To hear "Efren is the best" directly from Earl is most convincing than to hear it from any other person.

@nelsonali2360

5 жыл бұрын

yah you are correct

@iz_yaboii

4 жыл бұрын

Absolutely! they played a race to 100 for chrissake. Earl had the most experience against Efren.

@martinadrianarcenas867

3 жыл бұрын

i never thought id hear it from earl too.. although i feel earl always respected efren

@kilppa

3 жыл бұрын

He has said it before. In the end, he knows probably the best how great his game is. There is mutual respect. Even today when Earl narrates games he talks about how Efren would've done that or that is exactly how he would've done it. Game respects game. Efren has also stated at least one occasion that Earl is the best. The golden age of pool.

@poormansvlog770

3 жыл бұрын

Real recognizes real.

The tone in his voice when he said" efren's always gonna be in my mind, you know?" The humbleness the thruthfull was there. These two are real men.

@allamzon3618

Жыл бұрын

💛👏

@CommieKilla1977

Жыл бұрын

He reminds me of Larry Bird saying the same thing about Magic Johnson. 2 titans in the pool, I agree.

_After this speech, Earl became a legend also._ FACT!

@jamilespiritu6848

5 жыл бұрын

I agree with that

@jinfrozenfire

5 жыл бұрын

He's already one brother.

@jcearnhardt393

5 жыл бұрын

Earl was a legend way before this speech.

@xrizbira

5 жыл бұрын

He's a Legend Before this

@lioneljoseduterte4847

4 жыл бұрын

Lol, Earl was already a legend waaaaay before this speech. What, did you just watch them play recently? Because of youtube? LOL problem is, he has always been second best to efren. Efren and Earl are the Messi and Cristiano of billiards.

We will also miss you Earl, specially here in the Philippines. For me you are the greatest american player. You really earn our respect, God bless you.

@creamdory9619

4 жыл бұрын

Norman Papa ulol

@lambertdoctore99

4 жыл бұрын

@@creamdory9619 ahahahaha

@denismarisimolde2716

4 жыл бұрын

gago hahaha

@yajracagujas4549

4 жыл бұрын

@@creamdory9619 hahahaha gago. Feel na feel na ni norman mga padale nya e bigla ka namang gumanyan😂

@randomvideos6228

4 жыл бұрын

Jusko eto nanaman

Wow. That gave me chills. Gigantic respect to both. That was GIGANTIC of Earl to say. These are real men.

At last Earl earned my respect.

@heginschristianstrong7707

5 жыл бұрын

yup. it is hard to be that great and as competitive as they are to admit the other guy is better.

@mescellaneous

5 жыл бұрын

if you never saw that in him, then i dont know what you look for in a player. he always had that in him, he just bickers in game and everyone starts calling him names. that crowd knows better. the applause on his first speech was enough proof, even before he made that humble statement. and everyone complains in their head. but you have to be deaf to not hear the truth in earl's bickering in game. never an ounce of insecurity, it's only about lucky rolls and getting sharked on the table.

@hermandeguzman107

5 жыл бұрын

yes me too. long live efren and earl. keep on doing what you love.

@rovimildato365

5 жыл бұрын

Since 2002 he already had big respect to Efren. I remember when i was with them on the bar on Cardiff hotel Earl raised the glass and saying this toast is for Efren who is the teacher to all of us. All pool players was around there after the world pool championship.

@rovimildato365

5 жыл бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZYN3pcpwfqepn7g.html

To admit in public that "Efren Reyes is the Best player!" That's Humility, and Greatness. Long Live The Magician.

You can feel in his voice the longing not to age, the longing for both of them to live forever, just to keep playing with his greatest rival.

"Farewell? Maybe from here, but not from me." - Perfect.

It will never be the same without these two legends.

Most people like or dislike Earl from his "public character" - I'm fortunate to have spent a lot of time with him playing golf, tennis, and of course poocket billiards. I also had the opportunity to play Efren on his last tour and he can still play! Efren is a legend, I played him in my first professional tournament in Toronto Canada and got to play him many times after during his prime years....there will never be anything like another Efren....or Earl.

@woody816

5 жыл бұрын

CJ Wiley what’s your thoughts on snooker and do u play. I hear it’s mainly 10ft tables u play in Canada. I’m just an average club player but can bang in ton breaks. It’s acthow I’d practice before playing pool. Cheers fae Bonnie Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿.

