Earl Strickland - Bio

 

Earl Strickland ("The Pearl") is an iconic American professional pool player, often regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport. Born on June 8, 1961, in Roseboro, North Carolina, Strickland has won numerous prestigious titles throughout his career, particularly in nine-ball.

Here are some highlights of his remarkable career:

Major Accomplishments:

  1. World Nine-Ball Championship:

    • Earl Strickland is a 5-time World Nine-Ball Champion (1984, 1990, 1991, 2002, and 2006). His mastery of the game, particularly his ability to control the cue ball and execute difficult shots, has made him one of the most successful and dominant players in this discipline.

  2. U.S. Open Nine-Ball Championship:

    • Strickland has won the prestigious U.S. Open Nine-Ball Championship multiple times, with victories spanning across different decades. His first win came in 1984, and he later added several more titles, including his most recent in 2002.

  3. Mosconi Cup:

    • Earl has been a key figure in the Mosconi Cup, an annual team event between Europe and the United States. He has represented the U.S. team on numerous occasions, contributing to several U.S. victories. His competitive fire and on-table charisma have made him a central figure in the event's history.

  4. Accolades:

    • Strickland has accumulated numerous titles and awards throughout his career, including titles in other disciplines like one-pocket and ten-ball. His consistent high-level play over many decades has earned him a place among the all-time greats.

Playing Style:

Strickland is known for his incredible skill and precision at the table. He has a natural ability to control the game, especially the cue ball, and can run racks of balls with remarkable ease. His playing style combines technical mastery with a fearless attitude, often leading to very fast and aggressive play.

Earl Strickland's place in the history of professional pool is solidified. His accomplishments have influenced the sport, inspiring countless players to pursue excellence in pool. His iconic performances, especially during the peak of his career in the 1980s and 1990s, left an indelible mark on the game.