Billy Incardona - Part 3 (The Hustler's Paradise - the Wild Days of Johnson City
In this third installment of our six-part conversation with pool legend and all-time hustler Billy Incardona, we dive deep into the wild, unfiltered golden age of American pool — a time when the cues cracked, the cash flowed, and the characters were larger than life.
Billy takes us straight into the heart of Johnson City, Illinois, home of the famed Jansco Brothers’ “Hustlers Jamboree.” With his trademark mix of humor and candor, he recalls the smoky taverns, all-night action, and the unforgettable personalities who made the event a gambler’s paradise. From Luther “Wimpy” Lassiter and Boston Shorty to the chaos of FBI raids and backroom card games, Billy paints a vivid picture of pool’s most colorful era — where everyone who mattered showed up to play, gamble, and live the life.
The conversation then drifts west to Las Vegas, where Billy recounts his foray into high-stakes sports betting alongside poker giants Doyle Brunson and Chip Reese, and high-stakes gambler Billy Walters — even pioneering the city’s first two-way radio betting network. His stories of bookmaking, halftime lines, and run-ins with big names showcase the hustler’s instinct that made him one of the sharpest minds in any game.
Finally, Billy reflects on his evolution from player to broadcasting legend, becoming the iconic voice of Accu-Stats. With partners like Grady Matthews, Danny DiLiberto, and Mark Wilson, he helped immortalize the game on film — often sparring and laughing his way through the booth.
It’s pool history told the only way Billy knows how — raw, riveting, and straight from the heart of the action.
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Music by Lyrium.
About
"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other 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, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”
Incardona, Billy
Pool Professional
Pittsburgh Billy Incardona has been a solid One Pocket player and after hours legend for many years now. In fact, he’s still mixing it up against a whole new generation of players today. Of course, as the 'voice of Accustats', he has helped educate thousands of players in our favorite game. Recently Billy has also been promoting One Pocket tournaments in his own action-friendly poolroom.
Like many of our great players, Billy was gifted with natural talent and a fiercely competitive nature, and growing up in Pittsburgh there was no shortage of competition. At that time, Pittsburgh was home to the Hawk’s Nest, owned by 9-Ball champion Bernie Schwartz, which was also the home poolroom of another young champion, Jimmy Marino. In this company both Billy’s game and his game-making flourished. In fact, one thing that stands out with Billy, besides his knack for in-game strategy, is his knack for managing the game before the game, the art of matching up.
Bill won the 9-Ball division at Johnston City in the Jansco Brother’s 1972 summer tournament. At this stage in his career he was '9-Ball Billy', but like many players, as he got a little older he began to turn his attention to One Pocket. His One Pocket game really got a boost when he lived in Las Vegas where he had regular private sessions with Hall of Fame player Ed Kelly. In the relaxed atmosphere around Billy’s personal table, Kelly revealed both the shots and the style that made him one of the best ever, and Billy’s observant mind absorbed it all.
While he never snapped off a ma…
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