Pool & Billiard Magazine DAILY periodically spotlights a player or promoter who has been previously inducted into the Billiard Congress of America’s HALL OF FAME.
Lou Butera “Machine Gun Lou” 1937 – 2015, Inducted 1986
Lou Butera was born in Pittston, Pennsylvania. He learned to play at his father’s pool room in the small coal-mining town. After watching BCA Hall of Famer Erwin Rudolph in an exhibition, 14-year-old Lou decided to devote his life to pool. He was runner-up to Irving Crane in the 1972 World Championship in Los Angeles. In 1973 he defeated Crane in the finals of the same event to win his first World Championship. Nicknamed “Machine Gun Lou” for his rapid fire style, Lou recorded a 150-ball run against Allen Hopkins in just 21 minutes in 1973. Butera has since won numerous titles.
Two categories have be
en established in Billiard Congress of America’s Hall of Fame. The Greatest Player category shall be reserved for outstanding players who have been active in national or international competition for at least 20 years and have won at least one national or international championship. The Meritorious Service category shall be reserved for those who have made lasting, memorable and important contributions to billiards.