Buddy Hall was a legendary American professional pool player, widely considered one of the greatest nine-ball players in the history of the sport. Born on May 29, 1945, in Metropolis, Illinois, he rose from humble beginnings to become a dominant force on the professional circuit. Known as “The Rifleman” for his smooth, accurate stroke, Hall’s playing style was the epitome of precision and control.
Over a career spanning more than four decades, Hall won over 100 major tournaments. He captured the prestigious U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship twice (1991 and 1998), along with victories at the Sands Regency Open, the Music City Classic, and the International Challenge of Champions, among many others. He was also a multi-time winner of the Professional Billiard Tour (PBT) points title, consistently ranking as one of the top players in the world during the 1980s and 1990s.
Hall’s contributions to the game extended beyond competition. He was credited with developing the “clock system”—a method for cue ball control that became a staple for players learning positional play. His deep knowledge of the game, combined with his calm, unshakable demeanor under pressure, made him a revered figure among peers and fans alike. In 2000, he was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.
In 2022, I had the privilege of meeting Buddy at the Super Billiards Expo outside Philadelphia. We spent several hours together over the course of a couple of days, and I was struck by how open, kind, and generous he was with his time. Despite having never met me before, he welcomed conversation and shared stories and insights about the game and his life. For someone I had long admired through old match videos, it was an unforgettable experience—one I deeply cherish and wish I’d had the chance to repeat.
Hall’s remarkable life story is captured in his biography, Buddy Hall: Rags to Rifleman, Then What?, which traces his journey from a small-town boy with a passion for pool to one of the sport’s most iconic figures. The book offers a candid look at the highs and lows of a life spent on the road, in smoky pool halls, and under the bright lights of televised tournaments.
Buddy Hall passed away on May 22, 2025, just a week shy of his 80th birthday. His impact on the game of pool is immeasurable. More than just a champion, he was a pioneer, a teacher, and a gentleman—leaving behind a legacy of excellence, humility, and a deep love for the sport that continues to inspire players around the world.
