1963 World Straight Pool Championship

Results

Place	Player	Prize
1	Luther Lassiter
2	Jimmy Moore

Recap

Published April 13, 2026

Luther "Wimpy" Lassiter, from Elizabeth City, North Carolina, won the 1963 World Straight Pool Championship, defeating Jimmy Moore in the finals. This was Lassiter's first world title in the sport's most prestigious tournament.

The victory launched a dominant period for Lassiter in straight pool competition. He captured seven world pocket billiard championships total, with additional titles in 1964, 1966, and 1967, establishing himself as a top straight pool player of his era.

The tournament took place during the golden age of straight pool, when the World Straight Pool Championship was considered the most prestigious pool tournament before nine-ball's rise to prominence in the late 20th century. Straight pool was invented by Jerome Keough in 1910 as 14.1 continuous. The game required players to demonstrate precise shotmaking, strategic thinking, and endurance over extended matches.

Lassiter turned professional in 1953. He played sandlot baseball during his youth before focusing on pool as a full-time career. His 1963 championship victory over Moore showcased the careful, accurate playing style that defined his career. Lassiter was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America's Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1983.

The 1963 championship established Lassiter's reputation in straight pool. He was widely considered one of the greatest nine-ball players ever, and this straight pool title proved his versatility across disciplines. The win against Moore began a successful period for Lassiter in straight pool competition throughout the 1960s. He was later ranked number 9 on Billiards Digest's list of the 50 Greatest Players of the Century.

Sources: Luther Lassiter – Wikipedia, World Straight Pool Championship – Wikipedia, Category: Straight pool world champions – Wikipedia

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