From the TV shows and movies, many of us remember billiards/pool players with names such as Minnesota Fats, Willie Mosconi, and Steve Mizerak…But, so many times one name gets lost among the process of, “Racking Them Up”…..And that name would be Earl “The Pearl” Strickland…Born in Roxboro, N.C., just like the baseball legend Enos “Country” Slaughter, Earl Strickland spent many nights playing pool, at the top billiards spots in Greensboro, N.C. There used to be a couple of spots on High Point Road, where Earl owned ‘the house’…One of them might have been called B.G. Feathers(Corrected to B.G. McGhees), and can’t remember the names of all of the others…But, Earl “The Pearl” Strickland was right there at ’em, and here he is on the list for, “The Greatest Names in Billiards History”…..Not a bad list, and not a bad name to have associated with our Gate City, of Greensboro, N.C. Earl Strickland, putting the Eight Ball in the Corner Pocket…..
Best in Billiards Names the Greatest Players, Products and Contributors in American Billiards History
National awards program honors the individuals, companies, publications and events judged to be the best of America’s first 250 years
LOS ANGELES, — In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Best in Billiards has announced its inaugural award recipients, recognizing the players, instructors, products, manufacturers, publications, events and contributors judged to be the greatest in American billiards history.
The Best in Billiards Awards were created to answer one of the sport’s most important historical questions: Who and what truly represent the best in billiards during America’s first 250 years?
Selections were based on far more than popularity or success during a single season. Honorees were evaluated according to championship achievement, historical significance, innovation, influence, reputation, and lasting contributions to the game. Together, the recipients represent the highest levels of excellence in American billiards history.
Nick Varner was selected as the Best All-Around Player, honoring his extraordinary ability to win major championships across multiple disciplines. Earl Strickland was named Best 9-Ball Player, Willie Mosconi received recognition as Best Straight Pool Player, Efren “Bata” Reyes was selected as Best One-Pocket Player, and John Brumback was honored as Best Bank Pool Player.
Allison Fisher was named Best Female Player, recognizing a championship career that helped establish a new standard of excellence, consistency and professionalism in women’s billiards.
Minnesota Fats was selected as Best Entertainer for his unmatched personality, promotional ability and lasting influence on the public image of pool. His storytelling, confidence, and larger-than-life presence helped introduce billiards to audiences far beyond traditional poolrooms.
The awards also recognize the individuals who taught, documented, promoted, and explained the game.
Anthony Beeler was selected as the Best Pool Instructor in American History for his instructional innovation, competitive credibility, published scholarship and international reach through Beeler’s Virtual Billiard Academy.
Bill Incardona was named Best Billiards Broadcaster for decades of knowledgeable commentary that helped viewers understand professional pool at a deeper level.
Mike Howerton and Billiards Buzz were honored with the Best Billiards Magazine award for their broad digital reach, comprehensive coverage and lasting influence on the sport, while Garret Troop and SPM Billiards Media were recognized for Best Instructional Publication.
Greg Sullivan and Diamond Billiard Products received two major honors. The Diamond Pro-Am was selected as the Best Pool Table, while the Derby City Classic was named the Best Billiards Event.
McDermott Cue Manufacturing, led by Greg Knight, was selected for the Best Billiards Cue award, recognizing decades of American craftsmanship, technological development, quality construction and industry influence.
Joe Whitten and Whitten Cases received Best Billiards Case honors for handmade craftsmanship, protection, personalization and reputation.
Each recipient represents more than individual success. Collectively, the honorees tell the story of American billiards through championship competition, manufacturing, instruction, media, entertainment and event promotion.
Profiles explaining the historical evidence, accomplishments and lasting influence behind each selection are available at https://www.bestinbilliards.org
Official Websites
Anthony Beeler — https://www.poolteacher.com
Billiards Buzz / Mike Howerton — https://www.azbilliards.com/buzz/
Derby City Classic — https://www.derbycityclassic.com
Diamond Billiard Products — https://diamondbilliards.com
Allison Fisher — https://allisonfisher.com
McDermott Cues — https://www.mcdermottcue.com
SPM Billiards Media / Garret Troop — https://www.spmbilliardsmedia.com
Nick Varner — https://nickvarner.com
Whitten Cases — https://www.whittencases.com
About Best in Billiards
Best in Billiards is a national recognition program created to celebrate and preserve the players, instructors, products, manufacturers, publications, events and contributors that have made a lasting impact on the sport. The awards commemorate America’s first 250 years by recognizing excellence, preserving history and inspiring future generations of billiards players and fans.
Media Contact
William Woodrum
Best in Billiards
BG McGee’s on High Point Rd(no longer there)