2026 WNT Legends
Recap
Published April 13, 2026
Earl "The Pearl" Strickland won the inaugural WNT Legends title with an 11-6 victory over Francisco Bustamante at Gateway Mall in Quezon City. Strickland rebounded from an opening day loss to advance through the tournament and claim the title in front of a Manila crowd.
The final saw the lead change hands between both players. Strickland built a 3-1 lead early, but Bustamante tied the match at 6-6. Strickland then pulled ahead in the late stages and won 11-6, taking advantage of Bustamante's mistakes down the stretch.
Strickland reached the championship with a semifinal victory over Efren "The Magician" Reyes, winning 11-6. The match renewed their rivalry from the Color of Money era. Strickland played consistently throughout the match to secure the win.
The tournament brought together four pool legends in a four-player format celebrating the sport's history. Strickland competed against local favorites in front of crowds that supported the hometown players. The event showcased the competitive level of the players involved.
For Strickland, this victory demonstrated his continued competitive ability at an advanced stage of his career. The WNT Legends championship combined a retrospective look at pool history with current-level competition, featuring strong nine-ball play in the final rounds.
Sources: Matchroom Pool Matchroom Pool
This recap was compiled from public tournament records and tournament organizer communications. ForceFollow is not affiliated with the tournament organizer.