Earl Strickland

Earl **The Pearl** Strickland was the most feared American nine-ball player of the 1980s and 1990s — a streak-shooter with a confrontational on-stage style that made him a tournament magnet.

Strickland won the US Open Nine-ball Championship a record five times (1984, 1987, 1993, 1997, 2000) and the WPA World Nine-ball Championship three times (1990, 1991, 2002). He was the United States' anchor in the Mosconi Cup throughout its formative years and is part of every Team USA highlight reel from that era.

He was inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame in 2006. He continues to play occasional pro events and stream coaching content.