In Part 3, George Ashby takes us deeper into the realities of life at the top of three-cushion billiards — and the very human struggles that can come with it. This chapter of his story spans world championships, national titles, international travel, equipment changes, and the demands of balancing billiards with the responsibilities of owning and operating a family business.

George recalls the shock of his first world championship appearances, where the conditions, equipment, lighting, pace of play, and level of competition were unlike anything he had known in the Midwest. He talks about adapting on the fly, learning from the great international players, and returning home determined to rebuild his game for true world-class conditions. For students of cue sports history, these stories are gold: a firsthand account of how American players matched themselves against the European and Asian powers of the carom world.

But this episode also turns toward the personal. George reflects on what happened when downtown Jacksonville changed, Drexel Billiards could no longer survive, and the place that had shaped both his livelihood and his practice life was gone. He speaks openly about the difficult period that followed, including how losing the room affected his game and his life away from the table.

What emerges here is not just the story of a champion, but the story of resilience. George’s honesty gives this part of the conversation real weight. Greatness in cue sports is never only about titles and trophies — it is also about sacrifice, adaptation, heartbreak, and the ability to keep coming back when the game, and life, take away the familiar ground beneath your feet.

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Music by Lyrium.

About

"Legends of the Cue" is a cue sports history podcast featuring interviews with Hall of Fame members, world champions, and influential figures from across the world of cue sports—including pocket billiards, snooker, and carom disciplines such as three-cushion billiards. We highlight the people, places, and moments that have shaped the game—celebrating iconic players, memorable events, historic venues, and the brands that helped define generations of play. With a focus on the positive spirit of the sport, our goal is to create a rich, engaging, and timeless archive of stories that fans can enjoy now and for years to come.

Co-hosted by WPA and BCA Hall of Fame member Allison Fisher and Mosconi Cup player and captain Mark Wilson, Legends of the Cue brings these stories to life—told in the voices of the game’s greatest figures.

Join Allison, Mark and Mike Gonzalez for “Legends of the Cue.”