1970 World Straight Pool Championship

Results

Place	Player	Prize
1	Irving Crane
2	Steve Mizerak

Recap

Published April 13, 2026

Irving Crane, known as The Deacon, won his fifth world title at the 1970 World Straight Pool Championship. At 56 years old, Crane defeated Steve Mizerak in the finals. This victory was one of six career world championships for Crane.

This win marked Crane's return to the championship level after a two-year gap since his 1968 title. The veteran from Livonia, New York, faced Steve Mizerak, who would later become one of the top modern players alongside Mike Sigel. Mizerak represented a new generation of competitors challenging the established champions of the era.

The championship took place during straight pool's peak in professional billiards, decades before nine-ball became the primary game for professional players. Crane's victory demonstrated his proficiency in 14.1 continuous, a game format requiring both technical skill and mental focus. His success across multiple decades reflected his command of the game's strategic elements.

Crane's championship legacy began with his first world title in 1942. His competitive career spanned different eras and showcased his technical proficiency in straight pool. The 1970 victory over Mizerak preceded a shift in professional pool, though Mizerak would eventually become a dominant force in his own right. Crane captured his final world title in 1972, two years after this victory, establishing his status as one of the sport's greatest players.

Sources: Irving Crane – Wikipedia World Straight Pool Championship – Wikipedia

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