Earl Strickland, a legendary figure in the world of professional pool, is as renowned for his unparalleled skill with the cue as he is for the controversies that have peppered his storied career.
A multiple-time world champion, Strickland’s name has become synonymous with the sport, reflecting both the genius of his gameplay and the polarizing effect of his outspoken personality.
In this article, we dive into the life and legacy of Earl Strickland, examining the highs and lows of a career that has both inspired and incited the billiards community.
We will explore Strickland’s journey from his early days of mastering the pool table to becoming one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport.
Alongside his achievements, we’ll also delve into the various incidents that have made him a subject of debate and discussion.
Strickland’s story is a complex tapestry of raw talent, fierce competitiveness, and moments of contention, all of which have contributed to his fame and financial standing.
As we dissect the elements that comprise Earl Strickland’s net worth, we’ll also consider the impact of his personality on his career and the world of pool.
Join us as we take a closer look at the multifaceted life of Earl Strickland, a true icon whose legacy extends beyond the green felt.
Full Name | Earl Strickland |
Nickname | The Pearl |
Date of birth | June 8, 1961 |
Religion | Christianity |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | White American |
Age | 61 Years Old |
Zodiac sign | Gemini |
Place of birth | Roseboro, North Carolina |
Current residence | Iselin, New Jersey |
Hobbies | Playing pool, swimming, reading books. |
Food Habit | Non – Vegetarian |
Sex | Male |
Father’s name | Not Available |
Mother’s name | Not Available |
Siblings | Not Available |
Profession | Pool Player |
World Champion | Nine-Ball (1990, 1991, 2002) |
Highest WPA ranking | One |
Active Since | 1983 |
Height | 6 ft (1.87 m) |
Weight | 174.1 lb (80 kg) |
Chest size | 40″ |
Biceps size | 17″ |
Waist size | 33″ |
Shoe size | 14 (US) |
Hair color | Blue |
Eye color | Brown |
Marital status | Married |
Wife | Lisa Strickland (m. 1992-2002) |
Children | Not Available |
Net worth | $10 Million |
Early Life of Earl Strickland
Earl Strickland is a world-renowned American professional pool player who has achieved much in his career.
He was born on June 8, 1961, in Roseboro, North Carolina.
From a young age, he showed great talent for the game of pool and started to practice a lot.
By the time Earl was 11, he had started beating the best players in his town. By 12, he was known as the “road player.” He also was called the child phenom, as he was a child taking out the big dogs in town.
By the age of 19, Earl had participated in a professional pool tournament and won it.
After that, he started to learn trick shots and many types of shots.
As a result, he was always able to shock other people with his prowess.
Through his teenage years, Earl Strickland was influenced by friends who knew how to play pool and impressed others around him with his knowledge of the game.
In his early adult life, Earl got to train some tricks by learning from Willie Mosconi, Steve Mizerak, and Mike Massey.
He became known for not only pool trick shots but also for knowing all kinds of maneuverability that always contributed to his success at playing the game.
The Career of Earl Strickland
Earl Strickland is said to be a genius and the most dynamic nine-ball player of all time.
This player is exceptionally proud, having won the first championship game in 1983 during the World nine-ball championship.
A year later, Eddie, The Pearl succeeded in the professional Billiard Classic competition held in Las Vegas.
After those serious wins, Earl Strickland was named The National Billiard News Player of the Year.
A fancy feat that he maintained until 1984 while winning over 58 championship titles over his career.
Earl Strickland is a pool player with a record-breaking career. He has won 58 titles in the world’s most prestigious pool tournaments and has won two world titles.
In addition, he has won six consecutive WPA World Nine-ball Championships (1990-1996).
He is also a five-time winner of the US Open Nine-ball Championship (1984, 1987, 1997, 1993, and 2000).
Furthermore, he has won 11 of the 14 Mosconi Cup tournaments.
With such a successful career, it’s no wonder that Earl Strickland is considered one of the smartest and most dynamic pool players of all time.
Controversies
Earl Strickland, also known as the “bad boy of nine-ball,” has been involved in controversies throughout his illustrious career. From verbal fights with fans to allegations of foul language, the man of success and drama has never been one to shy away from a fight.
In 2003, Strickland became world champion at the nine-ball world professional championship by upsetting snooker superstar Steve Davis. However, the match is infamous for Earl’s heated conversation with then referee Michaela Tabb.
Furthermore, at the 2006 Mosconi Cup, fans in attendance were extremely loud, disrupting Strickland’s ability to play.
Referee Michaela Tabb even threatened to remove the crowd if they didn’t behave.
Strickland was so angered by the situation that he broke his cue stick, slamming it against the floor following a failed shot.
Personal Life of Earl Strickland
There are no dating rumors surrounding Earl Strickland, and he famously married his long-time girlfriend, Lisa Strickland, in 1992.
The couple was an incredible team when they were together, and their relationship didn’t suffer due to their busy professional lives.
In 2002, the couple separated but remained best friends to this day.
Earl Strickland’s Net Worth
Earl Strickland is a professional pool player and has racked an impressive $10 million net worth.
Most of his earnings have come from competition wins and endorsements and from betting in the pool. He’s also won the vast majority of challenges he’s participated in.