The Top 25 Most Incredible Pool Shots of All Time
When it comes to the game of pool, there’s nothing quite as thrilling as witnessing a shot that defies logic, challenges physics, or leaves the audience in awe.
Over the years, professional players and enthusiasts alike have demonstrated jaw-dropping skills on the felt, producing moments that are etched into the annals of billiards history.
In this article, I’ll take you through my personal selection of the top 25 most incredible pool shots of all time. Each shot is a testament to precision, creativity, and an unparalleled mastery of the game.
1. Efren Reyes’ Z-Shot
Known as "The Magician," Efren Reyes stunned the world with his ability to pull off seemingly impossible shots. The Z-Shot, where he used multiple rails to pocket a ball, showcased his deep understanding of angles and spin.
2. Earl Strickland’s Jump Shot
Earl "The Pearl" Strickland executed a flawless jump shot during a high-stakes match, clearing an obstructing ball and sinking his target with pinpoint accuracy.
3. Shane Van Boening’s Table-Length Bank
Shane Van Boening’s ability to bank a ball the full length of the table and still sink it into a corner pocket is a testament to his precision and control.
4. Jeanette Lee’s Backward Shot
“The Black Widow” Jeanette Lee wowed audiences with her backward shot, where she turned her back to the table and expertly pocketed the ball behind her.
5. Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Power Break
Though more famous in snooker, Ronnie O’Sullivan delivered an unforgettable power break in a pool exhibition match, scattering the balls with perfect positioning for his next move.
6. Mike Massey’s Masse Shot
Mike Massey is renowned for his trick shots, but his masse shot—where he curved the cue ball around obstacles to make the pocket—remains one of his most iconic moments.
### 7. **Allison Fisher’s Safety Escape**
Allison Fisher demonstrated her tactical genius by escaping an almost impossible safety and turning the game around in her favor.
### 8. **Francisco Bustamante’s Power Draw**
Known for his explosive style, Francisco Bustamante executed a power draw shot that pulled the cue ball back across the table after sinking a tough angle shot.
### 9. **Alex Pagulayan’s Rail-First Cut**
Alex Pagulayan’s rail-first cut shot was a masterclass in using geometry to pocket a ball that seemed unreachable.
### 10. **Corey Deuel’s Soft Break**
Corey Deuel changed the game with his innovative soft break, which allowed him to control the table and set up an advantageous layout.
### 11. **Steve Davis’ Long Pot**
Steve Davis made an incredible long pot from one end of the table to the other, leaving commentators speechless at his accuracy.
### 12. **Mika Immonen’s Kick Shot**
Mika Immonen pulled off a stunning kick shot, using multiple rails to hit his target ball and sink it into the pocket.
### 13. **Karen Corr’s Frozen Ball Shot**
Karen Corr managed to pocket a frozen ball with surgical precision, proving why she’s one of the best female players in history.
### 14. **Johnny Archer’s Jump-Bank Combo**
Johnny Archer combined a jump shot with a bank shot in one fluid motion, earning him applause from fans and peers alike.
### 15. **Ralf Souquet’s Safety Battle Win**
Ralf Souquet emerged victorious in one of the most intense safety battles ever recorded, showcasing his patience and strategic brilliance.
### 16. **Tony Drago’s Speed Run**
Tony Drago lived up to his nickname “The Tornado” by clearing an entire rack at lightning speed without sacrificing accuracy.
### 17. **Nick Varner’s Double Kiss Save**
Nick Varner used a clever double kiss to save himself from a tight spot and regain control of the table.
### 18. **Ewa Mataya Laurance’s Bank Combo**
Ewa Mataya Laurance executed a bank combo that required not only skill but also incredible foresight in planning her next moves.
### 19. **Dennis Orcollo’s Three-Rail Positioning**
Dennis Orcollo used three rails to perfectly position the cue ball for his next shot, leaving his opponent helpless.
### 20. **Bustamante’s Behind-the-Back Shot**
Francisco Bustamante wowed fans by sinking a difficult shot while holding his cue behind his back—a true display of flair and confidence.
### 21. **Shane Van Boening’s Triple Combo Shot**
Shane Van Boening once again makes the list with an unbelievable triple combo shot that required precision timing and perfect alignment.
### 22. **Efren Reyes’ Kick-and-Stick Shot**
Efren Reyes’ kick-and-stick shot showcased his ability to control both spin and speed, leaving his opponent without options.
### 23. **Jean Balukas’ Cross-Bank**
Jean Balukas executed an incredible cross-bank shot that highlighted her exceptional talent and creativity on the table.
### 24. **Darren Appleton’s Carom Masterpiece**
Darren Appleton used a carom shot to sink two balls in one stroke, proving his ingenuity under pressure.
### 25. **Mike Massey’s Table-Length Jump Shot**
Mike Massey capped off this list with his legendary table-length jump shot, where he cleared multiple balls and still managed to sink his target.
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Each of these shots represents a moment when skill, creativity, and nerves of steel came together to produce magic on the pool table. Whether you’re a casual fan or a seasoned player, these incredible feats serve as inspiration to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this timeless game.
