What Is Efren Bata Reyes Net Worth’ Net Worth?
As of 2025, Efren “Bata” Reyes, the legendary Filipino pool player, is estimated to have a net worth of around $2 million. This wealth has been amassed over decades through tournament winnings, endorsements, and other ventures related to his successful billiards career.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Efren Reyes was born on August 26, 1954, in Pampanga, Philippines. At the age of five, he moved to Manila and lived with his uncle, who owned a pool hall. He started working at his uncle’s billiards hall in Manila, where he cleaned the hall and even slept on the pool tables. Because he was too short to reach the table, he started playing pool by standing on Coca-Cola cases. By the age of nine, Reyes was already gambling and won his first match for money, and he continued to compete in three-cushion billiards throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He acquired the nickname “Bata” (meaning “kid” in Tagalog) to differentiate him from an older pool player named Efren who frequented the same hall.
Sources of Income and Career Milestones
Efren Reyes’s income is primarily derived from several sources:
- Tournament Winnings: Reyes has participated in numerous tournaments globally, securing substantial prize money. In 2006, he set a record for the highest single-season earnings for a pool player, amassing $645,000 in tournament prizes. Some of his notable wins include the 1999 WPA World Nine-ball Championship, where he earned $60,000, and the 2001 Tokyo 9-Ball Open.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements: Throughout his career, Reyes has been associated with various brands. One notable endorsement is with Mansion Sports, a UK-based private equity firm specializing in sports investments. He has also been associated with Predator Cues and Magic Chalk.
- Exhibitions and Appearances: Reyes’s fame has allowed him to participate in exhibitions and make appearances, adding to his income.
- Business Ventures: It is believed that Reyes has invested in other ventures such as pool halls, though specific details are not widely available.
Some of Efren Reyes’s key milestones include:
- 1994: Won the U.S. Open Nine-Ball Championship, becoming the first non-American to achieve this.
- 1997: Defeated Earl Strickland in the inaugural “Color of Money” event, earning $100,000.
- 1999: Won the WPA World Nine-ball Championship.
- 2001: Won the Tokyo Japan Open 9-ball Championships, earning 20 million Japanese Yen (approximately $129,000 USD).
- 2002: Won the IPT World Open Eight-ball Championship, though he faced challenges in claiming the $500,000 prize due to the IPT’s financial issues.
- 2003: Inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame.
- 2004: Won the WPA World Eight-ball Championship.
- 2005: Won the International Pool Tour King of the Hill Eight-ball Shootout, taking home $200,000.
- 2006: Awarded the Philippine Legion of Honor.
Earnings Over the Years
While specific year-by-year earnings are not fully detailed, data from AZBilliards.com provides some insights into Reyes’s earnings in various years:
- 2006: $644,960 (Record-setting year)
- 2014: $65,500
- 2015: $16,415
- 2016: $13,791
- 2017: $5,875
- 2018: $12,025
- 2020: $1,150
- 2021: $5,115
- 2022: $1,950
- 2023: $7,700
- 2024: $400
These figures primarily reflect tournament winnings and do not account for endorsements or other potential income sources.
Assets and Investments
Information regarding Efren Reyes’s specific assets and investments is limited. However, it is known that he owns properties in the Philippines, including a luxurious house. He is also known for his love of fine cars, though specific makes and models have not been publicly disclosed. It is also believed that he has invested in other ventures such as pool halls and possibly stocks and real estate.
Comparison with Other Athletes
When compared to other athletes, such as Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao, Reyes’s net worth is considerably lower. As of 2025, Manny Pacquiao’s net worth is estimated to be around $220 million. Pacquiao’s earnings come from high-profile boxing matches, endorsements, and ventures into politics and business. While Reyes is a legend in the world of pool, the financial scale of boxing and other major sports has allowed athletes like Pacquiao to accumulate significantly greater wealth.
Personal Life and Habits
Efren Reyes is married to Susan and they have three children. He is known for his humble and grounded demeanor, often giving back to his community through charitable efforts. Despite his fame, he maintains a low profile, focusing on his love for the game and his family. Reyes dropped out of high school to become a full-time hustler. He also served as a Philippine Sports Ambassador for the 2005 Southeast Asian Games.
Legacy and Influence
Efren “Bata” Reyes is considered one of the greatest pool players of all time, renowned for his exceptional skills and innovative trick shots. His influence extends beyond the table, as he has inspired many young players and contributed to the popularity of billiards worldwide. He was the first Asian to be inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 2003. His continued presence in the sport ensures that his legacy will endure for years to come. An annual five on five tournament between Asia and Europe was dedicated in Reyes’ name, titled the Reyes Cup.
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