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Corey Deuel
Corey Deuel
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Corey Deuel (born November 20, 1977) is an American professional pool player from West Jefferson, Ohio. Nicknamed "Prince of Pool", he won the US Open Nine-ball Championship in 2001, and has won many other major titles. In January 2008, he was ranked the second highest US pool player by the United States Professional Poolplayers Association.[1] He regularly represents the US in the Mosconi Cup. In 2010, he again was selected for the US team in the Mosconi Cup and was responsible for winning 2 of the US team's 8 points in the event. His tournament walk-on music is "Disco Inferno" by the Trammps.

Key Information

His reported career earnings to February 2008 were approximately $562,000.[2] His worst professional year was 2003, in which he did not win a single major event.[3]

"Soft breaking" and "pattern racking" are techniques that have been used by Deuel and others as a strategy to gain an advantage in tournament competitions. Pattern racking refers to purposefully racking the balls in strategic positions to take advantage of where those balls typically head. Pattern racking is illegal and unethical unless tournament rules specifically allow it.[4]

In 2013, he made a successful crossover to snooker by capturing the United States Amateur Championship title in Houston, Texas, and went on to represent the United States in the 2013 IBSF World Snooker Championship.[5][6]

Early life

[edit]

At the age of 14, Deuel began playing pool at Drexeline Billiards in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania,[7] before taking to the road in his teen years.

Snooker career

[edit]

In 2013, Deuel decided to cross over to snooker. He entered in the United States National Snooker Championship and went on to win the event.[5] His victory meant he automatically qualified as the United States entrant for the 2013 IBSF World Snooker Championship where he was eliminated in the round-robin stage after finishing 5th in his group.[6]

Deuel entered the World Snooker 2014 Q School qualification tournament in an attempt to win himself a 2-year tour card to play on the professional World Snooker Tour. He lost in the second round to the former world number 70 Daniel Wells in the first event and lost 2–4 to Martin Ball in the second event.

Deuel later competed in the 2015 Xuzhou Open in China, but was eliminated in the first round after losing 2–4 to the world number 81 Zhou Yuelong.

Deuel re-entered the 2015 Q School qualification tournament in May 2015. Despite at one stage leading 3–1 and only needed one more frame to advance Deuel, lost 3–4 to Jamie Barrett in the second round of the first event.

He again entered Q School 2018[8] and lost in the first round of the first event to Haydon Pinhey.[9]

Pool career

[edit]

Deuel has been competing professionally since 1995.[2] He was a member of the International Pool Tour.[10]

He was selected again for Team USA in the 2007 Mosconi Cup,[11][12] after being on the team in the four previous years. He was not selected in 2008, but again represented his country during the 2009 tournament.[13]

For 2007, he was ranked #9 in Pool & Billiard Magazine's "Fans' Top 20 Favorite Players" poll.[14]

Personal life

[edit]

Deuel lived in West Jefferson, Ohio, in early 2008. He now resides in New Port Richey, Florida.[2]

Career titles

[edit]
  • 1997 Viking 9-Ball Tour
  • 1999 Camel Milwaukee 9-Ball Open
  • 1999 Camel Time Warner Cable Open [15]
  • 1999 Viking 9-Ball Tour
  • 2000 Viking Nine-ball Tour[16]
  • 2000 Northern Lights Nine-ball Shootout[17]
  • 2000 Mosconi Cup
  • 2001 All Japan Championship 9-Ball[16]
  • 2001 BCA Open Nine-ball Championship[16]
  • 2001 Sands Regency 9-Ball Open[16]
  • 2001 U.S. Open 9-ball Championship[16]
  • 2001 Greater Columbus Open[16]
  • 2001 ESPN Sudden Death Seven-ball[16]
  • 2001 Mosconi Cup
  • 2001 Billiards Digest Players of the Year
  • 2002 UPA Atlanta Pro Open[18]
  • 2002 IBC Japan Nanki Classic[18]
  • 2003 Patriot Cup Border Battle
  • 2004 ESPN Sudden Death Seven-ball[19]
  • 2004 Predator Central Florida Ring Game[19]
  • 2004 Derby City Classic Ring Game[19]
  • 2005 Fast Eddie's 9-Ball Tour
  • 2005 UPA Pro Tour Championship[20]
  • 2006 Mosconi Cup (MVP)[21]
  • 2006 Relay for Life Nine-Ball Invitational[20]
  • 2007 Space Coast Open[12]
  • 2007 Super Billiards Expo Players Championship
  • 2008 Million Dollar Shootout
  • 2008 Seminole Florida Pro Tour
  • 2009 Mosconi Cup
  • 2009 Seminole Florida Pro Tour
  • 2010 Turning Stone Classic
  • 2010 Seminole Florida Pro Tour
  • 2013 United States Amateur Snooker Championship
  • 2013 Four Bears Classic 8-Ball
  • 2013 Derby City Classic One Pocket
  • 2014 CSI US Bar Table 8-Ball Championship
  • 2014 Music City Classic
  • 2014 Chuck Markulis Memorial One Pocket
  • 2015 Smokin Aces Bar Box 9-Ball Open
  • 2015 Chinook Winds Open 8-Ball Open
  • 2017 ABN Dream Challenge Team USA vs. Russia
  • 2017 GT Jam
  • 2017 Four Bears Classic 8-Ball
  • 2017 The Break Room's 8-Ball Classic
  • 2018 ABN Dream Challenge Team USA vs. Russia
  • 2018 Wyoming Open Triple Crown
  • 2018 High Dessert Shootout 8-Ball
  • 2018 Derby City Classic Bank Pool
  • 2018 Mosconi Cup
  • 2019 ABN Dream Challenge Team USA vs. Russia
  • 2021 Texas Open Banks Ring Game
  • 2024 The Americas Heyball Championship