@woody816

5 жыл бұрын

CJ Wiley u are definitely not Canadian. Just watched your intro and the accent gave it away lol

@johnsmith-wx5fb

5 жыл бұрын

Pocket blliards? Doesnt that mean wanking?

@emotionaladolf9969

5 жыл бұрын

Yeah the image is just that, he was super cool when I met him in Vegas!...is he a golf hustler? Lol

@emotionaladolf9969

5 жыл бұрын

john smith lol...a mean game of pocket pool!

What an honorable speech by Mr. Strickland! I use to dislike his constant sharking, but this speech has made me think differently. Regardless of how emotionally charged he gets, Earl Strickland is unmatched in his dedication to the sport. Love you Earl - keep on pocketing.

@jeffmauldin2841

4 жыл бұрын

So Earl constantly sharks everyone but because he made a speech praising Efren he now has your respect? Wow, your respect was sure easy to earn lol. Earl is one of the greatest to play the game, right beside Efren, and the fact that it took a speech to get your respect tends to show that your respect isn't worth a thing, but it's good that you get to have your opinion of 2 of the greatest pool players ever read by everyone here, must make you important huh? Hey, I made a speech praising Efren and Earl, guess I have your respect now as well. Strange, I don't feel different, guess your respect didn't mean a thing after all.

@aarbar6615

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeffmauldin2841 give your wife my condolences , she must mourn every day since your heart stopped.

@jeffmauldin2841

3 жыл бұрын

@@aarbar6615 just because you can't comprehend what I said doesn't make me wrong, or dead, or heart stopped, or whatever you were trying to say. I would tell you to go fuck yourself, but what's the point, you wouldn't understand that either.

@aarbar6615

3 жыл бұрын

Jeff Mauldin ya it’s my comprehension that’s lacking 👌

@jeffmauldin2841

3 жыл бұрын

@@aarbar6615 glad you see it now

Earl has always had a huge amount of respect for Efren ever since. Earl is just the “loud” type while Efren was the silent type. Earl shows his competitive spirit while Efren just hides it. Both are very fierce competitors

Efren Reyes is the best player! Admitted by 2nd best player in the world. Respect for both!

you have our respect earl. #philippines

This is like in Dragon Ball when Vegeta finally admitted that Goku's the better warrior lol!

@fsggames2022

4 жыл бұрын

HEHEHE The Secret of Efren is not Magic, Its his infinite openess to learn ways above up to SUPER SAIYAN 5 ULTRA INSTINCT where his CHAMPION OPPONENTS thinks that the MAIN BOSS in their UNIVERSE is just KING PICOLLO.

@waddyhidalgo7869

4 жыл бұрын

I've never seen a comment more accurate than this one!

@dexterpagurayan4881

3 жыл бұрын

@@waddyhidalgo7869 😱😱

@bassinbilliards6279

3 жыл бұрын

Seriously

@aericadanielle6539

3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣

Earl has always been the character but you can not deny the mad respect these two have for each other. Both legends.

Gotta be the most sincere speech I’ve ever heard from any sports players...

In my observation, Earl was always a grumpy kind of player. Everyone has their personality and way of doing things. He was a great player and still is, but anyhow his speech was one of his greatest shots that I ever saw Competition over, the grump was gone, and the real human was there👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

@archico01

5 жыл бұрын

and the truth.... shall set you free :D

@emotionaladolf9969

5 жыл бұрын

That’s totally it lol, I watched a match he played in Vegas and when he was down he was a grump, but after he was really cool, signed my cue....maybe it’s because he ended up winning his match though lol

@TheJsjr

3 жыл бұрын

Well said man that jus about sums it up.

Earl, we had never been able to get moved or excited without you and Efren, which no one disagrees. Huge respect to both of you.

Love him hate him but this guy made a legend out of Efren. They are the yin yang of billiards. It will never be the same without them

@JohnDoe-gk8oy

3 жыл бұрын

Thats exactly in my mind they like yin and yang for me they are equally legend on their own.

@Michael-ni9fs

3 жыл бұрын

Precisely

@elvatoz

2 жыл бұрын

Yong yang? That means Efren was the good and buddy the Bad 🤦🏾‍♂️. Sounds about White.

@raylarkin5004

2 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 how did whiny @$$#0|€ make Efren a legend? Etren is the greatest ever because he did the work it took! PERIOD!

