Here are The 10 Greatest Pool Shots of All Time—each a testament to the magic of the game.
In a sport that demands equal parts strategy, finesse, and swagger, few moments are as memorable as the jaw-dropping, seemingly impossible shots that etch themselves into billiards history. From trick shots that defy geometry to pressure-packed tournament moments, these ten legendary pool shots have redefined what’s possible with a cue in hand.
1. Efren Reyes – “The Z Shot” (1995 Sands Regency Open)
Known as “The Magician” for good reason, Efren Reyes pulled off a jaw-dropping kick shot in the semifinals of the 1995 Sands Regency Open. Faced with a near-impossible layout, Reyes used three rails to pocket the 5-ball and gain perfect position for the next shot. The crowd erupted, and so did Reyes’ legend.
2. Earl Strickland – Jump Combo Miracle (2004 Mosconi Cup)
In one of the most intense moments of the Mosconi Cup, Earl Strickland jumped over a blocker ball, hit the cue ball into a combo, and sank the 9-ball. It was equal parts power and precision—and came at a critical moment that helped Team USA.
3. Alex Higgins – Perfect Cut Under Pressure (1995 Mosconi Cup)
Alex Higgins, one of the most dominant snooker players in history, made an unforgettable thin cut shot under extreme pressure just to humiliate Legendary pool player Mike Massey. His calm demeanor and dead-eye accuracy in that moment were a masterclass in mental strength.
4. Shane Van Boening – Full-Table Bank (2012 U.S. Open)
Shane Van Boening showed nerves of steel when he banked a ball the full length of the table to stay alive in the final. The angle was razor-thin, and missing meant elimination—but Van Boening nailed it and went on to win the championship.
5. Florian “Venom” Kohler – Triple Jump Shot (YouTube Viral Video, 2015)
While not in tournament play, this viral moment deserves a spot. Florian Kohler jumped the cue ball over three blockers and curved it mid-air to hit a target ball—a shot so outrageous it seemed like CGI. But it was all skill, and all real.
6. Allison Fisher – Cross-Side Bank at the World Championship (2001)
Allison Fisher’s icy control during the 2001 World Championship included a cross-side bank that stunned commentators and fans. The ball hugged the rail perfectly before dropping, proving once again why she’s nicknamed “The Duchess of Doom.”
7. Mike Massey – Massey Trick Shot Exhibition (World Trick Shot Championship, 1991)
Mike Massey’s legendary trick shot during the 1991 World Trick Shot Championship combined a masse curve, multiple obstacles, and a combination shot. The crowd gave him a standing ovation—and the judges handed him the title.
8. Francisco Bustamante – “The Power Draw” (2002 World Pool Championship)
Bustamante turned a seemingly standard shot into legend with an insane draw that brought the cue ball back nearly the full length of the table, threading the needle through a narrow gap. It wasn’t just powerful—it was surgical.
9. Ronnie O’Sullivan – Pool Crossover Shot (Charity Match, 2017)
Though primarily a snooker player, Ronnie O’Sullivan dipped into the pool world during a charity exhibition. His bank shot off three rails, followed by a flawless combo, reminded everyone that genius translates across tables.
10. Alex Pagulayan – 3-Rail Position Perfection (2004 World Pool Championship Final)
In the final against Thorsten Hohmann, Pagulayan executed a three-rail position play so perfect it looked pre-programmed. His understanding of spin, speed, and angle was on full display—and it helped him clinch the title.
Legacy on the Felt
What unites these The 10 Greatest Pool Shots of All Time—beyond their mechanical brilliance—is the drama, timing, and sheer audacity that brought them to life. Whether in front of a roaring crowd or captured in viral videos, these moments elevate the game beyond sport, into the realm of artistry.
In a game often decided by millimeters, it’s these unforgettable shots that separate the great from the greatest—and continue to inspire the next generation of players.
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