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Corey Deuel (born November 20, 1977) is an American professional pocket billiards player, widely recognized as one of the most innovative and entertaining competitors in , earning him the nickname "The Prince of Pool." Deuel turned professional in 1999 after honing his skills in regional tournaments, quickly establishing himself as a daring shot-maker known for unconventional techniques like the soft break in , which revolutionized approach to the game. In 2001, at age 23, he won three major championships that year, including the U.S. Open Nine-Ball Championship—defeating world champion 11-0 in the final—the BCA Open Nine-Ball Championship, and the All Japan Open Men's Nine-Ball Championship. Throughout his over-two-decade career, Deuel has continued to excel in diverse disciplines, securing the One-Pocket Division in 2013 and the Banks Division in 2018, while amassing numerous pro tour and regional victories. He has been a mainstay for Team in the , with ten appearances as of 2023, contributing to several key matches in the annual vs. Europe showdown. Sponsored by Meucci Cues, Deuel resides in his hometown of , and remains active on the professional circuit as of 2025.

Early life

Childhood and family

Corey Deuel was born on November 20, 1977, in Santa Barbara, California. He spent his early childhood there before his family relocated to suburban Philadelphia, where he was raised primarily in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. Deuel was brought up in a working-class household by his mother, who worked as a dance instructor and played a significant role in his upbringing. He has described having limited contact with his father, stating that he "didn't really know my dad," which contributed to a sense of independence in his formative years. Associates have noted that Deuel "pretty much raised himself," reflecting the self-reliant environment of his childhood in the close-knit community of Drexel Hill. His mother expressed concerns about his activities as a teenager, particularly given the urban surroundings, but supported his growing interests.

Introduction to billiards

Corey Deuel first encountered pool at the age of 14 while living in , where he frequented local pool halls to observe and begin playing the game. This initial exposure ignited his interest, drawing him into the sport through casual sessions at establishments like Drexeline Billiards, which served as a hub for budding players in the area. Largely self-taught, Deuel mastered the fundamentals of pool by practicing extensively on bar tables commonly found in these neighborhood venues. His early routines emphasized repetition and experimentation, allowing him to develop a strong foundation in shot-making and table control without formal instruction. As he progressed through his teenage years, Deuel's family provided encouragement that supported his growing dedication to the activity. During high school, Deuel actively participated in amateur local tournaments throughout , competing against peers and gaining competitive experience that sharpened his abilities. These events, often held in community settings, offered him opportunities to test his skills in structured matches and build confidence on the table. After graduating high school around 1995, Deuel committed to pursuing billiards with greater intensity, shifting his focus from casual play to serious development as a pathway to a potential career in the sport. This pivotal choice marked the transition from hobbyist to aspiring professional, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in competitive pool.

