In the fiercely competitive world of billiards, where skill, strategy, and finesse play a vital role, the name Efren "Bata" Reyes has long been considered an immortal monument of this sport. Nicknamed "The Magician," Reyes has amazed millions of fans with his magical shots and handling of seemingly impossible situations. In more than three decades of dominating the billiards world, Reyes has not only won hundreds of major and minor titles but also instilled fear in anyone who dared to confront him. However, time does not spare anyone, and 2025 marks a major turning point in the career of the Filipino legend when another legend - Shane Van Boening from the US - officially stands up to challenge his status as the "Greatest of All Time".
Earl Strickland - known as "The South Dakota Kid" - is not a strange name. A 9-ball world champion and a man who dominated the US rankings for a decade, Strickland possesses a powerful, precise and extremely rational playing style. He is the embodiment of a new generation – modern, methodical and cold to the point of being ruthless on the table. Strickland once declared in a press conference: “I respect Reyes, but no one is number one forever. It is time for a change.” That statement sounded like a bell signaling the battle for the throne between two icons – one of traditional magic, the other of modern machines.
The fateful match between Reyes and Strickland was held in Las Vegas, a place that has witnessed many historic moments in the world of billiards. As soon as the information about the match was announced, the global billiards community exploded. Tickets sold out in just 3 hours, millions of people registered to watch online, and sports commentators were constantly analyzing and comparing. More than just a match, this is a symbol of generational transition, a place where the past meets the future, a place where the eternal question is asked once again: Who is the real GOAT – Greatest Of All Time?
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The match started with a heavy and tense atmosphere. Reyes, despite being 70 years old, still stepped up to the table with a calm demeanor, deep eyes and hands full of technique. Strickland, in a neat competition outfit, stood up straight and appeared extremely focused. The audience fell into a suffocating silence when the first break sounded like thunder.
The first games showed Strickland's dominance. He played fast, precise, leaving no gaps. Meanwhile, Reyes seemed to lose his sense on a few cues, making the audience worried. However, no one expected that the "magic" was not over yet. In the 7th game, Reyes made a shot that people described as "beyond logic." A three-cushion combo left Strickland frozen, the audience screaming and even the referee looking surprised. That was when the game began to change.
Reyes slowly turned around, each hit seemed to be measured by supernatural intuition. Not only did he compete, he also taught his opponent, who was younger than him, a lesson in patience, tactics and top-notch fighting spirit. During the nearly three-hour match, the audience could not take their eyes off the screen. Every time Strickland showed his superiority with modern techniques, Reyes responded with unimaginable shots - as if he had seen the ball's path from another dimension.
The match ended with a close score. Strickland won on points, but in the hearts of the fans, Reyes was still the real winner. Many fans cried when witnessing the moment he bowed his head to thank the audience, his eyes filled with emotion. Strickland walked over, hugged Reyes and whispered something – perhaps recognition, perhaps gratitude. After the match, he said: “I won today, but I will never be a Reyes. He is the living history of this sport.”
The story of Billiards Throne War is not just a contest between two outstanding players. It is a confrontation between two philosophies – between instinct and logic, between art and technique. It shows that in the world of sports, legends never lose their aura, they only transform – from leaders to eternal icons.
Efren Reyes may not be playing at the top level for many years, but his influence will last for generations to come. Meanwhile, Strickland has proven himself worthy of inheriting the throne. However, that throne is not established by winning alone, but by respecting, learning from and preserving the spirit that Reyes left behind.
The battle for the throne will always be an unforgettable part of the history of world billiards. And no matter who wins, only one truth will remain forever – Efren Reyes is not just a billiards player, he is a living miracle of this sport.
