"You're still not good enough, so practice more" – Efren Reyes Bluntly Confronts Kary Boyes After Being Challenged In Front Of The Whole World!
The atmosphere was tense. Cameras rolled, the crowd held its breath, and the world watched closely. In a scene that has since gone viral across billiards communities and social media platforms, young billiards prodigy Kary Boyes made a bold and unexpected move—he publicly challenged Efren “The Magician” Reyes, the most revered and feared legend in the sport’s history. With confidence brimming in his voice and the audacity of youth in his veins, Boyes looked Reyes in the eye and said, “I’m ready for you. Let’s see if the magic still works.”
The world reacted with mixed emotions—shock, excitement, disbelief. Who was this young player, barely on the radar of the elite professional scene, daring to provoke a man who had humbled world champions and carved his name into the annals of cue sports history with artistry and consistency?
But the true headline came not from Boyes’ challenge—but from Reyes’ brutally honest and unforgettable response. After calmly chalking his cue and observing the young challenger, Efren Reyes stepped forward, looked Boyes dead in the eye, and said with quiet, measured authority:
“You’re still not good enough… so practice more.”
That one sentence sent shockwaves throughout the billiards world. There was no trash talk. No mocking. No anger. Just the seasoned voice of a man who had seen it all—delivered like a life lesson disguised as a reprimand. It wasn’t just a rejection; it was a reality check.
VIDEO :
A Clash of Generations
Kary Boyes, hailed by some as the “rising storm” in cue sports, had been riding a wave of confidence after a series of regional victories. Talented, sharp, and brimming with ambition, Boyes had begun to believe he was ready to take down giants. His social media had been buzzing with clips of his flashy shots, his interviews increasingly bold. In his mind, he wasn’t challenging Reyes for disrespect—he believed he was proving he had arrived.
But challenging Efren Reyes is not like challenging anyone else. Reyes isn’t just a pool player—he’s a living myth. Nicknamed “The Magician” for his unreal positional play and mind-bending escapes, Efren made a career out of making the impossible look effortless. His legacy isn't defined by wins alone, but by the way he changed how the game is played. To question his place, even indirectly, is to test the patience of a master.
And Reyes wasn’t about to play along for the cameras.
Reyes’ Response: A Lesson, Not an Insult
Efren’s words weren’t meant to humiliate—but to teach. At 70, Reyes has nothing left to prove, and even less interest in meaningless theatrics. But when he looked at Boyes, he didn’t see a rival—he saw a student too eager to leap before learning to walk.
“You’re still not good enough” wasn’t arrogance—it was honesty. It was a reminder that greatness isn’t declared through bold statements—it’s earned over decades, through countless hours of quiet discipline, of defeats and lessons, of moments when no one is watching. And Reyes? He’s been through all of it.
The Fallout: Applause and Backlash
Reactions were swift. Some praised Efren’s response as the exact discipline the new generation needs: no sugarcoating, no ego-boosting, just cold, hard truth. Others felt the response was too direct for a young player simply trying to rise. But Reyes didn’t flinch.
In a post-event interview, Reyes clarified:
“He has talent, no doubt. But talent without humility and hard work won’t last long. I said what I said because I’ve seen too many burn out thinking they’ve arrived too early.”
It wasn’t just a moment—it became a statement on the state of modern cue sports. In an era where viral clips and online fame often precede actual skill, Reyes stood firm as a symbol of the old guard: where respect, experience, and results mattered more than noise.
A Turning Point for Boyes?
The question now is not about Reyes—it’s about Boyes. How he responds will determine whether this moment becomes a stumble or the spark for greatness. If he allows the sting of Reyes’ words to drive him forward, to push harder, to truly practice more, then this clash may be the best thing to happen to his career.
In a follow-up statement, Boyes responded with surprising maturity:
“I won’t lie. That hurt. But he’s right. If the greatest of all time tells you to go practice more, you go practice more.”
A moment of humility. A glimpse of growth. Perhaps Reyes saw potential—but refused to sugarcoat the truth for the sake of the cameras.
The Legacy of a Line
In sports, there are moments that transcend competition—moments where the truth hits harder than any trophy. Reyes’ line has already been etched into billiards history, not just for what it said about Boyes—but for what it represented.
It reminded the world that mastery cannot be faked, rushed, or pretended. That real greatness speaks softly, but carries the weight of truth. And that behind every legend, there are decades of quiet, relentless work—far from the spotlight.
For young players watching, Reyes delivered a message far more valuable than any highlight reel: “You’re still not good enough… so practice more.”
Because in the world of Efren Reyes, respect is not demanded.
It’s earned—one shot, one lesson, and one hard truth at a time.