Professional pool career

Early professional years

Corey Deuel entered the professional pool scene in 1999, with primary affiliations to the Professional Poolplayers Association (UPA) and the Valley National Association (VNEA) during his formative years. His transition from amateur play, where he honed his skills in local leagues, allowed him to quickly adapt to the demands of professional competition. Building on this foundation, Deuel focused on events, which dominated the U.S. pro circuit at the time. Deuel's early professional tournaments consisted mainly of regional U.S. Open qualifiers and stops on emerging tours like the Viking Tour. A notable debut came at the 1999 US Open Championship, where the 21-year-old finished 12th, defeating veterans like en route to earning $2,500—his first significant professional paycheck. He followed this with appearances in the 1999 Camel Milwaukee Open and the Camel Time Warner Cable Open, gaining exposure on ESPN broadcasts and establishing himself among rising American talents. These outings highlighted his unorthodox approach, often incorporating high-risk jumps and draw shots that captivated audiences. Deuel's rankings progressed steadily, culminating in 11th place on the AZBilliards money list for 1999 with total of $19,740, a marked buildup from sporadic earlier payouts. This period also saw the origin of his nickname, "Prince of Pool," bestowed for his flair in creative shot-making during early matches, such as elaborate rail-first escapes and symmetrical breaks that showcased technical innovation over conventional play. By 2000, consistent finishes in events like the Northern Lights Nine-Ball Shootout solidified his reputation as a stylistic trailblazer on the pro circuit.

Peak achievements

Corey Deuel's most prominent success came in 2001 when he won the US Open Championship, a marquee event in professional pool. En route to the title, he overcame strong competition, including a semifinal victory over reigning World 9-Ball Champion . In the final, Deuel delivered a dominant performance, shutting out Finland's 11-0—a rare whitewash in the tournament's history—while capitalizing on consistent breaks in a field where many players struggled with the rack. This win, which earned him $30,000, was part of a "triple crown" that year, also including victories at the BCA Open Championship and the All Japan Open Men's Championship. These achievements solidified his reputation as one of the game's elite shot-makers, building on his early professional flair for inventive play. Deuel continued his peak form in the mid-2000s, capturing the 2007 Super Billiards Expo , a high-stakes invitational showcasing top American talent. The following year, he added another major title by winning the inaugural Million Dollar 9-Ball Shootout in , where he advanced through a grueling format and clinched the $20,000 first prize with a 13-7 final victory over . These triumphs highlighted Deuel's precision under pressure and strategic depth during a period of intense competition. By January 2008, Deuel had ascended to No. 2 in the United States Professional Poolplayers Association (UPA) rankings, reflecting his consistent excellence and major wins. His career earnings reached approximately $562,000 by February 2008, underscoring the financial impact of his peak years. Deuel also represented Team USA in the three times during this era (2007, 2009, and 2010), contributing key matches in the annual USA vs. Europe showdown and helping foster team momentum despite varied outcomes for the American squad.

Later career

Following his peak achievements in the early 2000s, Corey Deuel experienced a dip in rankings during the , reflecting broader challenges in maintaining top-tier consistency amid a competitive field and financial pressures on travel for tournaments. By the mid-, his position on the AZBilliards money leaderboard had declined, with earnings placing him outside the top 50 in several years, such as 67th in the 2021 Matchroom Pool World Ranking. Deuel demonstrated resilience through targeted participation in high-stakes events, marking resurgences in specialized disciplines. In 2013, he captured the Derby City Classic One-Pocket Division title, showcasing his strategic depth in a format emphasizing safety play and positional mastery. This victory was followed by another strong performance in 2018, where he went undefeated to win the Derby City Classic 9-Ball Banks Division, defeating John Brumback in the final for a $10,000 prize and reaffirming his bank pool expertise amid a field of elite competitors. These mid-2010s successes highlighted his ongoing efforts to regain form by focusing on bank and one-pocket variants, where his creative shot-making remained a key asset. By 2025, Deuel remained active, competing in the US Open Pool Championship where he faced Wojciech Szewczyk in a race-to-nine match. These engagements, culminating in $3,850 in earnings and a 261st AZB money leaderboard finish as of November 2025, affirmed his enduring commitment to professional pool despite fluctuating rankings.

