1981 US Open 9-Ball Championship
Part of the US Open 9-Ball Championship archive
US Open 9-Ball Championship
Results
| Place | Player | Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allen Hopkins | |
| 2 | Mike Sigel |
Recap
Published April 13, 2026
The 1981 US Open 9-Ball Championship was won by Allen Hopkins, capturing one of pool's most prestigious titles during the tournament's early years. Hopkins, known as Young Hoppe after the legendary Willie Hoppe, had already established himself as a top competitor, having won the World Straight Pool Championship in 1977. His victory in Norfolk marked another significant achievement in what would become a Hall of Fame career spanning over four decades.
Hopkins defeated Mike Sigel in the final. Both players were among the top American competitors in the early 1980s. Hopkins had turned professional in 1971 at age 20 and brought his straight pool experience to the 9-ball format. Sigel represented a generation of players who became prominent forces in professional pool throughout the decade.
The $4,000 first prize reflected the US Open's status in 1981. The tournament, established in its current format in 1976 with 16 players, had become one of the sport's major events. Winners received a green blazer and lifetime entry privileges to future tournaments.
Hopkins won the title in a competitive field. The New Jersey native had discovered the game at age seven when his adoptive parents bought him a small table. By this point in his career, he was competing successfully against the sport's top players. His performance demonstrated his ability to apply straight pool precision to 9-ball's tactical requirements, a versatility that would define his long career as both player and respected commentator.
The championship added to Hopkins' accomplishments as he progressed from prodigy to professional player. While Sigel would win multiple major titles throughout the 1980s, this final represented an early milestone in what would become his Hall of Fame career. For Hopkins, the US Open crown confirmed his standing among the sport's elite competitors in both straight pool and 9-ball.
Sources: Allen Hopkins (pool player) – Wikipedia U.S. Open Pool Championship – Wikipedia
This recap was compiled from public tournament records and tournament organizer communications. ForceFollow is not affiliated with the tournament organizer.