In this fifth and final installment of our Legends of the Cue deep-dive with co-host, former Mosconi Cup Captain and player, professional pool player, master teacher, and broadcaster Mark Wilson, we bring the conversation full circle — from the bright lights of international competition to the grassroots of the game he loves.

Mark takes us behind the curtain of his Mosconi Cup captaincy, sharing the challenges of managing world-class talent, the psychology of match play, and the small strategic edges — like the all-important lag — that can swing an entire event. With candid storytelling, he reveals the intense preparation, lineup decisions, and personal mentoring that went into shaping his teams, including guiding players like Shane Van Boening, Justin Bergman, and John Schmidt through the crucible of the Cup.

The discussion then shifts to Mark’s groundbreaking tenure at Lindenwood University, where he built one of the most disciplined, academically accomplished, and successful collegiate billiards programs in history. He explains how character, accountability, and camaraderie formed the core of his coaching philosophy, producing national champions and lifelong ambassadors for the sport.

We also explore U.S. Team Billiards, Mark’s ongoing “give back” initiative, where he continues to instill professionalism, etiquette, and technical excellence in players of all levels. From creative practice drills to fostering a family-like culture, Mark’s programs reflect his unwavering commitment to pool’s betterment.

With humor, humility, and heartfelt reflection, Mark shares lessons from decades at every level of the game — as a competitor, coach, mentor, and steward of billiards history. He closes with three revealing “final questions” on what he’d do differently, the one shot he’d like back, and how he hopes to be remembered.

It’s a fitting conclusion to a five-part journey through the life of a man who has dedicated himself to leaving the sport better than he found it.

Give Allison, Mark & Mike some feedback via Text.

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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.”

In this fourth episode of our special five-part series with Legends of the Cue co-host, former Mosconi Cup captain, accomplished professional player, master teacher, and broadcaster Mark Wilson, we journey through some of the most personal and defining chapters of his extraordinary life in pool.

Mark opens up about an unthinkable personal tragedy that nearly ended his career—and how a single spark of resolve set him on a path toward “relentless positivity” and a renewed purpose. We follow his return to the table, his life on the pro tour, and his travels to Hong Kong for one of the sport’s most prestigious events, where a career-defining win came with unexpected personal consequences.

The conversation then turns to the highs and lows of professional pool’s evolution—from the meteoric rise of the Camel Pro Billiards Series to the missed opportunities and missteps that left the sport struggling to sustain mainstream appeal. Mark’s candid reflections reveal a deep love for the game and frustration with decisions that shaped its modern era.

We also step into one of pool’s most electrifying stages—the inaugural Mosconi Cup in 1994—where Mark competed alongside legends such as Lou Butera against a European side featuring Steve Davis, Jimmy White, and a young Allison Fisher. With behind-the-scenes stories, colorful personalities, and heart-pounding match moments, Mark relives the intensity and camaraderie of those early Cups, including a memorable post-event invitation to train with Steve Davis at his home.

This episode blends personal resilience, candid history, and vivid storytelling—capturing why Mark Wilson’s journey is not just a career in pool, but a life shaped by 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.”

In the third installment of our five-part conversation with former Mosconi Cup Captain, professional pool player, teacher, and broadcaster Mark Wilson, we dive deep into the formative years that shaped his career — on and off the table.

Mark’s story picks up in the heat of fierce competition and colorful characters. From life on the road with the fiery Jeff "The Pool Monster" Carter — a player as polarizing as he was talented — to the lessons learned under the watchful (and often demanding) eye of legendary mentor Frank “Sailor” Stellman, Mark shares how these relationships forged both his skills and his mental toughness.

We hear how “Sailor’s” no-nonsense standards, like his exclusive 100-Ball Runners Club tables, inspired Mark to grind relentlessly until he earned his place among the game’s elite. Along the way, Mark recalls key moments: winning the Wisconsin State Championship with a perfect 100-ball run, the thrill (and humbling reality) of matching up with Hall of Famer Steve Mizerak, and the boom-time action in Houston during the oil-rich late ’70s.

Mark also reflects on detours in his career — from a short-lived business venture in Nashville to the lure of returning to the road — and the importance of staying true to his passion for playing rather than chasing money. His tales are peppered with insider glimpses of the pool world’s unwritten rules, its high-stakes action, and its larger-than-life personalities.

Whether you’re a student of pool history or simply love great storytelling, this episode offers a rare window into the grit, humor, and heart it takes to thrive in the golden era of American billiards.

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.”

In this compelling second installment of our five-part Legends of the Cue conversation with renowned player, teacher, and former Mosconi Cup Captain Mark Wilson, we dive deep into the crucible of commitment and the hard-earned lessons that shaped his extraordinary career.

From his earliest days at Jerry Briesath’s legendary pool room in Madison, Wisconsin, Mark recalls the struggles of being the worst player in the room—and the obsessive drive to change that. He shares vivid, often humorous stories of self-imposed discipline, like spending hours working on a single shot or denying himself access to the pool hall as punishment for a lack of focus. His unflinching honesty reveals what it truly takes to master a craft, including isolation, sacrifice, and resilience.

Mark opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of his early years, from losing 40 straight tournament matches to the elation of his first breakthrough win. Through brutal losses, sleepless nights, and cue sticks nearly snapped in frustration, he never lost his love for the game—or his belief in the process.

This episode also introduces some of the colorful characters who shaped Mark’s evolution: mentors, fellow grinders, and road warriors who left an indelible mark on his development. From lessons in grit to cue maintenance, every experience added another layer to his deep respect for the sport.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to transform raw passion into professional prowess, this episode is a blueprint in perseverance. Mark’s journey is not just about pool—it’s about pursuing excellence with your whole heart.

