He made fun of Efren Reyes… but the Magician gave him an unforgettable lesson

In the world of professional billiards, respect isn’t something that can be demanded — it is earned. And if there’s one name that commands respect the moment it is mentioned, it’s Efren “Bata” Reyes, the living legend known to millions as The Magician. With decades of dominance, countless titles, and an ability to make the cue ball dance in ways no one else can, Reyes has become an icon in the sport. But every once in a while, a young, brash player forgets the legacy... and has to be reminded — the hard way.

This is exactly what happened on an otherwise normal day at an international exhibition match. A young player, known more for his flashy attitude than actual accomplishments, made a critical mistake: he mocked Efren Reyes. Whether it was immaturity, ignorance, or simply overconfidence, no one knows for sure. But what followed was a masterclass in humility — delivered not with anger, but with pure, surgical skill.

The Mockery

It began innocently enough. The young challenger, confident and cocky, warmed up with trick shots and exaggerated movements, making sure to smirk and glance at Reyes as he did so. Whispers began spreading through the audience. Was he seriously mocking The Magician?

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Then came the moment that ignited the fire — during a pre-game interview, the young player chuckled and said:

"I respect Reyes, of course. But let’s be honest… his time has passed. He’s just a legend now, not a threat."

Gasps echoed through the venue. It was clear: this wasn’t confidence — this was disrespect. And if there’s one thing legends do best, it’s remind people why they became legends in the first place.

The Calm Before the Storm

Efren Reyes, ever the gentleman, simply smiled when the quote was repeated to him. He gave no rebuttal. No trash talk. No change in demeanor. Just a knowing smile and the same quiet preparation he had shown his entire career.

As the match began, the young player opened strong — fast, aggressive, almost trying to “wow” the crowd with power shots and flair. He even winked at the audience after landing a few lucky combinations. But Reyes? He sat calmly, chalking his cue. Observing. Waiting.

And then… it was his turn.

The Magician Begins

The moment Reyes took the table, the energy shifted. Like flipping a switch, he entered a different mode — focused, silent, deadly. The crowd, once noisy, now held their breath. The first shot? A brilliant safety that forced the young challenger into a corner. He fumbled.

Then came Reyes’ reply: a flawless run across the table — using the rails, judging angles with supernatural precision, and executing positional shots that left even veteran players in awe. Every stroke was a message: “This is how it’s done.”

By the third rack, the tone of the match had completely changed. The crowd was no longer laughing with the young player. They were now cheering in disbelief at the magic unfolding before their eyes.

The Turning Point

At one point, Reyes found himself in an impossible position — the cue ball trapped behind a cluster, the target ball blocked from every direct path. Most players would have tried a hopeful jump shot or a desperate bank. But Reyes? He leaned down, studied the table for a moment… and then, with a calm flick of the wrist, delivered a rail-first, reverse-spin kick shot that sent the object ball into the pocket — clean.

The entire room erupted. Even the young challenger’s mouth fell open. You could feel the energy shift. He wasn't just playing Reyes… he was being schooled.

The Lesson Unfolds

Reyes didn’t gloat. He didn’t need to. Each shot was its own reply to the earlier mockery. Where the challenger had relied on flash, Reyes relied on fundamentals. Where the challenger tried to impress, Reyes simply executed. And it was devastating.

Over the next few racks, Reyes unleashed a variety of shots that seemed to defy physics — triple rail escapes, soft-touch position plays, and impossible caroms. The challenger’s confidence visibly crumbled. His eyes widened. His body language slouched. And most of all — his smile vanished.

In what became one of the most lopsided beatdowns in exhibition match history, Reyes closed the game with a clinical finish, sinking the final 9-ball with grace and walking away to a standing ovation.

The Aftermath

After the match, the young player was asked what he learned from the experience. His tone had changed. Gone was the arrogance.

“I thought I knew the game,” he admitted. “But I just played a man who thinks ten shots ahead while I barely think two. That wasn’t a match… that was a lesson.”

As for Reyes? When asked if the mockery offended him, he simply chuckled and said:

“Young players… they talk fast. But this game isn’t about speed. It’s about respect, control, and patience.”

A Lesson Etched in History

That match became more than just a viral clip. It became a warning tale for cocky challengers who think skill comes from ego. It showed, once again, that Efren Reyes doesn’t need to raise his voice or taunt his opponent. His cue speaks louder than any words ever could.

In a single game, Reyes reminded the world that magic doesn’t fade with age — it deepens. He didn’t just win the match. He won the respect of an audience who already adored him — and perhaps, more importantly, he earned the silent respect of a young player who will never forget what it means to stand across from a true legend.

Because in the end…
He made fun of Efren Reyes.
But The Magician gave him an unforgettable lesson.