The world of pool has been filled with unexpected moments that have left both players and spectators in shock. These moments, ranging from controversial decisions to mind-boggling errors, highlight the unpredictable nature of the game. In this compilation, we explore the top ten most surprising events in pool history, each of which has been etched into the minds of those who witnessed them.

Starting with the tenth spot, we have the unbelievable incident between Efren Reyes and Thomas Kaplan. In this match, both players faced a bizarre occurrence where the eight ball, after being perfectly pocketed in the middle of the pocket, was somehow thrown out of it—twice! This rare and inexplicable event left both players and the audience astounded, questioning how such a thing could happen in a professional setting.

Moving to the ninth spot, Karl Boyes found himself in an extremely unusual situation during a match with a referee. Boyes was stunned when the referee called a foul while he had ball in hand. The situation became even more bewildering when the referee questioned whether Boyes had enough space to place the ball correctly. The confusion surrounding this moment was something that left both the player and the audience in disbelief.

In eighth place, a controversial decision occurred during a match involving Shane Van Boening. The referee called a foul on Van Boening for failing to make contact with a rail after a shot, leading to an official video review. Many viewers, including Van Boening himself, were shocked by this ruling, as they believed the shot to be legal. The video review sparked heated debates about the interpretation of the rules and the accuracy of the referee’s decision, making it one of the most unexpected moments in recent pool history.

Number seven on the list also involves a controversial situation with Earl Strickland. During a match with Jayson Shaw, Strickland was accused by Shaw of not nominating the ball he was pocketing, a claim that added tension to the match. The incident led to a heated exchange between the two players, with Shaw challenging Strickland’s actions. This moment, full of drama and disagreement, was one of the many that highlighted the intense emotions that often arise in high-stakes pool matches.

At number six, another exchange of words occurred, this time between Mika Immonen and Jeffrey De Luna. The argument was triggered when De Luna claimed that Immonen had failed to announce his intentions to play the five-nine combination shot. This led to a sharp confrontation, adding more fuel to the already tense atmosphere. The altercation between these two players became a highlight of the match, with the viewers left to wonder how such a situation could escalate so quickly.

Shane Van Boening makes another appearance in the fifth spot, this time due to a time foul call that left him completely shocked. The referee had ruled that Van Boening did not request an extension, despite the fact that Van Boening firmly believed he had made the request. This moment highlighted the confusion and miscommunication that can sometimes occur in pool, and it added an extra layer of drama to an already high-pressure situation.

Number four on the list features a moment of frustration from Earl Strickland during the Mosconi Cup. After a shocking miss, Strickland snapped his cue in anger, an act that shocked everyone present. Known for his intense temperament, Strickland’s outburst was a dramatic display of the emotional toll that competitive pool can take on players. His reaction to the miss has since become one of the most memorable moments in Mosconi Cup history.

In third place, a major mistake by a referee during the Mosconi Cup match between Jason Shaw and Billy Thorpe caused a huge stir. The referee mistakenly called a foul on ball number one, but the replay clearly showed that no foul had actually occurred. This error was a glaring example of how officiating can impact the outcome of a match, and it sparked discussions about the importance of accurate and fair rulings in pool competitions.

The second most shocking moment on the list involves Karl Boyes, who made an incredibly unexpected miss in the deciding rack of his match against Liu Haitao at the World Pool Masters. Boyes, known for his precision, was visibly stunned when he missed an extremely simple 8-ball shot that would have secured his victory. The miss was so out of character for Boyes that it left the audience in utter disbelief, making it one of the most memorable upsets in recent pool history.

Finally, at number one, Alex Pagulayan’s nightmare moment in a match against Jason Shaw stands as the most unexpected event in pool history. In the deciding rack, Pagulayan shocked everyone by conceding the match after an incredible miss on the last ball, the nine-ball. This unexpected turn of events left spectators and commentators speechless, as it was a rare sight to see a player of Pagulayan’s caliber make such a costly mistake under pressure. The miss, followed by his decision to concede, was a heart-wrenching moment that underscored the emotional highs and lows that professional pool players often experience.

These ten moments represent some of the most surprising and unforgettable events in pool history. From controversial calls to shocking mistakes, they remind us of the unpredictable nature of the game and the human element that makes it so thrilling to watch. Whether it’s a missed shot, a heated exchange, or a referee’s mistake, these moments have become a part of pool lore, capturing the attention of fans and players alike.