Mike Massey facts for kids
Massey setting up a trick shot
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| Born | 9 April 1947 Loudon, Tennessee, U.S. |
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| Sport country |  United States |
| Nickname | "Tennessee Tarzan" |
| Tournament wins | |
| World Champion | Artistic Pool (2000, 2002, 2003, 2005) Snooker Trickshot (1992, 1997, 2005) |
| Ranking info | |
Mike Massey is a famous American professional pool player. He was born on April 9, 1947, in Loudon, Tennessee. Mike is well-known for his incredible trick shots. Many people call him "Tennessee Tarzan" because of his home state. He used to own a pool hall in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and now lives in Midway, Utah.
Mike Massey's amazing skills led him to be honored. On April 7, 2005, he was added to the Hall of Fame for the Billiard Congress of America. In 2007, Pool & Billiard Magazine asked fans to pick their favorite players. Mike was ranked as the 8th most popular player.
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Amazing Trick Shots: World Championships
In 1991, Mike Massey showed off his skills at the first World Trickshot Championship. This event took place in the United Kingdom. Even though he did not win that first competition, he impressed everyone. He had a special "duel" against Steve Davis, a former World Snooker Champion. A TV host named Jeremy Beadle presented this exciting show.
Mike's Special Ball Spin
During the duel, Mike showed a unique trick. He could make a cue ball spin with just his hand. He would throw the cue ball from one end of the snooker table. The ball would then curve around other balls. It would go behind the black spot and then sink a red ball into the pocket. He did all this without the cue ball touching the side cushions.
Using Props and Illusions
Mike Massey also used special items and magic in his performances. He would use two pool balls stuck together. He also included magic props and even card tricks. Terry Griffiths, who won the 1991 World Trickshot Championship, was very impressed. He said Mike was "miles ahead" of the other players. Mike went on to win the event in later years.
Picking Up Pool Balls
Mike was also famous for being able to pick up many pool balls with one hand. He could pick up twice as many as anyone else. He said this skill helped him win many bets. During his duel with Steve Davis, Mike picked up 8 balls. Steve Davis could only pick up 5. Mike explained that the smaller snooker balls made it harder. He held one ball between each finger. Then he picked up three more using his palm and thumb.
Mike Massey's Big Wins and Achievements
Mike Massey has won many important titles and awards throughout his career. He is known for his success in both artistic pool and snooker trick shots.
- 2024 Artistic Pool Hall of Fame
- 2008 World Cup of Trick Shots
- 2006 Trick Shot Magic Championship
- 2005 Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame
- 2005 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship
- 2005 World Snooker Trickshot Championship
- 2004 Trick Shot Magic Championship
- 2004 Hard Times 9-Ball Open
- 2003 Trick Shot Magic Championship
- 2003 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship
- 2002 BCA North American Artistic Pool Championship
- 2002 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship
- 2001 Trick Shot Magic Championship
- 2000 BCA North American Artistic Pool Championship
- 2000 World Pool Masters Trick Shot Challenge
- 2000 WPA World Artistic Pool Championship
- 2000 Trick Shot Magic Championship
- 1997 World Snooker Trickshot Championship
- 1997 Senior Nine-ball Masters Championship
- 1996 Mosconi Cup
- 1996 Dutch National Eight-ball Championship
- 1993 World Snooker Trickshot Championship
- 1984 Sylacauga Open 9-Ball
- 1982 Classic Cup 9-Ball
Mike Massey's Amazing Records
Mike Massey has set some incredible records in pool. These show his amazing endurance and skill.
- 11,230 balls pocketed in marathon shooting (24 hours)
- 8,090 balls pocketed in marathon shooting with one arm (24 hours)
- 330 racks of nine-ball run on live television (24 hours)
