Reyes*
*THE LEGEND* YES! RISE TO THE MAGICIAN!!,
#1 spot No Questions, No Doubt
Earl has the best stroke, Efren the best mind. Efren makes shots others can't even imagine.
Lucky also
He got a luckin'
@@anastaciogriego9279
EFREN'S HUMILITY SUPERSEDES his GREATNESS. A TRUE GENTLEMAN in SPORTS 👏👏👏.
You are the first person that I have found that your selection of top 10 are spot on with an American deciding top ten your the only one I have found that put Efran as #1 is not only fair but a fact he is the best and most often if Americans do give him credit its grudgingly given and always with a caveat. He's humbling a great joy to watch and learn from. I wish I had his carector in all aspects of my life. Thank you 👍
yours is the best comment for me..
#BATA the GOAT
I respectfully disagree with your statement. Not the statement that Efren Reyes is the greatest, but that "if Americans do give him credit its grudgingly given..." I worked in a pool hall in the early 90's in central California USA where a few "real" players occasionally came through. I never saw him or saw him play, but Efren Reyes was already being considered as one of the greatest players then. I know for certain that he was highly respected in my pool room.
Now in 2022, I really don't think anybody disagrees with the statement that he is the all-time greatest, even in the United States. There are certainly other names offered for the best 9-ball player of all time, but even most of us dumb U.S. Americans would agree that Efren is the best overall pool player, ever. There is literally nobody you would rather watch play than him.
Also, he spells his name E-F-R-E-N, respectfully. #BataTheGoat
@@raysoutsideplace The top 10 are all American except Efren Reyes? How about the Europeans or from UK? Just asking.
From the list, I only knew (except from Reyes) Johnny "The Scorpion" Archer, Mike "The Mouth" Sigel, and Earl "The Pearl" Strickland. I also consider other great pool players (with whom Efren had competed) like Mika "The Iceman" Immonen, Ralf "The Kaiser" Souquet, Nick "Kentucky Colonel" Varner, and Jim 'King James" Rempe, just to name a few (unfortunately not listed here). These pool players are great - no doubt. But while they make difficult shots, Efren makes impossible shots. While they wow the audience and earn their claps, Efren gets their heads shake while clapping in amazement, smiling and laughing. That's why he was called "The Magician". And that's what separates him from all the greats. My hats off to all in the list.
Sigel, Varner, and Strickland all have winning records against Efren in tournament play, and Nick traveled to the Philippines in the early 1990's and beat Efren 60 to 47.
@@9Ballr sorry but Efren is *THE GOAT* no one does like him
@@9Ballrthose pool players you had mentioned was miles away far behind of greatness and milestone achievements compare to the real GOAT OF POOL NONE OTHER THAN EFREN "MAGICIAN" REYES
Even Google says whos the most undisputed player. "Efren Manalang Reyes"
People forget that Reyes won over 70 international tournaments, as well as the very first player to win World Champoonships in TWO disciplines. And of course a highlight reel person. He's really the Michael Jordan of billiards: he's taking clutch and unforgettable shots WHILE ALSO WINNING.
Also 14 derby classics
How many US opens and World pool titles?
@@frankgregory8891 When it comes to US Open, he won it in 1994 and appeared in the Finals from 94-97. He won the World Title in 99. And this is just the 9 ball. He also won the US Open in One-Pocket and the World Title for 8 ball, for example.
@@frankgregory8891 3 US open and 5 world championship titles
Michael Jordan is the Efren Reyes of Basketball
When I was young, I didn't know that Efren "Bata" Reyes is the best pool player in the world, Tho. I always heard his name being mention during our AP class as a very talented 'Billiard Player' in our country which is the Philippines. I am really glad that I was able to witness his greatness in today's generation.
Efren exudes the qualities of a real champion: humility amidst superb skills.
THE greatest player to ever walk planet earth...Efren "The Magician" Reyes🎱
Wake up.
@@eclipsesolar8345 Brain up!
@@eclipsesolar8345 Apparently, you can't fathom TRUTH!!!
Did you happen to even watch this, Chim-Chim?
@Allen Mcclary Really?
Show me where Efren Reyes is the 35th greatest pool player ever???
BWAAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA HAA!!!😆😅😂
You're funny!!!😁
@Allen Mcclary You're not EVEN close to knowing what pool is...obviously!
professional players most of the time go for the best and easiest way to win the game with proper positioning and bold safety plays,but efren is a class on his own with his' risky shot particularly the kick shot and the most popular one, the Z shot.
Z shot was luck he was just trying to hit it.Luck when you make it.
@@frankgregory8891 thats why he always said I'm just lucky😂😂😂 very humble person😂😂😂
@@frankgregory8891 there's no luck invovled when ur the goat
@@fionabrown9905 agree to that 🥰 he really is a very humble person 🥰💕
Ralf Souquet deserves to be on this list, he has won championships throughout the world. Efren Reyes deserves #1.
