1976 US Open 9-Ball Championship

Results

Place	Player	Prize
1	Mike Sigel
2	Pete Margo

Recap

Published April 13, 2026

The inaugural U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship in 1976 took place at Q-Master Billiards in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The tournament featured 16 players and established what would become one of the sport’s most prestigious championships.

Mike Sigel, then 23 years old and three years into his professional career, won the first U.S. Open title by defeating Pete Margo in the finals. Sigel won the U.S. Open title again in 1980 and 1983, giving him three championships total. Sigel earned the nickname Captain Hook due to his safety play that positioned opponents in difficult situations.

This championship was significant in Sigel’s career, which eventually included over 100 professional tournament wins. The Rochester, New York native won three World Straight Pool Championships and became recognized as one of the greatest pool players. In 2000, Billiards Digest Magazine named him the Greatest Living Player of the Century.

The 1976 U.S. Open established traditions that continue today, including awarding winners a green blazer and free entry to all future U.S. Open events. The tournament has grown substantially since then, now featuring a $300,000 prize pool with the winner receiving $50,000, compared to its modest beginnings in 1976.

Sigel’s three U.S. Open titles place him among the tournament’s most successful players. Earl Strickland holds the record with five U.S. Open championships. Shane Van Boening joined the three-time winner’s club in 2013. Sigel’s 1976 victory remains historic as the inaugural championship that began the tournament.

Sources: Wikipedia – Mike Sigel Wikipedia – U.S. Open Pool Championship

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