Legends of the Cue

In Part 2 of our four-part conversation with Billiard Congress of America Hall of Famer Nick Varner, we dive deep into the years when his career shifted into high gear — and he began carving out one of the most remarkable résumés in cue sports history. Nick takes us ringside to legendary match-ups with Minnesota Fats, Hubert “Daddy Warbucks” Cokes, and other colorful characters, sharing the high-s...

In this first installment of our four-part conversation with Hall of Fame legend Nick Varner , we trace his remarkable journey from the dusty farmlands of southern Indiana to the glittering lights of pool’s biggest stages. Known as the winningest all-around player in American history, Varner holds world titles in eight-ball, nine-ball, ten-ball, straight pool, and one-pocket — a resume as versatil...

In this fifth and final installment of our Legends of the Cue deep-dive with co-host, former Mosconi Cup Captain and player, professional pool player, master teacher, and broadcaster Mark Wilson , we bring the conversation full circle — from the bright lights of international competition to the grassroots of the game he loves. Mark takes us behind the curtain of his Mosconi Cup captaincy, sharing...

In this fourth episode of our special five-part series with Legends of the Cue co-host, former Mosconi Cup captain, accomplished professional player, master teacher, and broadcaster Mark Wilson , we journey through some of the most personal and defining chapters of his extraordinary life in pool. Mark opens up about an unthinkable personal tragedy that nearly ended his career—and how a single spar...

In the third installment of our five-part conversation with former Mosconi Cup Captain, professional pool player, teacher, and broadcaster Mark Wilson , we dive deep into the formative years that shaped his career — on and off the table. Mark’s story picks up in the heat of fierce competition and colorful characters. From life on the road with the fiery Jeff " The Pool Monster " Carter —...

In this compelling second installment of our five-part Legends of the Cue conversation with renowned player, teacher, and former Mosconi Cup Captain Mark Wilson , we dive deep into the crucible of commitment and the hard-earned lessons that shaped his extraordinary career. From his earliest days at Jerry Briesath’s legendary pool room in Madison, Wisconsin, Mark recalls the struggles of being the...

Legends of the Cue’s Allison Fisher and Mike Gonzalez sit down with their podcast co-host and one of the sport’s most passionate and respected figures—Mark Wilson—for the first of a compelling five-part conversation that explores a life devoted to the game of pool. From his early days in Moline, Illinois, Mark shares a vivid portrait of growing up in a Midwestern family that valued structure, spor...

In the final episode of our five-part deep dive with the incomparable Allison Fisher —aka the “Duchess of Doom”—we reflect on the later chapters of a legendary career that has shaped the world of cue sports. From navigating personal challenges and global pandemics to rediscovering her competitive edge, Allison shares how she’s balanced motherhood, health, and the evolving demands of the game while...

In the fourth installment of our exclusive five-part conversation with Hall of Fame legend Allison Fisher , the “ Duchess of Doom ” takes us deeper into the pivotal chapter of her remarkable journey—from reigning queen of women’s snooker in the UK to chasing a new challenge across the Atlantic in the world of professional pool. With candor and clarity, Allison shares the emotional and professional...

In Part 3 of our compelling five-part series with Hall of Famer Allison Fisher, we explore the pivotal years that marked her transition from snooker stardom in the UK to international dominance in pool. We dive into the stories behind Allison’s record-setting moments, including her iconic first century break by a woman on television and her multiple World Championship titles—moments that built the...

In this compelling second installment of our five-part conversation with World Snooker and Billiard Hall of Famer Allison Fisher , we dive into the powerful personal journey that shaped her into one of the most decorated cue sport champions in history. Allison opens up about her early life in England, painting a vivid picture of her upbringing, her parents’ profound influence—both inspiring and co...

In this premier episode of Legends of the Cue,  we dive into the first installment of our five part interview beginning with the early life of the most decorated female cue sport athlete in history, World Snooker and Billiard Hall of Famer Allison Fisher. Co-hosts Mike Gonzalez and Mark Wilson, with Allison herself in the hot seat, explore her fascinating journey from a curious, tomboyish child in...

Welcome to "Legends of the Cue" , a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and others people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport/game, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository o...