I agree he should be in top 10
Ralf should be in the top 10! Gotta show tough love to some European players. Most of them in this list are Americans whom Ralf can beat.
ImmonenHohhman,
Efren got real balls by taking risks at any level of the game, may it be the last rack of a championship match or anything that looks 0.00001% chance of getting it that any pro could never even dare consider
I totally agree with this video. Efren truly is the greatest pool player that ever lived.
Wow as in wow, from 10 to 2 are all american, except for the 1 spot, from Mexico, pampanga, Philippines, the MAGICIAN, EFREN BATA REYES
What do you think, this guy is an American dude
EfrenReyes a humble man ,amagician ,u deserve to b a champion
He is NOT humble, just a quiet player. Don't mistake that with humility. In games that he lost, in a lot of them, he almost didn't even shook hands to the hopponent a the end o the match, in some he did i with disdaind and didn' even looked at the other player. Fake humble. Be ware of dogs that don't bark and men that are to quiet.
@@eclipsesolar8345 hahaha. your category for being humble is shaking hands? what a imbecile
When you truly love something and comity and work harder than everyone else magic will just happen!!! Rgn
You can be humble but be upset too you know.
@@eclipsesolar8345 In other words u r just a hater who can't accept greatness
EBR is the greatest of all time
The one and only
Fact
Exactly✨✨✨
Thank you for the best Recognition to our One and a nly Efren Bata Reyes the most exciting Pool players in history.All the best shots he made was magical but he earned it with a lot of passion dedication hardwork and perseverance.He had a lot of struggles before he become one of the best but his humility was amazing that's how he became the most brilliant pool player ever.
It seems to me that HUMILTY is one of the best qualities of real GOATs like Efren "Bata" Reyes.
Earl has recently, and surprisingly, won the fan award for greatest commentator of all time! Check out the Billiard Network!
He's an amazing commentator. He brings a lot of knowledge and experience to the game!
Hahaha
I think if Efren wasn’t number one in this video this comment section would blow up.
Ahahaha🐐
just like putting lebron above jordan lmao
😂😂😂
American🇺🇸: Strictland should be the FIRST, efren is not an american so he isnt the best. This is ridiculous! This is an American Game!!!
😂😂😂
@@fredkyowa4905 really, what a shame... American pool game played by americans...but defeated by a humble Filipino...
Efren Reyes is the GOAT when it comes to Billiard games...
I suggest you look up Walter Lindrum.
Visiting the United States of America to play billiards is always my #1 dream since I was a little boy and to be honest, this video makes me feel sad because Shane Van Boening isn't included here but I'm still feeling glad because Efren Reyes is #1 here. Never mind, I would like to start playing billiards when I turn 21 next year, so I could represent my country Malaysia (the country that is only known for badminton, thanks to Lee Chong Wei) in the US Open 9-Ball Championship someday! ✊
Everyone still arguing who is the GOAT in other sports. But in pool, Efren just sits there on his throne, no questions asked.
How many titles has he won? All around he is the Greatest but Earl is the most impressive.
@@frankgregory8891 bro.. like bro. He was not called "THE MAGICIAN" for nothing lol🤣
@@frankgregory8891 I think it's 70plus major title correct me if I'm wrong
@@frankgregory8891 Earl has only 50 bruh
Yeah it’s lebron
So these are the top 9 US players and Efren...
😂😂
9 Americans vs 1 Filipino, hahahaha.
🤣
I think bustamante derserves to be on this list. 2000-2003 bustamante was a beast.
I loved watching this. ThankYou so much for allowing us to view this and other pool games & tournaments. 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🎱
I can't be the only one that comes back to this video every few weeks to here about Efren and smile he's just been so good for the game and has the personality of a King awesome human being and he elevates everyone around him
Wow thanks sir Efren Bata Reyes was the top number 1 player of all times..... Godbless
14:05. Enough said. I loved pool growing up in the 80s and 90’s and was a hustler myself. Efren would of been somebody I used my brain as a sponge for
Still love Mosconi....but I"m an old guy (57 years old)...but I'll admit - Reyes is beyond amazing.
my dad is 63 he said he never seen someone like Efren and he is a Mosconi fan. he love both so he dont engage in goat topics but im sure he knows who is #1 haha
@@theobvu Based on some other vids of him...I would have to say Efren is measurably better than Mosconi. This guy bends the laws of physics....
Efren, is considered G. O. A. T, according to his colleagues. Take note "pro".
everytime efren plays it will be legendary..and the way his eyes changes when he's about to shoot is epic
I admire efren not only for his
Pocketing and preparation.
And also for his legendary
Kicksafe
WOW. I’m from the Philippines. I’ve heard of Efren Reyes of course as a great pool player. But I never thought that he was regarded as the best in the world of all time. This is amazing.
Pool god - efren reyes
Narrator: ...they ooze elegance and finesse.
Earl Strickland: Hold my Prozac.
Efren Reyes is The Undisputed GOAT of Pool! 🎱🥇😃 Is Efren your favorite player. Where you from?
Haha, his not a goat, he's a human...
