Mosconi Cup Episodes

In part two of our four-part deep dive with “Mr. 600” John Schmidt—the man who broke Willie Mosconi’s legendary 65-year-old straight pool record—we follow his remarkable transition from ambitious newcomer to rising professional.Schmidt pulls no punches as he recalls the leap of faith that sent him on the road with little more than $1,200, a cue, and an old Honda Accord. Along the way, he gained priceless lessons on tough equipment, in hostile rooms, and against opponents of every caliber. He s...

In this episode of Legends of the Cue, Allison Fisher, Mark Wilson, and Mike Gonzalez sit down with one of pool’s modern legends—John Schmidt, affectionately known as “Mr. 600.” Schmidt etched his name in billiards history by surpassing Willie Mosconi’s fabled 526-ball straight pool record, a mark that stood unchallenged for 65 years. But as listeners quickly learn, his story is far richer than a single number.From his humble beginnings in Keokuk, Iowa—born on a bridge, no less—to a childhood ...

In this fourth and final installment of our exclusive Legends of the Cue series with Hall of Fame icon Nick Varner, we bring his extraordinary journey full circle. From the heights of world titles to the challenges of sustaining a career in a sport often overshadowed, Nick’s story is equal parts grit, passion, and perseverance.Nick revisits his late-career triumphs, including capturing his second WPA World Nine Ball Championship at the age of 51 and going undefeated to claim the 2000 World One...

In Part 3 of our four-part conversation with BCA Hall of Famer Nick Varner, we dive into the rich details of his legendary career, exploring the transitions, rivalries, and defining moments that shaped one of the greatest champions in cue sports history.Nick reflects on his early love for straight pool—a game of patterns, precision, and deep strategy—and how it contrasted with the faster, high-pressure rise of nine ball. He shares fascinating insights into the mental shift required to thrive w...

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-stakes gambling culture, sharp banter, and the psychology of playing for your own money. We hear how...

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 versatile as it is unmatched.Nick’s story begins with a childhood spent working the family farm, learning d...

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 the challenges of managing world-class talent, the psychology of match play, and the small strategic...

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 spark of resolve set him on a path toward “relentless positivity” and a renewed purpose. We follow his r...

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 — a player as polarizing as he was talented — to the lessons learned under the watchful (and often demanding) eye...

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 worst player in the room—and the obsessive drive to change that. He shares vivid, often humorous sto...

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, sportsmanship, and discipline. While baseball was his first love, a chance visit to a local bowling all...

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 remaining a fierce and respected competitor.We hear candid reflections on the emotional toll of lo...

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 crossroads that led her to leave behind a dominating career in snooker to test her skills against the...

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 foundation of her legendary status.We follow Allison through her memorable doubles and mixed doub...

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 complex—and how a dramatic family shift ultimately set her on a path to greatness. From backyard tethe...

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 Peacehaven, England, to a rising star in the male-dominated world of competitive snooker.With char...