In Episode 6 of our seven-part conversation with WPBA Hall of Famer Mary Kenniston, the story moves from championship pool to one of the most beloved rooms in the game’s history—and then to a life-altering challenge that few champions ever face.

Mary reflects on the late 1980s, when she stepped away from the tour at the height of her powers to open Cue-Topia in Las Vegas. What began simply as a place for players to gather soon became something legendary. Inspired by a Philadelphia poolroom whose walls were covered with snapshots of the game’s greats, Mary began building her own Wall of Fame—hundreds of photographs celebrating the personalities and champions who passed through her doors. Soon, players from around the world were making Cue-Topia a must-visit stop, spending hours studying the photos and reliving the stories behind them.

Along the way, Mary shares remarkable memories of the game’s icons—late-night conversations with Willie Mosconi, reflections on Ralph Greenleaf’s brilliance, and encounters with road players and champions who defined an era when reputation—and action—mattered more than publicity.

Even while running the room, Mary proved she still had the champion’s touch, returning to tournament play and capturing major titles including the 1989 Brunswick World Open Nine-Ball Championship.

But this episode also reveals one of the most dramatic chapters of her life. After a medical crisis that led to emergency brain surgery and partial paralysis, Mary faced a devastating prognosis. Doctors warned she might never walk again. What followed was a test of willpower, resilience, and the same competitive fire that made her one of the game’s elite.

From building a gathering place for pool’s legends to battling back from a life-threatening setback, this chapter of Mary Kenniston’s story is unforgettable—raw, inspiring, and deeply human.

It’s another remarkable installment in the life story of one of pool’s most respected champions.

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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.”