Snooker and other cue sports

Snooker involvement

Corey Deuel entered the snooker scene in the early 2010s, drawing on his extensive experience as a professional 9-ball pool player to explore the larger-table format as a secondary pursuit. His transition began notably in 2013 when he competed in the United States National Snooker Championship held at Snooker 147 Bar & Grill in Houston, Texas, from May 24 to 27. Deuel advanced through the group stage and knockout rounds, defeating three-time champion Ahmed Aly Elsayed in the round of 16 and Andy Jethwa in the quarterfinals before securing a 5-1 victory over defending champion Sargon Isaac in the final, with frame scores of 94-32, 78-6, 41-74, 74-27, 64-10, and 73-24. This win earned him automatic qualification to represent the United States at the 2013 International Billiards & Snooker Federation (IBSF) World Snooker Championship in Daugavpils, Latvia, where he competed in the men's group stage but finished fifth in Group P with one win (4-0 over Iulian Boiko of Ukraine) and four losses, including 4-1 to Batsukh Baldandorj (Mongolia), 4-0 to Lee Walker (Wales), 4-0 to Zhao Xintong (China), and 4-2 to David Vaitzman (Israel). Deuel's U.S.-based snooker participation remained sporadic after 2013, focusing primarily on international qualifiers rather than domestic opens. He attempted to gain entry to the professional through the Q School events from 2014 to 2018, marking his efforts to elevate his career beyond amateur levels. In 2016, during his third Q School appearance at the Meadowside in Burton-upon-Trent, , Deuel recorded his first-ever victory in the event, defeating Robin Otto of 4-3 in the first round of Event 1 after leading 3-0 and surviving a comeback, though he was eliminated in subsequent rounds. His Q School campaigns in other years, including 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018, ended in early exits, such as first-round losses in 2018's Events 1, 2, and 3 to opponents including Mike Pinhey, Leong Man Hoi, and . Adapting from 9-ball pool to presented challenges for Deuel, particularly in the emphasis on safety play and intricate positional control on the larger table. He noted that required mastering "long shot making and tricky positional play," contrasting with the more direct break-and-run strategies of pool, though he found aspects like play around clustered reds reminiscent of 14.1 continuous pool. Despite these hurdles, Deuel expressed enjoyment in the learning process, viewing as a fun extension of his versatility that enhanced his overall game.

Heyball and emerging formats

Heyball, a cue sport hybrid combining elements of snooker and eight-ball pool, gained prominence in international professional circuits around 2023–2024 under the governance of the World Pool Association (WPA) and International Heyball Pool Association (IHPA). The game uses standard pool balls (57.15 mm diameter) on a snooker-sized table (full-size with 6 pockets), emphasizing precision, safety play, and strategic positioning due to the tighter pockets and larger playing area compared to traditional pool. This format, previously known as Chinese eight-ball in some regions, was formalized with updated rules in 2024 to standardize equipment and gameplay, fostering its growth in events like the inaugural Americas Heyball Championships. Corey Deuel showcased his adaptability to Heyball by winning the Men's division of the 2024 Americas Heyball Championships, held July 8–11 in , going undefeated in a modified double-elimination format with 64 entrants. In early rounds, he dominated opponents, defeating Greg Gallegos 6–0, Joe Nielsen 6–1, and Mason Koch 6–1 while allowing just two racks across 18 games, highlighting his controlled breaks and positional accuracy suited to the game's demands. Deuel advanced through double-hill thrillers in the round of 16 and quarterfinals, defeated Vitaliy Patsura 7–4 in the semifinals, and secured the title with a double-hill victory over Clint l'Anson in the final (7–6), earning the $10,000 first-place prize and establishing him as a frontrunner in the format. His success stemmed from adapting his renowned pool break techniques—such as soft, controlled shots—to the hybrid's strategic depth, leveraging prior experience for enhanced safety play and long-pot precision. In August 2025, Deuel represented the at the in , , placing ninth in the men's Heyball division after one win in the round robin. Later, in September 2025, he reached the last 16 of the WPA Heyball Champion of Champions in , , before losing 3-7 to Jordan Shepherd. In 2025, Deuel was selected as playing captain for Team USA at the JOY World Teams Heyball Championship in , announced on November 6 amid growing global interest in the sport. The team consists of Deuel alongside two accomplished and pool players, poised to compete in a team-based event emphasizing coordination and format mastery against international rivals. Expectations are high for Deuel's leadership, given his recent Heyball triumphs and ability to blend offensive prowess with defensive tactics, positioning Team USA as a competitive force in this emerging team arena.

Personal life

Family and residence

Deuel resided in , during the early years of his professional career, including as of 2008. He later relocated to . The move aligned with the active billiards scene in the , including participation in local leagues like the Universal Pool League and events on the Florida Pro Tour. Little public information exists about Deuel's adult family life, as he has maintained privacy on personal matters amid his traveling career. No verified details on children or other family impacts are available in credible sources.

