Legends of the Cue

Allison Fisher, Mark Wilson & Mike Gonzalez
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Sports
  • Updated Weekly

"Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with notable players, promoters, administrators and other people of influence in and around cue sports. We also plan to highlight memorable 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 cue sport’s greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

  1. 26m ago

    Michaela Tabb - Part 3 (Making History at the Crucible)

    Getting into professional snooker was one thing. Proving she belonged there was another. In Part 3 of our Legends of the Cue conversation, Michaela Tabb reveals how difficult her early years on the professional snooker tour really were. Hired without the traditional referee apprenticeship, she learned almost everything on the job while navigating resentment from some established officials and the pressure of being the only woman in the room. Michaela remembers the referees who supported her, the extraordinary concentration required to officiate professional snooker, and even why she initially avoided wearing perfume because she didn’t want players to feel their familiar competitive environment had changed. Then came 2003. After working tirelessly to establish herself, Michaela was unexpectedly released during cost-cutting measures. She describes the anger and devastation of losing the role—and why being invited back months later ultimately meant even more than being hired in the first place. From there, her career accelerated. Michaela recounts walking through the famous Crucible Theatre curtains for the first time, the overwhelming atmosphere inside snooker’s most iconic venue and the constant feeling that, as the only female referee, every mistake would receive additional scrutiny. Finally, she takes us inside the defining assignment of her career: the 2009 World Snooker Championship final between John Higgins and Shaun Murphy. After spending an entire season worried that one mistake might cost her the assignment, Michaela became the first woman ever to referee a World Championship final—and walked away on “Cloud Nine.” 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 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LegendsoftheCue-MLG 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 cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join A...

    Michaela Tabb - Part 3 (Making History at the Crucible)

  2. 6d ago

    Michaela Tabb - Part 2 (Earl Strickland, Efren Reyes and the Road to Snooker)

    Michaela Tabb never planned to become a professional referee. In fact, her extraordinary career began when husband Ross McInnes told a tournament organizer that Scotland already had a referee—and Michaela suddenly needed to become one. In Part 2 of Legends of the Cue, Michaela tells the remarkable story of creating a referee CV despite never having officiated American pool, studying two pages of nine-ball rules and arriving at Matchroom’s St Andrews Cup hoping she knew enough to survive. She did—and soon found herself refereeing some of the biggest personalities in professional pool. Michaela recalls being thrown almost immediately into matches involving Earl Strickland, learning how to manage his volatile personality and discovering the difference between appearing calm and actually feeling calm. She describes the Mosconi Cup as a “Colosseum of Death,” remembers referees being caught between Team Europe, Team USA and passionate fans, and explains why the Mosconi Cup remains her favorite event. She also talks about the player she most loved refereeing: the incomparable Efren Reyes, whose creativity left even Michaela unable to predict what shot was coming next. Her success in televised pool eventually caught the attention of World Snooker. But being recruited directly into professional snooker—without the traditional referee training or examinations—created an entirely new challenge. This episode ends with Michaela recounting her painfully difficult first ranking-event assignment and the act of kindness from Ken Doherty that helped convince her to keep going. 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 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LegendsoftheCue-MLG 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 cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join A...

    Michaela Tabb - Part 2 (Earl Strickland, Efren Reyes and the Road to Snooker)

  3. Oct 20

    Michaela Tabb - Part 1 (From Scottish Pool Player to European Champion)

    Before Michaela Tabb became one of the most recognizable referees in snooker and pool, she was a fiercely competitive player representing Scotland on the international stage. In Part 1 of our Legends of the Cue conversation with Michaela, she takes us back to the beginning—from being born in England and growing up in Dunfermline, Scotland, to childhood gymnastics, playing bassoon and cornet, an unlikely ambition to become an air traffic controller, and her brief experience at Glasgow University. Michaela recalls discovering pool in a local pub called The Thistle and quickly realizing that determination and tactical intelligence could compensate for not being a natural potter. Her defensive style became her trademark, earning her the nickname “Michaela Hang-a-Bag” and helping propel her into the Scottish women’s team. She also shares stories from her early working life—including her unforgettable stint selling for Ann Summers—before discussing her rise through competitive pool, representing Scotland, and winning major individual titles. The episode culminates with Michaela remembering her 1998 European Championship victory in Gibraltar, including the promoter who wanted to move her televised final because her deliberate playing style was taking too long—and Michaela’s emphatic refusal. Before the white gloves, the Crucible Theatre and snooker history, there was Michaela Tabb the player. 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 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LegendsoftheCue-MLG 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 cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join A...