Stay tuned for Episode 3, where Mark's game begins to rise and the Mosconi Cup enters the frame.

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.”

Legends of the Cue’s Allison Fisher and Mike Gonzalez sit down with their podcast co-host and one of the sport’s most passionate and respected figures—Mark Wilson—for the first of a compelling five-part conversation that explores a life devoted to the game of pool.

From his early days in Moline, Illinois, Mark shares a vivid portrait of growing up in a Midwestern family that valued structure, sportsmanship, and discipline. While baseball was his first love, a chance visit to a local bowling alley—and a glance at the pool tables—would quietly alter his course forever. What started as a curiosity soon became a consuming passion, even as his initial attempts at the game were, as he puts it, “sub-horrible.”

Listeners are treated to Wilson’s self-deprecating humor and honesty as he recalls formative experiences: Latin classes, transistor radio nights listening to Cardinals games, and his first encounter with legendary coach Jerry Briesath—who would deliver the stinging but pivotal feedback that launched Wilson’s serious study of the sport.

Allison and Mike draw out reflections that are heartfelt and humorous, uncovering the mindset of a man who turned down the conventional path in pursuit of mastering a game few truly understand. Along the way, we’re reminded of how transformative mentorship, discipline, and sheer enthusiasm can be.

With anecdotes of high school friends lost to beer runs, hours spent alone in the pool hall, and life lessons gleaned from every missed shot, this episode sets the stage for a remarkable series chronicling the journey of one of the game’s great ambassadors. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to cue sports, Mark Wilson’s story will capture your imagination and your heart.

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.”

In the final episode of our five-part deep dive with the incomparable Allison Fisher—aka the “Duchess of Doom”—we reflect on the later chapters of a legendary career that has shaped the world of cue sports. From navigating personal challenges and global pandemics to rediscovering her competitive edge, Allison shares how she’s balanced motherhood, health, and the evolving demands of the game while remaining a fierce and respected competitor.

We hear candid reflections on the emotional toll of loss, the comfort of family, and the lifelong pursuit of balance between personal and professional fulfillment. Allison opens up about her most recent victories, her selective return to competition, and her honest assessment of what drives her today—not trophies, but legacy and meaning.

She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Cue Queens, the upcoming docu-series showcasing the untold stories of women in pool. From surprising accolades—like being twice named the UK Tie Woman of the Year—to the whirlwind experience of being inducted into multiple Hall of Fames, Allison’s grace, humor, and humility shine through.

Co-hosts Mike Gonzalez and Mark Wilson round out this memorable conversation with Allison’s thoughts on how she'd like to be remembered, the one shot she’d love to take back, and the wisdom she'd share with her 20-year-old self.

A fitting close to a remarkable series with one of the sport’s true icons. Join us as we celebrate a champion whose impact reaches far beyond the table.

Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for more cue sport legends on Legends of the Cue.

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.”

In the fourth installment of our exclusive five-part conversation with Hall of Fame legend Allison Fisher, the “Duchess of Doom” takes us deeper into the pivotal chapter of her remarkable journey—from reigning queen of women’s snooker in the UK to chasing a new challenge across the Atlantic in the world of professional pool.

With candor and clarity, Allison shares the emotional and professional crossroads that led her to leave behind a dominating career in snooker to test her skills against the best in the U.S. pool scene. We explore the boldness behind that decision, the cultural and competitive differences between the two worlds, and the self-belief that fueled her transformation from UK icon to global cue sports phenomenon.

Listeners will gain a front-row seat to the early trials and eventual triumphs Allison experienced as she carved out her place on the WPBA Tour—ultimately becoming one of the most decorated champions in pool history. Through insightful conversation with her co-hosts, she reflects on the mindset shift required, the trail she blazed for women in the sport, and the pressure of maintaining dominance at the highest level.

This episode offers not only a look at Allison Fisher's technical brilliance, but also the resilience, ambition, and quiet tenacity that define her enduring legacy in cue sports. It’s a portrait of a competitor who never settled, always evolved, and changed the game on two continents.

Join us for this inspiring continuation of an extraordinary life in sport, as we celebrate the moments that shaped a true legend.

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.”

In Part 3 of our compelling five-part series with Hall of Famer Allison Fisher, we explore the pivotal years that marked her transition from snooker stardom in the UK to international dominance in pool. We dive into the stories behind Allison’s record-setting moments, including her iconic first century break by a woman on television and her multiple World Championship titles—moments that built the foundation of her legendary status.

We follow Allison through her memorable doubles and mixed doubles triumphs with greats like Steve Davis, and her bittersweet victories over fierce rivals like Karen Corr and Stacey Hillyard. But it was in 1995, after a disheartening experience at the Women’s World Championship in India, that Allison made the bold decision to leave snooker behind and chart a new course in the U.S.

With candid insight and trademark humor, Allison recounts how a chance meeting with a sponsor and early support from Cuetec helped launch her American journey. Her adaptation to the subtleties of pool—from banking and kicking to understanding throw—unfolds in real time, including her surprise first win just two weeks into the WPBA Tour. She also reflects on her early days learning from legends like Grady Matthews and competing against the best women in the world.

Join us as the “Duchess of Doom” begins to forge a new legacy, one shot at a time, and redefines what it means to be a champion on both sides of the Atlantic.

Subscribe and stay tuned for Part 4 as Allison Fisher continues her remarkable story—only on Legends of the Cue.

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.”