Interests and media presence

Beyond his competitive pursuits, Corey Deuel has engaged in billiards instruction, contributing to the sport's growth through educational content. He has produced a series of instructional videos for the American Poolplayers Association (APA), covering techniques such as stop shots, cue ball control drills, aiming with the ghost ball method, force follow and draw shots, pre-match routines, and banking strategies. These episodes, released between 2018 and 2019, aim to help players of varying skill levels improve their game, with Deuel demonstrating drills like the Mighty X for precision and the pre-match stroke routine for consistency. Additionally, he has shared personal training content, including a video of him coaching his nephew Mason on basic shots. Deuel has also supported philanthropic efforts within the billiards community, particularly those benefiting development. In one notable instance, he participated in the annual "Challenge the Stars" charity event, which raised over $5,000 for the Billiard Education Foundation (BEF), an organization dedicated to providing academic scholarships and promoting billiards programs. In terms of media presence, Deuel maintains an active profile on social platforms, where he shares updates on his travels and tournament experiences, often highlighting the enjoyment of events like the Wyoming Open. His YouTube channel features match highlights and instructional material, extending his visibility to a broader audience interested in cue sports. As of 2025, Deuel continues to leverage social media to discuss his involvement in emerging formats like heyball, including his role as a representative for Team USA at the World Games in Chengdu, China, and his participation in the JOY World Heyball Masters Grand Finals. These posts reflect his enthusiasm for the sport's evolution and his ongoing engagement with fans through event recaps and team announcements.

Career achievements

Individual titles

Corey Deuel has secured several prestigious individual titles in pool, demonstrating his prowess in 9-ball, , and emerging formats like heyball, while also crossing over successfully into . These victories span his career, often against top international competition, and underscore his technical skill and strategic adaptability in solo tournaments. His achievements include high-stakes events with significant prize money, contributing to his reputation as one of the sport's elite players. The following table summarizes Deuel's major individual titles in chronological order, including key details on the events and finals.
YearEventDisciplineFinal OpponentScorePrize Money
2001US Open 9-Ball ChampionshipPool (9-ball) ()11–0$30,000
2008Million Dollar 9-Ball Pool (9-ball) (USA)13–7$20,000
2013United States National Championship (Amateur)Sargon Isaac (USA)5–1Not specified
2018 Bank Pool DivisionPool ()John Brumback (USA)Not specified (undefeated)$10,000
2024The Americas Heyball Championship (Men's)Pool (Heyball)Clint Ianson (USA)Not specified$10,000
In addition to these landmark wins, Deuel has claimed numerous pro-am and regional titles, such as the 2001 BCA Open 9-Ball Championship where he defeated in the final after a loser's bracket run. Overall, his career includes approximately 78 tournament victories across professional, pro-am, and regional levels, often featuring prize payouts ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 for mid-tier events like Pro Tour stops and Tri-State Tour invitations.

Team successes

Corey Deuel has been a key contributor to Team USA in the , with 10 appearances as of 2023 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, , 2009, 2010, 2014, 2015, 2018), helping secure victories in 2009 and 2018. In , Deuel participated in two matches: he and lost their opening doubles match 2-6 to Niels Feijen and Konstantin Stepanov, while Deuel fell 4-6 in singles to . Despite these individual losses, Team USA competed valiantly but ultimately lost the event 5-12. Deuel returned for the 2009 Mosconi Cup, where he again faced challenges in his matches, losing 4-6 in singles to Thorsten Hohmann and 1-6 in doubles with Dennis Hatch to Feijen and Hohmann. However, his presence helped bolster Team USA's overall effort, leading to a decisive 11-7 victory over —the first U.S. win since 1996 at that time. In the 2010 edition, Deuel's singles match resulted in a 4-6 defeat to Ralf Souquet, contributing to Team USA's narrow 8-11 loss to Europe. Deuel closed out his Mosconi Cup appearances in 2018, recording a 2-3 overall record across formats: he lost singles matches 3-5 to Albin Ouschan and 1-5 to Niels Feijen, but secured a doubles win with Shane Van Boening and a team victory. These efforts aided Team USA in clinching the cup 11-9, ending an eight-year drought. Beyond the Mosconi Cup, Deuel has represented the in emerging team formats. In November 2025, he was selected as the playing captain for Team USA in the JOY World Teams Heyball tournament held in , with teammates including Sargon Isaac and Andy McCloskey; as of November 17, 2025, specific outcomes are not yet reported. No notable team medals or awards from VNEA international events have been recorded for Deuel.

References

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