Efren Reyes Net Worth 2026: Filipino Pool Legend's Earnings

Early Life and Background

Efren Reyes was born on August 26, 1954, in Angeles, Philippines. At just five years old, his family sent him to live with his uncle in Manila, who happened to own a pool hall. To help cover his living expenses, young Efren worked as a janitor at the establishment, even sleeping on the pool tables at night. His proximity to the game sparked an early fascination, and by the age of nine, he was skilled enough to win his first money match. He quickly developed exceptional talent in three-cushion billiards, setting the foundation for what would become a legendary career.

Career and Breakthrough

Reyes officially turned professional in 1978 and immediately began making his mark. His first major international breakthrough came in 1979 with the first of his four All Japan Championships. Throughout the 1980s, he dominated the sport in his home country, winning the Philippine Rotation Championship in 1983 and consecutive Nine-ball Opens in Las Vegas in 1985 and 1986. His stellar performance at the 1987 Southeast Asian Games, where he captured gold in multiple billiards disciplines, solidified his status as a rising star in the sport.

The year 1994 marked a turning point in Reyes's career when he became the first non-American to win the US Open Nine-ball Championship, instantly achieving global recognition. Two years later, he made headlines worldwide by defeating Earl Strickland in a grueling three-day, race-to-120 nine-ball challenge that offered a $100,000 winner-take-all prize. the largest purse in professional pool history at the time. By the end of the 1990s, he had accumulated the World Pool Championship and numerous Southeast Asian Games medals, earning him the Philippine Legion of Honor and Outstanding Filipino Award.

The 21st century brought continued success for Reyes. In 2004, he made history by becoming the first player ever to win WPA world championships in two different pool disciplines when he claimed the World Eight-ball Championship title. He won the IPT King of the Hill Eight-ball Shootout in 2005, earning a $200,000 purse. Though he captured the 2006 IPT World Open Eight-ball Championship worth $500,000, he was unable to collect due to the tournament organizer's financial collapse. Alongside Francisco Bustamante, Reyes represented the Philippines in the inaugural World Cup of Pool in 2006, winning the final, and the duo repeated their victory in 2009. His recent accolades include the 2011 US Open One-pocket Championship, the 2014 Manny Pacquiao Ten-ball Championship, and the 2019 Junior Norris Memorial Nine-ball Shootout. In 2024, he was among the first inductees into the World Billiards Hall of Fame at the World Billiards Museum in Yushan, China.

Personal Life

Reyes has been married to his wife Susan for many years, and together they have raised three children. Despite his international fame and numerous travels for competitions, he has maintained his residence in Angeles, Philippines, never straying far from his roots. His humble beginnings. from sleeping on pool tables to becoming a global icon. have shaped his grounded personality and continued connection to his homeland.

Net Worth and Income Sources

Efren Reyes has accumulated an estimated net worth of $2 million through his decades-long career as a professional pool player. His primary income has come from tournament winnings across various prestigious events worldwide, including the US Open Nine-ball Championship, World Pool Championship, and multiple Derby City Classic events. Exhibition matches, sponsorship deals, and appearances have also contributed to his earnings. At the peak of his career, he secured substantial prizes such as the $200,000 purse from the 2005 IPT King of the Hill Eight-ball Shootout, though some anticipated earnings were lost due to tournament financial issues.