    Michaela Tabb - Part 1 (From Scottish Pool Player to European Champion)

  4. Oct 13

    Tony Chohan - Part 4 (Derby City, Game Tight and the Legacy of a One Pocket Legend)

    Tony Chohan’s second career may be even more remarkable than his first. In the final installment of Legends of the Cue’s four-part conversation with “T-Rex,” Tony reflects on the championship run that cemented his place among the great One Pocket players in history. He revisits his second U.S. Open One Pocket Championship in 2022, his victories at Buffalo’s and the International Open, and the title that had eluded him for years: the 2023 Derby City Classic One Pocket Championship. Tony describes battling back against Jonathan Pinegar, feeling the entire room behind him and finally seeing his banner added to the Derby City champions. The conversation then turns to how Tony actually sees the game. He talks about creativity, cue-ball control, percentages and the three elements he teaches every student: speed, English and angle. Tony also shares stories about legends including Efren Reyes, Jose Parica and Warren “Monk” Costanza, and explains why many modern players are technically stronger but sometimes less imaginative. We also explore Game Tight One Pocket, Tony’s instructional book and teaching philosophy, including its innovative QR-code video demonstrations. Then it’s time for Alli’s Rapid Rack, where Tony weighs in on Derby City versus the U.S. Open, Dennis Orcollo, Ronnie Allen, his longest session, rule changes and more. The episode closes with the question that defines his legacy: How does Tony Chohan want to be remembered? His answer: “Just as that guy that liked to compete.” A fitting conclusion to the life story of one of One Pocket’s most distinctive champions. 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 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LegendsoftheCue-MLG 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 cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join A...

    Tony Chohan - Part 4 (Derby City, Game Tight and the Legacy of a One Pocket Legend)

  5. Oct 13

    Tony Chohan - Part 3 (Prison, Redemption and the Return of T-Rex)

    Tony Chohan’s story took a dramatic turn in 2009. In Part 3 of this four-part Legends of the Cue interview, Tony speaks with remarkable candor about the choices that led to his incarceration, the fear of losing years of freedom and prime playing time, and the lessons he carried home when he was released in 2015. Tony refuses to frame what happened as bad luck. His words are simple: it was a “wrong choice, wrong time.” He talks about surviving prison, taking college courses, staying out of trouble and keeping one eye on the pool world through magazines and newspapers sent to him while he was away. Then comes one of the most extraordinary comeback stories in modern pool. Within days of his release, Tony was back in action. He recalls matching up with Danny Smith, rapidly recovering his One Pocket instincts and going roughly two years without losing a major gambling set. He later rebuilt his tournament career, winning Buffalo’s Pro Classic in 2016 and becoming deeply connected to the New Orleans action scene. Tony explains why Buffalo’s became the “Mecca of Pool,” why he prefers action to many tournaments, and why competition remains essential to his identity. The episode also turns deeply personal as Tony discusses living with hidradenitis suppurativa, the pain of the condition, a difficult surgery and infection, months of recovery and his determination to undergo another procedure and reclaim his health. A powerful story of consequences, resilience, competition and second chances. 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 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LegendsoftheCue-MLG 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 cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join A...

    Tony Chohan - Part 3 (Prison, Redemption and the Return of T-Rex)

  6. Oct 6

    Tony Chohan - Part 2 (Action, One Pocket and Becoming a Champion)

    How does a talented young pool player become one of the most fearless gamblers and creative One Pocket players of his generation? In Part 2 of Legends of the Cue’s four-part interview with Tony “T-Rex” Chohan, Tony explains what drew him to the action side of pool—and why he believes playing with something at stake helped sharpen his game. He remembers gambling for small amounts as a teenager, putting cues up when he went broke, watching serious action in Reno and learning through trial and error how to match up. Tony also reveals the story behind the nickname “T-Rex,” reflects on colorful personalities like Keith McCready, and explains why One Pocket became the perfect game for his mind. He breaks down the strategic beauty of One Pocket, the importance of cue-ball control, risk versus reward and why he believes there is often more than one correct shot. The conversation then moves into Tony’s emergence as an elite player. He discusses Dennis Orcollo, his desire for constant competition and the pressure that keeps his game sharp. The segment culminates with Tony recalling his breakthrough 2007 U.S. Open One Pocket Championship, a victory made deeply personal by the death of his grandmother during the tournament. Then, just as his career seemed ready to take off, Tony’s life changed dramatically in 2009. A candid episode about gambling, competition, One Pocket strategy, sacrifice and the making of T-Rex. 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 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LegendsoftheCue-MLG 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 cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join A...

