In the world of billiards, where calculated and millimeter-precise shots are a prerequisite for reaching the top, the name Efren “Bata” Reyes has become an immortal symbol. For decades, fans and even his opponents have been confused by his seemingly “illogical” moves.
The seemingly random shots hit the target perfectly, the cue lines that go beyond all conventional technical patterns. This has made many people ask the question: “Is Efren Reyes simply lucky?”
However, after a series of victories against the world’s toughest opponents, after thousands of matches with “divine” shots, Reyes has proven an undeniable truth: it is skill – not luck – that makes a legend.
Right from the early years of his career, Reyes demonstrated an outstanding tactical thinking. He didn’t just play pool, he thought like a magician, calculating three or four steps ahead for every shot. While many people focus on the current ball, Reyes saw the outcome of an entire series.
There were matches where he sent the crowd into a frenzy by executing seemingly impossible shots — not only pocketing the object ball, but also placing the cue ball in the ideal position to continue the next shot.
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Such moves couldn’t have been luck, but the result of thousands of hours of practice, combined with natural talent and extraordinary observation.
No one can be “lucky” for three or four decades. And Reyes didn’t just win a few small tournaments, he dominated the world stage, defeating legends like Earl Strickland, Francisco Bustamante, Shane Van Boening, Niels Feijen… each one of the world’s top players, with great technique and experience. But when facing Reyes, they are often “broken” by his unpredictable cues.
Those who have had the opportunity to face him admit: Reyes does not play pool like a normal person. He sees the pool table as a complex game, in which he is always the leader. Earl Strickland, a longtime opponent of Reyes, once said in an interview: “I used to think he was lucky.
But after ten games, twenty games, and then decades of watching Reyes continue to win, I know that it is talent. He is not lucky. He is a genius.”
Another clear proof of Reyes’s top skills is his titles. With more than 80 international titles, including the World 9-Ball Championship, World 8-Ball Championship, U.S. Open Championship, and the World Cup. Open One-Pocket, and a series of other big and small titles, Reyes not only made his name in history but also affirmed his position as a "king" in the world of billiards.
A person can be lucky once, even a few times, but no one can be so lucky, continuously winning for many years in a row in many different formats.
Not only good at technique, Reyes also possesses a respectable humble demeanor. Although he is honored as "The Magician", he always behaves politely, respects his opponents, and rarely shows excessive emotions.
It can be said that he is the embodiment of calmness, a person who lets his skills speak for him. It is this humility that makes fans respect him even more, because behind that simple appearance is a sharp mind and a spirit of steel.
There was a memorable match with a young Japanese player who had vowed to “teach Reyes a lesson” and said that his career was nothing more than “old glory”. But when he entered the match, the young player was quickly defeated in a series of quick games.
Reyes played with a cool composure, and his shots seemed to dance on the table. After the match, the Japanese audience stood up and applauded, while his opponent quietly withdrew without a word of justification. Once again, the world was reminded: Reyes is not someone to be underestimated, and certainly not someone who succeeds through luck.
Interestingly, many of Reyes’ shots left viewers in disbelief. “How did he know that the ball would hit three walls and land exactly in that corner pocket?” That is what people often wonder.
But Reyes, with his experience all over the world, had memorized every type of table, every type of chalk, every type of ball, and even every lighting environment. He is a mathematician without a pen and paper, a strategist without a map. It is all in his mind and his magical hands.
Finally, perhaps the world should stop asking whether Reyes is "lucky". The better question is: how can one person combine intelligence, creativity and skill to such a degree? Efren Reyes is living proof that the top is not reserved for the luckiest – but for the most talented, persistent and dedicated. He is a living lesson to every generation of young people: if you want to rise, learn, practice and believe in yourself.
