Mike Massey - Part 3 (Marathon Runs, Mosconi Memories, and Pool School in Paradise)
In this third installment of our four-part conversation with Mike Massey—BCA Hall of Fame inductee, Artistic Pool Hall of Fame member, and the greatest trick shot artist of all time—we continue charting the incredible journey of one of the game’s most colorful and accomplished legends.
Mike takes us inside one of his proudest achievements: a grueling 24-hour marathon in Austria where he recorded an astonishing 330 break-and-runs in nine-ball, a feat witnessed live on national television that helped billiards gain recognition as a sport in Austria. From charity marathons pocketing thousands of balls to exhibitions that inspired young players like Jasmine Ouschan, Mike reflects on how endurance, creativity, and sheer love for the game have shaped his legacy.
We also revisit his early Mosconi Cup experiences—battling the likes of Jimmy White and a teenage Ronnie O’Sullivan—and hear how those high-stakes moments showcased both the rivalry and camaraderie between pool and snooker greats. Along the way, Mike shares vivid memories of iconic figures such as Minnesota Fats, Luther Lassiter, Steve Mizerak, Buddy Hall, and Earl Strickland, offering candid insights into their personalities, strengths, and quirks at the table.
The episode closes with a warm look back at Pool School in Paradise, the innovative training experience he co-created with Allison Fisher and Gerda Hofstätter that blended world-class instruction with unforgettable camaraderie in Hawaii and Vancouver.
From epic matches and world-class runs to bicycles in Vancouver and late-night storytelling, this chapter of Mike Massey’s life captures the spirit of a man who has not only mastered the cue but elevated the game for fans and players around the globe.
Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.
Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:
Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1
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