American Cuemakers Association (ACA) Hall of Fame

Since its founding in February 1993, the ACA has inducted craftsmen whose trailblazing work has reshaped cue artistry:


Cue Maker | Inducted | Key Contributions

George Balabushka
Feb 1993
Father of modern cues—crafted ~1,200, invented Bushka rings & Irish linen wraps.

Herman Rambow
Oct 1993
Developed brass pilot joints used by Mosconi.

Burton Spain
Oct 1993
Renowned for spliceblank cue techniques.

Ernie Gutierrez
Jul 1994
Crafted cues blending art and performance

Harvey Martin
Mar 1995
Pioneered flatfaced wood joints

Gus Szamboti
Mar 1997
Legendary blank maker for Balabushka et al

Frank Paradise
Jun 1998
East Coast great, noted for removable ferrules

Eugene & Ilona Balner
Jul 1999
Collaborative custom cabinetry & cue making

Dan Janes (Joss Cues)
Jul 2003
CNC inlays & mass custom cues; founder of Joss Cues

Jerry Franklin
2011
Known for fine-point work and finishes

Bill Schick
2011
Elegant engravings and balance-oriented builds

Richard Black
2011
Traditional forms with ornate detailing

Tad Kohara
2011
Built aesthetically and structurally strong cues

Dan Prather Sr., Tim Scruggs, Bill Stroud, Paul Drexler, Thomas Wayne
Apr 2023
Recent inductees honored at Super Billiards Expo


International Cuemakers Association (ICA) Hall of Fame

Championing cue makers worldwide, the ICA has recognized the following influential figures:

  • Jim McDermott – Mar 2011—pioneered the 3/8–10 wood-to-wood joint and introduced CNC & UV.
  • Abe Rich – Inducted date TBD—Holocaust survivor known for handcrafted hardwood cues.