Efren Reyes
Greatest pool player of all time, 'The Magician', multiple world champion
Efren Manalang Reyes (born August 26, 1954) is a Filipino professional pool player who is widely regarded as one of the greatest pool players in history. Known as "The Magician" for his exceptional shot-making ability and creative play, Reyes has won numerous world championships and prestigious tournaments throughout his career spanning over four decades. He is a multiple-time winner of the World Pool Championship, the International Pool Tour, and numerous other major competitions. Reyes is celebrated not only for his technical mastery and ability to execute seemingly impossible shots, but also for his humble demeanor and sportsmanship. His influence on the sport of pool is immeasurable; he helped elevate pool from a recreational activity to a respected professional sport with a global following. Reyes has mentored countless players and continues to compete at an elite level well into his senior years, demonstrating remarkable longevity and dedication to his craft.
Athlete
Filipino
1954
Thinking about the name
Efren
Hebrew origin
“A streamlined Spanish form of Ephraim, meaning 'doubly fruitful' in Hebrew. This spelling has become the standard Hispanic rendering, balancing tradition with modern orthography. The name feels both rooted and contemporary within Latino communities.”