1927 World Straight Pool Championship

Results

Place	Player	Prize
1	Erwin Rudolph
2	Ralph Greenleaf

Recap

Published April 13, 2026

Erwin Rudolph won the 1927 World Straight Pool Championship, defeating Ralph Greenleaf to capture his first world title. This victory ended Greenleaf's six-year reign as champion.

The 1927 championship took place during straight pool's golden era. The game, invented by Jerome Keough in 1910, had become the premier format for world championship competition. By 1927, the World Straight Pool Championship represented the highest level of professional billiards achievement.

Rudolph was born December 30, 1893, in Cleveland. He was known for his technical precision and ability to build long runs. His victory over Greenleaf, who had dominated the championship since the early 1920s, marked the beginning of his championship career. Rudolph won the world title five times total: in 1927, again later that same year, and then in 1930, 1933, and 1941.

The 1927 championship demonstrated the talent level in American straight pool during the 1920s. Greenleaf's loss did not diminish his status as one of the game's greatest players. Rudolph's victory began a rivalry between the two players, as both continued to win championships throughout the 1930s.

This tournament marked an important moment in straight pool's development as America's leading cue sport. Long before nine-ball became popular in the late 20th century, straight pool championships drew large audiences and created prominent figures in professional billiards. Rudolph's 1927 victory led to his induction into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 1987.

Sources: World Straight Pool Championship – Wikipedia Erwin Rudolph – Wikipedia

This recap was compiled from public tournament records and tournament organizer communications. ForceFollow is not affiliated with the tournament organizer.