2026 CueSports Hall of Fame

John Leyman wins!

In a close contest, John Leyman emerged as the 2026 CueSports Hall of Fame "Industry Titan." His banner will be displayed at the CueSports International Expo for years to come; keeping his accomplishments to the sport alive. See below for the full vote results.

About the Nominees

DR. DAVE ALCIATORE, is a distinguished PBIA Master Instructor, author, and leading authority in the world of billiards education. Renowned for his innovative teaching methods, he authored The Illustrated Principles of Pool and Billiards and co-produced the acclaimed “Video Encyclopedia” series. His instructional resources, including private lessons and intensive courses, are available through Dr. Dave’s Pool School and Billiard University (BU), which he co-founded. Dr. Dave also serves as the webmaster for billiards.colostate.edu, a widely respected online resource for billiards enthusiasts.

A retired mechanical engineering professor from Colorado State University (1991–2020), Dr. Dave combines his academic expertise with his passion for billiards to present complex concepts in clear, engaging ways. He has been a monthly instructional columnist for Billiards Digest magazine and is an active contributor to online forums and social media. In 2021, he appeared on StarTalk Sports Edition with Neil deGrasse Tyson, a renowned American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator, to discuss the physics of pool, reaching a global audience as part of a podcast that garners approximately 1.3 million downloads per month.

As a promoter, innovator, and educator, he continues to inspire players and instructors worldwide.

JOHN LEYMAN is a revered figure, known for his extensive experience in officiating, rules administration, and league operations. He currently serves as the Director of Rules & Referees for CueSports International (CSI), where he is responsible for the referee management for some of the largest amateur billiards events in the world.

Leyman has decades of experience as a head referee and is widely regarded for his professionalism and command. He has long served as a referee for countless professional events, including the Mosconi Cup, one of the most prestigious international competitions in pool.

In addition to officiating, Leyman has managed amateur pool leagues for many years and is also the Executive Director of the Tri-State Tour in the greater New York metropolitan area, which hosts tournaments throughout the Tri-State region.

Through officiating, league management, and tournament leadership, John Leyman has played a significant role in elevating the professionalism, consistency, and integrity of our sport.

ROY PASTOR is a highly respected leader in the billiards community, with decades of experience in amateur league management, tournament operations, and player development. For many years, he has managed the New England USA Pool League, overseeing all league operations.

In addition to league administration, Pastor has organized and directed amateur tournaments. His deepest passion is his commitment to youth development. He has spent years training and mentoring junior and young adult players, emphasizing fundamentals, sportsmanship, and long-term growth in the sport.

Pastor is a PBIA Master Instructor and a lead instructor for the Billiard Congress of America’s Break and Run Premier Junior Instruction Program. His contributions to instruction have been recognized nationally, including being named PBIA Jerry Briesath Instructor of the Year in 2020 and receiving the Billiard Congress of America President’s Award in 2024. He was also inducted into the New England Billiard Hall of Fame in 2018.

Through leadership, education, and mentorship, Roy Pastor continues to have a lasting impact on amateur and junior billiards.

MIKE PAGE & STEVE ERNST are prominent figures in the billiards world, best known for co-founding FargoRate, the most trusted and universally accepted rating system for pool players globally. FargoRate has transformed the sport by providing a fair and accurate method to measure skill levels, earning its place as the gold standard among players, league managers, and tournament directors.

Page is a former owner of Fargo Billiards & Gastropub in North Dakota and served as a League Operator and Tournament Director for many years. He is also a founding professor of Billiard University (BU), where he collaborates with esteemed colleagues to maintain the institution's high standards and reputation for excellence in billiard education. Known for his ability to explain complex concepts with clarity and a friendly, disarming demeanor, Page combines intellect and a gentle demeanor to inspire others.

Ernst brings an impressive background in computer programming, data analysis and modeling. Ernst helped propel the framework behind FargoRate, making it the most sophisticated and unmatched pool player rating system in the world. He is also the architect behind the FargoRate League Management System (LMS) and its mobile scoring apps, which allows pool leagues around the globe to report league data directly to FargoRate and more effectively handicap league play.

MIKE PANOZZO is a renowned figure in billiards media, having dedicated his career to promoting the sport. After graduating with a journalism degree from Marquette University, Panozzo joined Billiards Digest in 1980, eventually becoming its publisher in 1994. Under his leadership, the magazine expanded from a 48-page bi-monthly to a 100-page monthly publication, reaching subscribers in over 40 countries.

Panozzo’s influence extends beyond publishing. He has served on the Billiard Congress of America (BCA) Board of Directors and chaired its Hall of Fame Committee, working tirelessly to preserve and promote the sport’s history. In 2007, he founded the United States Billiard Media Association (USBMA), which now oversees the BCA Hall of Fame and ensures the continued recognition of the game’s legends.

As president of the Billiard & Bowling Institute of America (BBIA), Panozzo played a key role in advancing the industry. His efforts were recognized with the BCA President’s Award in 2005 and the BBIA Industry Service Award in 2017. He is a regular co-host on popular billiards podcasts and hosts a show called Billiards Digest Live. In 2023, he was inducted into the BCA Hall of Fame, a humbling acknowledgment of his lifelong dedication to billiards.

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