@Kroenicbleu

2 жыл бұрын

@@raylarkin5004nobody is whining about Efren's greatness.. cant take whinny out of the equation because they're great rivals.. he could at least be responsible for Efren to strive to be the best.. hush now bro

Wow, Earl showed class.....I never thought I’d say it, but I’ll say it now: Earl has a heart.

Even with his bad temper Earl has always been Efrens greatest rival. They're really like Goku and Vegeta , with Efren's childlike love for the spot and Earl's hot headedness.

@Tam0de

3 жыл бұрын

As someone who grew up watching DBZ, i can see the parallels between Vegeta & Earl, Goku & Efren. If Earl & Efren happened to be from the same country, it would have been perfect since Vegeta & Goku are both Saiyans. Imagine Earl & Efren putting their differences aside in order to join forces playing for their nation in an Olympic-type pool tournament haha.

Efren the Magician Reyes and Earl the Pearl Strickland is the best pool player in the world that ever exist in this generation for me.

this is so emotional, i don't want them to get old i really love watching efren and strickland plays, they are the greatest

I am a Filipino but I never hated Earl. He has a very colorful personalilty and that kind of adds to the excitement of the game. I think even Efren himself never had any ill feelings over Earl. Can't say the same of Mayweather but that's a different topic tho

@dukemakaveli

5 жыл бұрын

Ram Gonzales Loooool you dumb fuck man.

@beefonweckeastside3323

5 жыл бұрын

Mayweather lost that fight hands down those refs were paid to throw that fight it was disgusting that Pacquiao lost

@creamdory9619

4 жыл бұрын

why you had to imply that you’re filipino, i have no idea haha

@ajay-pg1ko

4 жыл бұрын

We have manny and Efren ❤

@Yungtisa

3 жыл бұрын

@@beefonweckeastside3323 what ? You Flips are so delusional , mayweather a better boxer accept it .. but manny is a one of the best CHAMPIONS of all time.Pac never dodge a fight , always willing to move up in weight and 100% as a fan you will get your money’s worth .. his heart doesn’t make him a better boxer or extra talent .. mayweather is world class and had all the facilities (gym, dad golden gloves,proper food, better diet ., I’m Canadian if it matters and will pay 100$ to watch manny fight and wouldn’t pay over 10$ to watch mayweather (just isn’t my style )

That's why Filipino fans loves Earl..

Besides Efren, Earl is one of my favorite pool players he brings out the best of Efren... Mabuhay ka Earl..

Opposites attract, Yin & Yang. That's why I think Earl liked Efren, first he respected his game and he knew Efren can deal with his behaviour and understood him. Two legends of the game.

My jaw actually dropped when I watched this video. Earl was gracious, funny, and last but not least, kind. If this can happen I'm buying a Powerball tonight.

One of if not the best rivalry in sports. Good thing earl showed respect in Bata’s farewell. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Humility is contagious and Earl got it from Efren in the end. Two legends that the world will never forget. 😊

Way to go Earl. Never knew you had it in you to show humility. That was pure class. Lots of great players today but you and Efren are the true legends of the game.

These two are the Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo of Pool. Legends!

The little respect I had for this man, I received a bit back from this speech. 👍👏

Huge respect for both these two gents.

Most gracious I've seen Earl be. Bravo sir.

During their prime, there were many great players. In that time known as the golden age of pool, Efren and Earl's stars shone the brightest.

Every Filipino knows who Earl "The Pearl" Strickland. He's definitely one of the greats! Mad respect!

I know a lot of Efren fans hated Earl. I always felt that Earl respected Efren as a man and as a competitor. Being on this final tour with him and that speech has shown that these two maybe rivals, but it has always been friendly and they truly respected each other.

@sammylam1649

4 жыл бұрын

flipgurujn tbh the only time earl seems to be in a good mood when playing pool is when its against efren. maybe earl thinks only efren is worthy of being his opponent

@greekfreek4657

4 жыл бұрын

Yes as a fan of efren.. Ofcourse i hate earl as his(efren) competitor, but not his personality, , , sportsmanship is the 🔐.... But i love and thanking earl for unleashing efren greatness

@landorsavage

3 жыл бұрын

Never hated him...he's just got a funny attitude...but he's a great pool player

When he's sober, Earl is such a likeable guy. Pure class.

@frankgregory8891

5 жыл бұрын

Sober?

@johnstorton

4 жыл бұрын

He's bipolar; he's not a drunk.

