Best in Billiards

07/06/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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, California, July 2026 — In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, Best in Billiards has announced its inaugural award recipients, recognizing the greatest players, instructors, products, manufacturers, publications, events and contributors 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?

The selections extend far beyond popularity or success during a single season. Honorees were evaluated for championship achievement, historical significance, longevity, innovation, influence, reputation and lasting contributions to the game. Together, the recipients represent the highest levels of excellence found 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 Best Straight Pool Player recognition, Efren “Bata” Reyes was chosen as Best One-Pocket Player and John Brumback was honored as Best Bank Pool Player.

Allison Fisher was selected as Best Female Player, recognizing a championship career that helped establish a new standard for excellence and professionalism in women’s billiards. Minnesota Fats was named Best Entertainer for his unmatched personality, promotional ability and lasting influence on the public image of pool.

The awards also recognize the people who taught, documented, promoted and explained the game. Anthony Beeler was selected as Best Pool Instructor in American history for his instructional innovation, competitive credibility, published scholarship and international reach through the Virtual Billiard Academy.

Bill Incardona was named Best Billiards Broadcaster for decades of knowledgeable commentary that helped viewers better understand professional pool. Mike Howerton and Billiards Buzz were selected for Best Billiards Magazine, while Garret Troop received recognition for Best Instructional Publication.

Greg Sullivan received two major honors. Diamond Billiard Products’ Diamond Pro-Am was selected as the Best Pool Table, while the Derby City Classic was named Best Billiards Event. Since its founding, the Derby City Classic has become one of the most important gatherings in the sport, preserving the traditions of bank pool, one-pocket and 9-ball while bringing together generations of elite competitors.

McDermott Cue Manufacturing was selected as Best Billiards Cue, 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 a reputation established among serious players and collectors.

These awards are intended to preserve billiards history while giving today’s players and fans a clear point of reference for the people and organizations that reached the highest level of distinction. Each recipient represents more than individual success. Collectively, they tell the story of American billiards through competition, manufacturing, instruction, media, entertainment and event promotion.

Complete profiles explaining the historical evidence, accomplishments and lasting influence behind each selection are available through Best in Billiards.

Official Websites

McDermott Cues — https://www.mcdermottcue.com
Nick Varner — https://nickvarner.com
Allison Fisher — https://allisonfisher.com
Billiards Buzz / Mike Howerton — https://www.azbilliards.com/buzz/
Greg Sullivan / Derby City Classic — https://www.derbycityclassic.com
Garret Troop / SPM Billiards Media — https://www.spmbilliardsmedia.com
Anthony Beeler — https://www.poolteacher.com
Whitten Cases — https://www.whittencases.com
Diamond Billiard Products — https://diamondbilliards.com
Best in Billiards — https://www.bestinbilliards.org

07/05/2026

07/03/2026

Congratulations to Joe Whitten and Whitten Cases on being named Best Billiards Case in American History by Best in Billiards!

Whitten Cases has earned a worldwide reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, durability, protection, and timeless design. Built with serious players in mind, each case reflects a commitment to quality and attention to detail that has helped set the standard in the billiards industry.

Joe, thank you for your dedication to the game and for creating products that players trust to protect their equipment at the highest level.

Recognizing Excellence. Preserving History. Inspiring the Future.

07/03/2026

Congratulations to Garret Troop and SPM Magazine on being named Best Instructional Publication in American Billiards History by Best in Billiards!

Under Garret’s leadership, SPM Magazine has become a trusted source of instruction, insight, and inspiration for players around the world. Through expert articles, real-world teaching, player features, and a genuine commitment to growing the game, SPM has made a lasting impact on billiards education.

Garret, thank you for giving instructors and players a respected platform and for continuing to preserve, promote, and strengthen our sport.

Recognizing Excellence. Preserving History. Inspiring the Future.

07/03/2026

Congratulations to Mike Howerton and Billiards Buzz on being named Best Billiards Magazine in American History by Best in Billiards!

Under Mike’s leadership, Billiards Buzz has become one of the most trusted and respected voices in the sport. Through in-depth features, tournament coverage, exclusive interviews, instructional content, and important industry news, the magazine has helped keep players informed, connected, and inspired.

Mike, thank you for your dedication to billiards journalism and for providing the sport with a professional platform that celebrates its players, events, history, and future.

Recognizing Excellence. Preserving History. Inspiring the Future.

07/03/2026

Congratulations to Diamond Billiard Products and the Diamond Pro-Am on being named Best Pool Table in American History by Best in Billiards!

Diamond tables have become a modern standard for professional competition, respected for their precision, durability, consistent play, and exceptional craftsmanship. From major tournaments to poolrooms and private homes, Diamond has earned the trust of champions, professionals, and serious players around the world.

Thank you to Diamond Billiard Products for its continued commitment to innovation and for building equipment that has helped elevate the quality of the game.

Recognizing Excellence. Preserving History. Inspiring the Future.

07/03/2026

Congratulations to McDermott Cue Mfg. on being named Best Billiards Cue in American History by Best in Billiards!

For more than five decades, McDermott has built a reputation for exceptional craftsmanship, innovation, performance, and unmistakable design. Its cues have been trusted by professionals, champions, instructors, and players around the world.

Thank you to McDermott Cue Mfg. for its lasting commitment to quality and for helping shape the standard of American cue making.

Recognizing Excellence. Preserving History. Inspiring the Future.

07/03/2026

Congratulations to Greg Sullivan and the Derby City Classic on being named Best Billiards Event in American History by Best in Billiards!

Since its debut in 1999, the Derby City Classic has become one of the most prestigious, demanding, and influential events in the sport. Its unique combination of 9-Ball, One Pocket, and Bank Pool has attracted many of the world’s greatest players while creating unforgettable moments for fans and competitors alike.

Greg, thank you for your vision, leadership, and commitment to building an event that celebrates competition, tradition, and the very best of American billiards.

Recognizing Excellence. Preserving History. Inspiring the Future.

07/03/2026

Congratulations to Anthony Beeler on being named Best Pool Instructor in American History by Best in Billiards!

Anthony’s career has been defined by instructional innovation, competitive credibility, published scholarship, and an extraordinary commitment to helping players understand and perform the game at a higher level. As a PBIA Master Instructor, ACS Level 4 Master Instructor, ACS National Instructors Board member, and co-author of the ACS instructor manual, he has helped advance both player development and professional instruction.

Through the Virtual Billiard Academy, Anthony has reached more than 31,000 students in all 50 states and 102 countries, creating one of the broadest instructional footprints in the history of the sport.

Anthony, thank you for your lifelong dedication to teaching, developing instructors, and helping players around the world reach their potential.

Recognizing Excellence. Preserving History. Inspiring the Future.