In the world of billiards, where precision and creativity coexist, no one can do the impossible like Efren "Bata" Reyes. The Filipino legend is more than just a great pool player – he is an artist, a magician with a cue. His shots regularly bring spectators to their feet, leave opponents speechless and leave the world asking: "How did he do that?"
Efren showed a natural talent with a cue from an early age. Born into poverty, he had to play billiards for a living as a boy. But it was this difficult beginning that forged a genius who knew how to take advantage of every opportunity on the table. And then, from the pool tables of Manila, he reached out to the world, conquering tournaments big and small and becoming a living icon.
If you’ve ever watched a match involving Reyes, you’ll quickly notice that he doesn’t play like everyone else. While most players play logical, routine shots, Reyes sees the unexpected. One of his most memorable “reality-bending” moments was his incredible carom shot at the US Open, where he knocked out three balls in one incredibly precise shot – a shot that could have been straight out of a science fiction movie.
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American legend Earl Strickland – one of Reyes’ greatest rivals – once said: “Playing against Reyes is like playing against a ghost. You don’t know what he’s going to do next, and by the time you know it, it’s too late.” And Reyes can put the ball in places no one else would expect. He doesn't just hit the ball into the pocket, he makes it travel in a snaking trajectory, sometimes hitting four or five cushions before completing a crazy combo that leaves his opponents gaping.
One of the shots that took the world by surprise happened at the World Pool Championship. In a tight spot, the cue ball was stuck behind the opponent's ball barrier. While people were waiting for him to make a defensive shot, Reyes unleashed a three-cushioned shot with reverse spin - not only hitting the object ball but also pocketing it perfectly. The crowd exploded with excitement. The commentator couldn't hide his surprise: "This is why he's called The Magician!"
Not only does Reyes possess top-notch technique, he also stands out for his calm and humble playing style. Despite his "unbelievable" shots, he rarely shows strong emotions. For Reyes, every shot is part of a plan - even if it seems like he's playing on a whim. His combination of refined strategy and masterful technique made him an almost unpredictable opponent.
What made Reyes legendary was not just the number of titles he won – although he did win a host of prestigious tournaments, including the World Pool Championship, the US Open, the Derby City Classic – but the way he won. Audiences came to see him not just to see who won, but to witness the magic of billiards. Each shot was a work of art, drawn with a cue stick and boundless imagination.
In a match in Japan, Reyes was once forced into a seemingly impossible combo. The audience thought he would pass, but Reyes didn’t. He took a look, then swung the cue, the cue ball hit one ball, then hit the ice wall, then bounced to the second ball – and miraculously, both balls went into the pocket. The crowd erupted. A Japanese audience exclaimed in English: "That's not real. That's magic!"
Reyes not only competed at the highest level, but also inspired the next generation. Young players always admired him, not only for his skills but also for his sportsmanship, humility and elegant style. When asked the secret of his success, Reyes just smiled and said: "Just love this game and keep learning."
Perhaps one of the clearest proofs of Reyes' greatness is that his opponents - instead of being angry when defeated - feel happy to "learn" from him. Once, a young German player after losing to Reyes asked for an autograph and took a souvenir photo with a face as radiant as a loyal fan. That is the power of Reyes - he not only wins, but also inspires.
At over 60, Reyes may not be playing as much as he used to, but every time he appears – even in exhibition matches – it becomes an event. All eyes are still on him, waiting for the next “impossible” shot. Because for Reyes, nothing is impossible. He has proven it for more than three decades – and will be remembered forever.
“Witness the Impossible” is more than a slogan, it is something that anyone who has ever watched Efren Reyes play can feel. He is not simply the best pool player – he is a living legend, a man who redefined the way pool can be played. With every shot, he shows the world that miracles are real, if you are Efren “Bata” Reyes – The Magician.