I really did fast forward to see if efren is on the top.
I am not disappointed.
The precision
The finesse
The angles
Everything is mindblowing.
Just wow.
I remember watching Reyes and parica go at it during the '80s. Thought Jose should be on the list
When it comes to any other sports there's always a debate who's the goat. But when it comes to billiards, hands down efren is the goat.
Yeah no one but REYES
When it comes to the GOAT conversation, yah Reyes is the only one I know.
EFREN "THE GOAT" REYES!!!
Efren Reyes, El "Rey" de Billar.
Efren Reyes is the GOAT
2nd for me is Strickland
makes me extremely proud on being a Filipino. Salamat, Efren!
And Efren also won the biggest prizes on pro billiards.
Check the TPA Earl beat him by 1 point in the Hong Kong Challenge.
USD500K in 8ball Championship
@@frankgregory8891 so that egotistical maniac is your goat. Not even close bruh. Try again
Efren Reyes un verdadero Master.
Even before clicking this video, I knew who's number 1.
I'm here to check the no.1 spot... And I'm not disappointed.
I admire Efren, his skill.in pool is amazing..I enjoy watching this man shoot his stick..such an amazingly
talented man.. love watching this man shoot 🎱 ...
I just discovered the greatness of the one they called the magician.. guy is amazing.
Efren's Z-shot will remain in pool's history forever. No wonder he's No.1!
Yeah, and silly Earl called it luck.
That was luck he was just trying to hit it.....almost everyone has fluked a shot just like that one.
@@frankgregory8891 yeah that one counts as luck, but that shoting at the edge of the pocket to put 1ball in the corner was epic!
Good video. But you need more advertisements. 9 isn't enough.
😂🤣🎱
Pay for UA-cam and you won't get the ads.
@@xtbum3339
Ok Mr. Tube.
Just get adblock lol
I see what you did there HAHAH! 9!
From 2 to number 10 they were excellent players .!! The magician is a different animal this guy is from Mars 👽. He is like Michael Jordan, Pelé, or Muhammad Ali, !! it won't be another one like them !!
Lebron the goat
My father is the finest teacher I’ve ever met. As a young teen I traveled with my Dad for his work and on one occasion I sat and watched as an opponent ran 5 racks of nine ball to start the session for a 100 bucks a rack. This was in 1970 so the pot was big enough and after the 5th rack my dad asked the gentleman if he would mind if he quit. They exchanged smiles shook hands and his opponent bought the drinks. I saw dad win most matches but never learned more than the day he was beaten. There is only one way to play pool win or lose and if your not doing that you’ve lost before the lag. Thanks for the vid and dredging up fond memories.
pulling off crazy shots on a high competitive match is crazy while winning? can't argue with that #1 spot among greats. hustler of all hustlers EBR
Efren Bata Reyes is a real G.O.A.T
Reyes' versatility in all disciplines of pool is unmatched
I will always have Willie at #1! He's from my era so I'm biased! 😃 That being said Efram is a badass!
It's not called the "Mosconi Cup" for nothing.
😅😁😂
It's really not hard to love them both!! I love how humble Efren is. And willie always told it like it was. Both pool greats. Peace!
I expected Efren to be no.1, I haven't been disappointed with this video.
Truly he is the greatest pool player of all time. He came from the philippines! He is a treasure!
Minnesota Fats (Rudy Wanderone) is listed by people that don't know pool players very well. He was good at hustling and even better at talking a great game, but he wasn't in the same league as the championship winners.
Way back 2015
The humble oldman Efren Reyes visited my hometown CEBu Philippines when he was invited by our municipal mayor .. and he participated for a friendly match againnst 10 top pool player in our town , he had to play against 10 players in one match in different pools . And the match moderator even offered 10k pesos or 200$ for those who can beat Efren on that match .. unfortunately no one of them bagged the money as Efren beat them all.. but the humble man gave each one of them consolation prizes worth 2000 pesos just for participating that friendly match .. he is very humble despite of the recognition that the world has given to him.. he is the GOAT in billiards and earned more than 5million$ in his 20+years career .. but he preferred to be humble despite of those achievements .. one good thing about this man also was the fact that I never saw him show disappointments thru his face despite losses instead he is smiling in all of his games .. that's made him the greatest of all time.
Efren has become know for the incredible, often whacky shots. Most players would never go for the shots that Efren goes for because they play it safe.
I don't know enough about the older players to make this claim, but no way Johnny Archer is on this list over SVB, even right now. SVB prolly beats out some of these old timers too. In the 2010s, SVB won 40 something tournaments, more than double the amount of tournaments won in 2nd. But yeah, Efren at 1 is a given.
Relax, bustamante is not even on the list so other players should line up behind Bustie. Personally, bustie deserves to be on this list. The 2000-2003 bustamante (prime) was a beast.
Efren's SOFT Stroke = Curry's QUICK Release
Efren's MAGICAL Shots = Federer's CREATIVE Plays
#GOATclub
Lebron is the goat