Meet “The Prince of Pool,” Corey Deuel (Mosconi Cup Champ)
The US has produced some highly talented pool players over the years, but few have the same level of natural talent, creativity, and daring shot-making abilities as Corey Deuel.
Corey Deuel, or “The Prince of Pool,” as many fans call him, has played pool professionally for over two decades and won major championships. His unwavering determination and love for the game keep him active despite having played pool almost all his life.
Deuel has already left an indelible mark on the sport, and in this article, we take a closer look at his career highlights. Here, you will learn more about how he started playing pool, going pro, his major championships, and his cue of choice.
Who is Corey Deuel?
Corey Deuel is an American professional pool player born in Santa Barbara, California, on November 20th, 1977. He was born into a family of pool fanatics. His father was a gifted pool player in his own right.
Deuel was exposed to pool from a very early age as he would sometimes accompany his father to pool halls and area tournaments.
As was expected, he got hooked on the game and was a very skilled player by his early teens. Deuel started playing pool at Drexeline Billiards in Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania when he turned 14. He then went on the road looking for action and more experience, which laid a good foundation for him to go pro a few years later.
When did Corey Deuel go pro?
Deuel turned pro in 1995 when he was just 18. He had been on the road for most of his teen years and traversed the US playing in different tournaments and championships, so he was well-prepared to play at the pro level.
He would get his first significant championship a couple of years later when he won the 1997 Viking 9-Ball Tour. His triumph in the 2001 U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship was, however, what marked his big breakthrough as a professional pool player.
Corey Deuel’s Championships
With a professional career spanning over 2 decades, Deuel has won dozens of championships in the US and world pool stages. Here is an overview of some of his biggest championships:
1. Mosconi Cup (4 times)
Deuel has been part of Team USA in the Mosconi Cup 10 times and has won the championship 4 times:
- 2000 – Team USA defeated team Europe 12–9
- 2001 – Team USA defeated team Europe 12–1
- 2009 – Team USA defeated team Europe 11–7
- 2018 – Team USA defeated team Europe 11–9
*Deuel won the Mosconi Cup MVP in 2006. That year, the championship ended in a 12–12 tie, the only time the two teams have tied since the tournament started.
2. US Open 9-ball Championship (1 time)
- 2001 – Deuel beat Finnish player Mika Immonen, “The Iceman,” 11–0 in the finals to win the championship and a $30,000 prize.
*Deuel was also a finalist in 2010. Darren Appleton won the championship by beating him 15–13.
3. Derby City Classic (3 times)
- 2004 – Won the ring game
- 2013 – Won the one-pocket event
- 2018 – Won the bank pool event
4. Turning Stone Classic (1 time)
- 2010 – Defeated Stevie Moore to win the 16th Turning Stone Classic in Verona, NY
5. ESPN Sudden Death Seven-ball (2 times)
- 2001 – Won the championship in Baltimore, Maryland
- 2004 – Won the championship in Las Vegas, Nevada
Corey Deuel’s Cue of Choice
Corey Deuel uses Meucci cues. Most of his other pool equipment is also from Meucci. His cues are custom-made by Bob Meucci to suit his specific playing style and preferences. The cue manufacturer has been one of his main sponsors for many years.
Deuel has also used Predator cues in the past and was signed by OB cues a few years ago. His other sponsors include Diamond Billiards and CSI.
Other Awards and Achievements
Outside of his dozens of championships and titles, Deuel also has many other pool-related awards and achievements. Here is a list of some of the most notable ones:
1. Billiards Digest Player of the Year – Deuel was Billiard Digest’s player of the year in 2001, one of the most successful years in his pool career as he also won the Mosconi Cup.
2. Ranked #9 in Fans’ Top 20 Favorite Players Poll – In 2007, Deuel was ranked number 9 in a fans’ top 20 favorite pool players poll run by the Pool & Billiard Magazine.
3. Ranked 2nd Best US Pool Player – The UPA (United States Professional Poolplayers Association) ranked Deuel the 2nd best US pool player in 2008.
Wrap Up
Corey Deuel has been a fan favorite for many years and is one of the most entertaining US pool players to watch. His love for the game and engaging personality have endeared him to pool fans all over.
His legacy will keep evolving as he continues to play, and he is destined to leave a notable mark on the sport. Deuel still has plenty more to offer in this sport.
The Prince of Pool will always be a source of inspiration for emerging pool players. He is living proof that natural talent combined with dedication and passion is the surest way to succeed as a pro pool player.
As always, Happy Shooting!
