In this biography
Quick facts
- Born
- 26 August 1954
- Birthplace
- Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines
- Country
- Philippines
- Nationality
- Filipino
- Known for
- Creative cue-ball control and world titles in multiple pool disciplines
- Nickname
- Bata and The Magician
- Major title
- WPA World Nine-ball Championship, 1999
- Hall of Fame
- Billiard Congress of America, 2003
- Noted disciplines
- Nine-ball, eight-ball and one-pocket
Why this life matters
Reyes turned Philippine pool-room knowledge into a global competitive language and became one of the sport’s most admired problem-solvers.
Timeline
Key moments
Born in Pampanga
Born on 26 August and raised around a Manila billiard hall.
Broke into U.S. pool
Competed internationally after establishing a formidable reputation at home.
Won the world nine-ball title
Captured the WPA championship in Cardiff.
Entered the BCA Hall of Fame
Recognition placed him among cue sports’ central figures.
Won the World Cup of Pool
Partnered Francisco Bustamante to win for the Philippines.
Learning the geometry of the table
Reyes learned in a Manila billiard hall where he worked and practised for long hours. The nickname “Bata”, meaning kid, distinguished him from an older player with the same name.
When he began competing in the United States, his kick shots, safeties and cue-ball routes surprised opponents. He could turn apparently defensive positions into attacking opportunities across nine-ball, eight-ball and one-pocket.
A world champion and players’ champion
Reyes won the 1999 WPA World Nine-ball Championship and major events across other formats. With Francisco Bustamante he also won the World Cup of Pool for the Philippines.
The Billiard Congress of America inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2003. Titles explain only part of his influence: players study him for the imagination with which he solves crowded, imperfect tables.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions about Efren Reyes
- Who is Efren Reyes?
- Efren Reyes is a world champion pool player. Reyes turned Philippine pool-room knowledge into a global competitive language and became one of the sport’s most admired problem-solvers.
- What is Efren Reyes best known for?
- Efren Reyes is best known for creative cue-ball control and world titles in multiple pool disciplines.
- When and where was Efren Reyes born?
- Efren Reyes was born on 26 August 1954 in Angeles City, Pampanga, Philippines.
Sources and further reading
How this biography was checked
Core dates and offices are checked against the sources below. This profile was last reviewed on 8 September 2026.