@johnstorton

4 жыл бұрын

@rats arsed - There have been MANY references to Earls' bipolar disorder. Here's one: kzread.info/dash/bejne/o2x6ro-Eea3dXbQ.html So, Doctor, how did you diagnose a drug problem? You're as entitled to your opinion as much as I am, but you're a complete jerk for responding the way you did.

@jeffmauldin2841

4 жыл бұрын

@rats arsed well dr. Dumbass, how did you come to this diagnosis from behind your keyboard? You do realize that others have OPINIONS and unless you have some inside information from Earl himself other opinions are just as valid as your own, and that means neither your opinion or anyone else's opinion has to be taken as fact. Opinions are like assholes, everyone has one, just most of us try not to be one. Maybe you should try that.

I never thought Earl would say that either. Respect to Earl!! I love Efren❤

Surprisingly, Earl is loved and respected in the Philippines.. 2 legends of pool❤

He's a talker it's all good. He realized at the end he accepted that Efren is better than him, he bacame a Humble guy thanks Earl 🙂 you're the best too 👍 God Bless both of you. 🙂👍

It's just a HUUUUUUGE relief to finally hear Earl say that Efren is the best!!! NO ONE has beaten Earl Strickland more in his career than Efren Reyes...so it's only natural for Earl to admit it!!! Nice speech to honor Efren earns HUUUUUUGE respect for yourself, not to mention your own INCREDIBLE TALENT for 40+ years in the game!!!🖒

@brandmarikina

4 жыл бұрын

Said that in 95 after the Z shot. Check youtube :) end of the video, interview

This is by far the bestt speech from a an arc rival I have ever heard .. so much respect for both of them.. for sure both of them gonna be in each others thought long after they are retired from billiards.. respect for you earl for your love of efren.. .. 9 ball will never be the same again without these 2 greats.. their names and all their matches will be remembered in the coming generations..God bless you both.❤️🙏❤️

Witnessing the rivalry between Strickland and Reyes feels like watching an anime. The development of the friendship between the two even more so. And this speech just solidifies how anime the rivalry was. Fucking good show.

Thank you, Earl, for showing class in your comments. We all know you and Reyes are the two greatest living pool players.

Two GOATS of pool, nobody in the world in their prime better than those Men

That was badass...My respect to Earl..

They fought for decades and now have a mutual respect.. They both Legend

Such a class act, hats off to you Mr. Earl. Respect from The Philippines.

it's impossible not to become friends when you compete so many time over so many years at that level. heartwarming

Nice speech from Pearl Strickland, a fierce compititor and a great player!! Thank you Earl from Philippines!!!

When it's game time, Earl is always very competitive and very intense and full of antics. But I knew there's got to be good somewhere in him...and he showed it in this video 😀

That is the highest level of respect. The respect that was developed through time and rivalry. You can tell Earl meant most of the things he said in that speech.

Those who exalts themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. Your final words for Efren was heartfelt, I’m glad you two have no animosity towards the end. What a great journey to watch and a very sweet ending. Thank you both!

@johnwilliamson2276

4 жыл бұрын

I don't think that they ever had any animosity between them. When they played one another they knew that they needed to play their best game to win. Earl is & was a very vocal guy! Efren's not, he just play's his game & keeps his comments to himself.

Earl “The Pearl” Strickland, you will be in our minds to us filipinos also for as long as we live.

Lucky enough to be in two of those tours. One in Aachen and one in Berlin. Was great!

Strickland transform from that aggresive quick thinking shots to a likeable person that he is now. Thats the outcome of a true champion you dont get worse you become a better person. That's you Mr. Strickland, we Filipinos will never forget you, you tube will keep on reminding us of your games but memories will always tell us how good a person you become. Thanks for those intimidating look at the balls and quick shots as if you are not planning your shots. But of course you do! Kudos to you!

When these guys get really old, they can just sit down have a beer and reminisce about the days they kicked ass. Both legends of the game.

Getting props from the general public is great and all, but when your peers, your rivals and bitter adversaries say you're the best, it means so much more.

I actually like Earl. Always have. Yeah he can be as prickly as a cactus. But he's a good guy deep down. Genuine as heck.

I'm always watching these 2 great players clash each other since i was a kid.. and I also watch them plays LIVE here in PICC Philippines long ago .. and I've noticed Earl if he has bad moods, it was mostly towards the fans in the gallery but not and never to EFREN .. he mostly applauds (claps) to EFREN .. if EFREN makes a great and difficult shot . SALUTE to these men ..they made billiards an amazing and colorful to watch while they are playing ..gonna miss them both play against each other ..if the time comes ...

