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:

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George Balabushka

Inducted: Feb 1993
Key Contributions:
Father of modern cues—crafted ~1,200, invented Bushka rings & Irish linen wraps.

Herman Rambow

Inducted: Oct 1993
Key Contributions:
Developed brass pilot joints used by Mosconi.

Burton Spain

Inducted: Oct 1993
Key Contributions:
Renowned for spliceblank cue techniques.

Ernie Gutierrez

Inducted: Jul 1994
Key Contributions:
Crafted cues blending art and performance.

Harvey Martin

Inducted: Mar 1995
Key Contributions:
Pioneered flatfaced wood joints.

Gus Szamboti

Inducted: Mar 1997
Key Contributions:
Legendary blank maker for Balabushka et al.

Frank Paradise

Inducted: Jun 1998
Key Contributions:
East Coast great, noted for removable ferrules.

Eugene & Ilona Balner

Inducted: Jul 1999
Key Contributions:
Collaborative custom cabinetry & cue making.

Dan Janes (Joss Cues)

Inducted: Jul 2003
Key Contributions:
CNC inlays & mass custom cues; founder of Joss Cues.

Jerry Franklin

Inducted: 2011
Key Contributions:
Known for fine-point work and finishes.

Bill Schick

Inducted: 2011
Key Contributions:
Elegant engravings and balance-oriented builds.

Richard Black

Inducted: 2011
Key Contributions:
Traditional forms with ornate detailing.

Tad Kohara

Inducted: 2011
Key Contributions:
Built aesthetically and structurally strong cues.

Dan Prather Sr., Tim Scruggs, Bill Stroud, Paul Drexler, Thomas Wayne

Inducted: Apr 2023
Key Contributions:
Recent inductees honored at Super Billiards Expo.

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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.