Mike Massey - Part 2 (From Trials to Trick Shot Triumphs)
In this second installment of our four-part conversation with legendary cue artist Mike Massey, we continue to trace the winding road of one of the most fascinating figures in billiards history. From the highs of tournament victories to the depths of personal struggles, Mike shares his remarkable story with unflinching honesty, warmth, and humor.
We pick up in the mid-1980s, a time when Massey was rebuilding his life after personal turmoil, finding new love with his wife Francine, and embarking on a life on the road filled with pool cues, dogs, cats, and countless miles in a small Honda. Listeners will hear how he balanced the dual demands of being a competitive player and a globe-trotting entertainer, performing exhibitions that dazzled audiences and, at times, distracted from tournament success.
Mike recounts the early days of artistic pool and trick shots, when he became a pioneer of the craft, setting the standard with creativity and unmatched shot-making ability. From the famous “boot shot” to his dominance in Trick Shot Magic, he describes how exhibitions became both his livelihood and his ministry, a unique way to share his faith while entertaining crowds across the world.
Alongside co-hosts Allison Fisher, Mark Wilson and Mike Gonzalez, Mike also reflects on his experiences in Europe, where television exposure on Eurosport gave him a platform years before the U.S. audience caught on. His stories of arm-wrestling fellow pros, bench-pressing over 400 pounds at age 60, and competing against snooker greats provide a window into the colorful personality behind the legend.
This episode captures the resilience, showmanship, and pioneering spirit that made Mike Massey not only a world champion but also the greatest trick shot artist the game has ever seen.
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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.”
Massey, Mike
Professional Pool Player
Mike Massey is a “Hall of Fame” pool player that has won 23 major titles and numerous 8-ball and 9-ball tournaments.
He has traveled to at least 40 countries playing tournaments, teaching pool, doing exhibitions and the Gospel trick shot ministry.
Once Mike had 330 breaks and runs playing 9-ball in a 24-hour marathon shoot in Austria on live TV. Another time he made 8,090 balls playing with one arm in 24 hours.
Mike has been on many live TV talk shows all over the world, Euro Sport, CCTV Ching, 700 Club 3 times, Regis and Kelly show. ESPN Cold Pizza, ESPN Best Damn sports show, PM Magazine, Real People 2 times and many more.
He helped write the movie “The Baron and the Kid” staring Johnny Cash. He was also the technical advisor and taught Johnny how to play pool.
Mike is part of a ministry that’s called “Gospel Trick Shots”. They go all over the world preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Mostly Muslin countries and 3rd world countries.
Gospel Trick Shot ministries uses professional pool players that have received Jesus as their Savior to spread the Gospel.
Steve Lillis started this ministry and he was a professional Pool Player, College Professor, and Ordained Minister.
Tom Rossman is also part of the ministry and is also a “Hall of Fame” pool player.
Here are some of the places they have been doing the ministry.
Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Tanzania, Kenya, Dubai:, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Russia, Ukraine, Albania, Korea, China, Honduras, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Israel and Kosovo.Read More