I have always liked Earl, he is a Class Act!

Such a surprising speech from Earl! His humility in saying what Efren has done for him is quite inspiring

When greatness rubs on you. .it makes anyone humbled

And that speech confirmed the end of 25 years rivalry. The GOAT and the Legend. Goosebumps 😲

When one legend retired one will always follow too.. Its sad

Wow,Wow,Wow Earl "THE PEARL" Strickland praises EFREN"BATA"REYES. The Greatest Rival in history of Pool .Much Love and Respect for those two legends.

Germans truly enjoyed watching the magician and respect him as pool legendary master..

For me, both of this gentlemen are the greatest. No one can touch this two on their prime..each has their own strength and weakness, but still on top of their game. Salute to both of you. The greatest rivalry and era of pool.

Love the way these two "Hall Of Famers" had mutual respect and comradery for each other!

You sir and mr reyes are pillars of this beautiful game.

I can't believe those words came out of Earl. RESPECT.

These guys played against each other for nearly 30 years and had many great matches and one of the best Pool rivalries in the modern pool history. It's nice to hear something good finally coming from Earl. He is like a bad boy. But he him self is a great player..

Farewell May be here, but not from me!! Well said Earl!

Earl thats the sweetest words we heard as a filipinos big respect to you bro.thank you earl..Godbless you.

I was touched by earl with his words, the both of you are reason why i played billiards..salute!

Such a great pool player's. Love to see them playing again here in asia ( philipines).

Man earl Strickland is a very humble guy to open up like that in front of all those people hes never shown himself that way and for it to be towards probably his much challenging rivalry I think it's super cool to hear him say such kind and honest words to efren.

our earl is finally grown up. much respect

Two of the greatest men who wielded the cue stick...humble words from earl to the legend efren reyes....i will never get tired of watching videos of their rivalry but most of all their friendship

I'm so thankful I was around to watch these two play.

The Pearl and Bata two of the best ever ...

this legends maybe two of the greatest rival in pool history...every time they meet on the table they gave us a very intense matches...

I never thought I'd see the day. Always loved Earl's banter. 👏🏾

Earl is the best 9 ball player. Efren is the best all around player. If you have to bet to someone playing in an all around competition, 9 ball, 8 ball, one pocket, rotation, carom, russian... etc. Efren is the obvious pick - not just between him and Earl but between everyone else.

@BladeRunner-td8be

5 жыл бұрын

yes, and if Efren had a better break ....and I hate to say this, but I think he would have been slightly better than Earl at nine ball.

@AngrierGorilla

5 жыл бұрын

@Erin B in an all around competition I would pick Efren too, not in single competitions obviously.

@archico01

5 жыл бұрын

@Erin B not sure what you're implying but Efren does play Carom and Russion pool

@jeffreycataulin6907

4 жыл бұрын

Efren beat him on Color of Money. Man, that was a marathon!

How i miss these two living legend play and kick the ball. Two greatest in the world. Im not sure we could ever see player like them again.

1st time I am taking my hats off to Earl. Such a class act.

Early will be listed as one of the legends....

Its great to see how earl's demeanor has changed over the years towards efren; And with it, my respect for earl as his, for efren. Good man earl! The history both of you have made, giving joy to all the fans throughout the years. Thank you both.

These two guys have been rivals eversince. Theyre both in hall of fame and on top levels when they played...

One of sports greatest rivalries of all time

When Great appreciates Great. Both of them are Legends. Salute!

my 2 favorite players of all time...of all time..We love Earl! Regards from the Phils.

Got me teary eyed seeing this two legends of the sport in the twilight of their illustrious career. Whether we like it or not, new players will change how the game will be played but we will never see these type of players that dominated the game and has elevated significantly the game of pool for decades. Efren and Earl, Thank you.

Both were really a joy to watch!

I believe that's the nicest that ever seen Earl before during or after a match, Great speech!

There’s sadness in Earl’s voice when he said Efren will always be in his mind. Earl’s best days where spent battling Efren in the biggest stages in pool history. 2 Titans going head to head! What an honor to have witnessed them in this lifetime. Absolute Legends! As Earl said, Efren Bata Reyes is the GOAT. 💯