Anthony Beeler: Redefining the Art and Science of Modern Billiard Instruction
Anthony Barton Beeler is an American pocket billiards instructor, author, and educator who has earned a respected place in the world of cue sports. Born on November 8, 1976, in Lebanon, Kentucky, he grew up in central Kentucky, where he developed a lifelong love for teaching and the game of billiards. Over the years, Beeler has combined his background in education with his passion for pool to become one of the leading instructors in modern cue sports. He is best known as the founder of Beeler’s Virtual Billiard Academy, recognized as the first fully online school for pool and cue sports instruction. His work has not only advanced the way people learn the game but has also influenced how players around the world understand focus, precision, and consistency.
Beeler’s academic journey began at Campbellsville University, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1999. His pursuit of knowledge continued at Eastern Kentucky University, where he completed a Master’s Degree in 2002 and later achieved a Rank I certification in 2004. These educational foundations shaped his approach to teaching and learning, blending structure, psychology, and science into his instructional philosophy. With more than twenty years of experience in education, Beeler has applied the same principles that guide students in classrooms to help players excel at the pool table.
In his professional career outside billiards, Beeler serves as the Director of Pupil Personnel for the Lincoln County School District in Stanford, Kentucky. His responsibilities include overseeing student attendance, compliance, and district programs. His experience in educational leadership has strengthened his understanding of human motivation and performance, which he integrates seamlessly into his billiard instruction. Beeler’s teaching is known for its discipline and clarity, helping both beginners and advanced players reach their full potential.
Beeler holds the highest instructional certifications from both the Professional Billiard Instructors Association and the American CueSports Alliance. As a PBIA Master Instructor and ACS Level 4 Master Instructor, he has become a mentor to students and teachers alike. His Virtual Billiard Academy has trained more than 31,000 students worldwide through in person and virtual programs. In 2013, Beeler won the BCAPL National 9 Ball Championship and has claimed six regional titles along with numerous local and national tournament placements. His achievements as a player reflect the same dedication and precision that define his teaching.
Throughout his career, Beeler has coached and mentored many successful players. His students include Sam Ryno Henderson, a two time BEF Junior National Champion, and Janet Atwell, a WPBA touring professional. He has also trained multiple Junior National Champions, BCA National finalists, and top regional competitors such as Ricky Evans, the Kansas City Open Champion, and Cal Boll, winner of the Gunslingers Tournament. The success of his students is a reflection of his patient, methodical approach and his ability to translate complex concepts into simple, actionable lessons.
Beeler’s influence extends far beyond the classroom and the pool hall. He has been recognized nationally for his contributions to the sport. In 2017, he was named Billiards Instructor of the Year by SPM Magazine and was later honored as Instructor of the Decade for 2010 to 2020. His work has been featured in leading billiards publications including Billiards Digest, and he has appeared on the covers of two magazines dedicated to cue sports. As a national columnist, he has contributed instructional articles to SPM Magazine, Billiards Buzz, On The Break News, Pool and Billiard Magazine, and Inside Pool Magazine. Through these writings, he has helped thousands of readers develop a deeper understanding of the technical and mental aspects of the game.
In addition to his writing, Beeler produces video lessons that have reached audiences across digital platforms. His instructional series, “Do You Want to Play Like a Pro,” which began in 2017 on YouTube, and “McDermott Cues – Anthony Beeler Instructional Pool Lessons” from 2019, continue to inspire players of all levels. He also maintains an IMDb profile for his on screen appearances related to billiard instruction. These media projects showcase his ability to teach with clarity and enthusiasm while promoting professionalism within the sport.
Beyond his teaching and media work, Beeler is also an inventor. He has created several training aids designed to improve player performance, including the Vision Center Trainer, the Shot Angle Calculator, and the Stroke Trainer. These tools are widely used by students and professionals to enhance accuracy, aiming, and stroke consistency. Each invention demonstrates his deep understanding of mechanics and his ongoing effort to make learning more efficient and accessible.
Throughout his competitive career, Beeler has earned an impressive list of titles and accomplishments. He is a 20-time Rack and Cue 9 Ball Champion in Campbellsville, Kentucky, a 13 time JR’s Pool Room Champion in Lancaster, and a 12-time Ace Billiards Champion in Danville. He placed second at both the 2023 JT Fingers Memorial in Cincinnati and the 2023 Edmonton 8 Ball Open. His earlier victories include the 1999 Legends Kentucky State 9 Ball Championship in Elizabethtown and several national placements in the BCAPL Championships in Las Vegas between 2013 and 2015. His achievements also earned him recognition as Kentucky Player of the Year in both the 2013–14 and 2014–15 Bluegrass BCAPL seasons.
Beeler’s long list of awards includes being honored by SPM Magazine as Billiards Instructor of the Year in 2018 and Instructor of the Decade for 2010–2020. He has been recognized by both PBIA and ACS as a Master Instructor, profiled multiple times in Billiards Digest, and featured on magazine covers for his teaching excellence. His reputation as a coach of national champions such as Sam Ryno Henderson and WPBA professional Janet Atwell further cements his standing as one of the most respected figures in cue sports instruction.
As an author, Beeler has written several instructional and motivational books that focus on performance, mindset, and technique. His works include “Unstoppable! Positive Thinking for Pool Players,” “Unstoppable! The Core Shots of Pool,” “Angles as a Second Language,” and his most recent release, “Do You Want to Play Like a Pro? A Pictorial Guide to Playing Your Best Pool,” published in 2025. These books reflect his commitment to helping players not only improve their skills but also build confidence and resilience in competition.
Beeler lives in Kentucky, where he continues to balance his passion for education with his devotion to billiards. He is the only PBIA Master Instructor with a Fargo Rating exceeding 700, a testament to his rare combination of playing skill and instructional ability. Sponsored by McDermott Cue and Diamond Billiard Products, he remains active in promoting excellence and sportsmanship in the game. Beeler is the only child of Jacob and Mary Lee Beeler and takes great pride in being a father to his two sons, Cameron and Carson. Cameron is a senior at Campbellsville University, while Carson is a high school senior at Casey County High School in Liberty, Kentucky. Family, education, and the love of the game continue to guide Anthony Barton Beeler as he inspires the next generation of players to master both the art and the discipline of billiards.
