Efren Reyes

Efren Reyes, born on August 26, 1954, is a legendary Filipino professional pool player and actor, renowned for his extraordinary skills on the pool table. With a remarkable career spanning decades, Reyes has amassed over one hundred international titles, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Reyes made history as the first player to win world championships in two distinct pool disciplines. His accolades include being a four-time World Eight-ball champion, the 1999 WPA World Nine-ball Championship winner, and a three-time U.S. Open champion. Additionally, he has claimed victory in the World Pool League twice, the All Japan Championship four times, and the Asian Nine-ball Tour seven times, along with thirteen Derby City Classic titles.

In team competitions, Reyes proudly represented the Philippines at the World Cup of Pool, achieving victory alongside partner Francisco Bustamante in both 2006 and 2009. His prowess was further highlighted in 1997 when he defeated American player Earl Strickland in the inaugural The Color of Money event, earning the largest single match purse in pool history, amounting to one hundred thousand dollars.

Affectionately known as 'the Magician' for his remarkable talent and 'Bata,' which means 'kid' in Filipino, to differentiate him from an elder player of the same name, Reyes has also showcased his skills in international billiards, particularly in one-cushion and three-cushion games. His contributions to the sport have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless fans and players around the world.