In Part 3 of our four-part conversation with BCA Hall of Famer Nick Varner, we dive into the rich details of his legendary career, exploring the transitions, rivalries, and defining moments that shaped one of the greatest champions in cue sports history.

Nick reflects on his early love for straight pool—a game of patterns, precision, and deep strategy—and how it contrasted with the faster, high-pressure rise of nine ball. He shares fascinating insights into the mental shift required to thrive when the sport’s focus moved from methodical runs to the unpredictability of nine ball, a game he ultimately dominated for decades.

We revisit Nick’s experiences in the Mosconi Cup, where team dynamics, momentum swings, and raw pressure created some of the most intense environments of his career. With anecdotes about teammates like Jimmy Rempe and Mike Sigel, and his unique perspective as both player and coach, Nick sheds light on what it really takes to succeed in the crucible of international team play.

The conversation also explores the evolution of the American pool scene—shrinking pool halls, the rise of bar tables, and the European and Asian dominance fueled by training systems and commitment to the nine-foot game. Nick’s stories about practicing pattern play in college, learning from legends like Ray Martin, and his observations on players like Steve Mizerak highlight the generational shifts within the sport.

Finally, Nick shares his enduring connection to bank pool, a discipline that sharpened his precision and kept his competitive edge razor sharp. From world championships to bubble gum stories with Mizerak, this episode captures Nick Varner at his most candid—revealing not only his unmatched accomplishments but also his thoughtful love for the game.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

Support the show

Follow our show and/or leave a review/rating on:

Our website: https://www.legendsofthecue.com

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legends-of-the-cue/id1820520463

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Za0IMh2SeNaWEGUHaVcy1

Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a pool history podcast featuring interviews with Pool Hall of Fame members, winners of major championships and other people of influence in and around pocket billiards. We also plan to highlight memorable pool brands, events and venues. Focusing on the positive aspects of the sport, we aim to create and provide an engaging and timeless repository of content that listeners can enjoy now and forever. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher, Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, our podcast focuses on telling the life stories of pool's greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”