    Tony Chohan - Part 2 (Action, One Pocket and Becoming a Champion)

  7. Oct 6

    Tony Chohan - Part 1 (From Sacramento Kid to Poolroom Prodigy)

    Before Tony Chohan became “T-Rex,” a One Pocket Hall of Famer and one of the most feared action players in professional pool, he was a sports-loving kid growing up in Sacramento, California. In Part 1 of this special four-part Legends of the Cue conversation, Tony takes us back to the beginning: his Sikh and Indian family roots, childhood in the 1980s and ’90s, and the unlikely path that led him from basketball courts and video games to the poolroom. He recalls discovering pool with his cousin Amar Kang, entering free local tournaments, learning on brutally tight Gold Crown tables, and becoming immersed in Sacramento’s rich pool culture. Tony also paints a vivid picture of the rooms and characters that shaped him—including Great American Billiards, Warren “Monk” Costanza, Bucktooth and the road players who passed through Northern California. One unforgettable story finds a teenage Tony outside a professional tournament, cue in hand, hoping to get autographs from Efren Reyes and Johnny Archer. This is the origin story of a future One Pocket legend: family, competition, curiosity, hustlers, smoky poolrooms and a teenager rapidly falling in love with cue sports. For fans of pool history, One Pocket, professional billiards, road players and old-school poolroom culture, this episode captures a world that helped create one of the game’s most original champions. 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 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LegendsoftheCue-MLG 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 cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join A...

    Tony Chohan - Part 1 (From Sacramento Kid to Poolroom Prodigy)

  8. Oct 2

    Allison Fisher Announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis & Retirement from Competitive Pool

    Allison Fisher shares a personal announcement: her Parkinson’s disease diagnosis and her decision to retire from competitive pool. In this special episode of Legends of the Cue, Allison joins fellow host Mike Gonzalez for an honest, emotional conversation about change, family, and her enduring love for the game. Diagnosed in July 2025, Allison opens up about the symptoms that led her to seek answers, the shock of receiving the news, and the private challenges behind her absence from tournament play. She reflects on the grief of stepping away from competition after four decades and the support of her partner, Dee, her mother, and close friends as she begins a new chapter. Then comes the story behind an unforgettable farewell. Allison revisits her final competitive event in Jacksonville, where she partnered with Jesus Atencio to win The Predator Pro Billiards Series Jax Mixed Doubles Open gold and earned bronze in the women’s World Nine Ball Championship. With most spectators unaware of her diagnosis, every match carried a significance they could not see. From a surprise arrival by Dee to the joy of standing on the podium, Allison reveals what those moments truly meant. There is laughter here, too: friendships, fierce rivalries, and the shared experiences that make the billiards community feel like family. Allison also discusses finding connection with others living with Parkinson’s, her hopes for raising awareness, and why teaching, commentary, and preserving cue sports history through this podcast remain central to her life. Her competitive career has ended, but her involvement in pool continues with purpose, gratitude, and plenty of stories still to tell. Listen as one of the sport’s greatest champions shares this news in her own words, thanks the fans and sponsors who have supported her, and looks ahead to what comes next, both within the game she loves and beyond the tournament arena. 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 YouTube: www.youtube.com/@LegendsoftheCue-MLG 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 cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come. Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.  Join A...

    Allison Fisher Announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis & Retirement from Competitive Pool
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5
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with notable players, promoters, administrators and other people of influence in and around cue sports. We also plan to highlight memorable 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 cue sport’s greatest, in their voices. Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”

Information

  • Creator
    Allison Fisher, Mark Wilson & Mike Gonzalez
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    150
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Legends of the Cue
  • Show Website
    Legends of the Cue

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