Bruce Christopher: Self-Appointed Legend

Christopher's resumé included the claim "world's leading pool player."

Interviewing Superstroke can be both entertaining and frustrating. He talks fast and frenetically, and often answers unasked questions and then leaves the asked ones unanswered. He drops names like crazy and often uses the imperial "we." ("We give to the poor - we're all about giving to the poor!") It's like drinking from a fire hydrant talking to Superstroke. And, as it was with accomplished self-aggrandizer Minnesota Fats, it's hard to figure what to believe.

For example, I never quite felt like I got a full answer about how he's currently paying the bills. He said he worked in the real estate business, but doing what exactly? After what seemed like a never-ending game of 20 questions, Christopher boasted that he had investments all around the world, but most especially in the United States, and that he was in business with his family. He said he buys, never sells, and that mostly he deals with commercial property. He described himself as a "silent partner."

But, man, was it tough getting even those details. At one point, Christopher told me: "Leave it alone, you'll get the IRS on me." Instead, Superstroke kept redirecting the conversation back to his accomplishments in pool, mostly his supposed past ones but also his promised new ones - and in the process, frequently referred to himself in the third person. "Everybody knows that Bruce Superstroke is the guy who made more money than all of us," he said. "Tell everyone: Superstroke is back."

Previous Page Page 4 Next Page >

Top

Since 1978, Billiards Digest magazine has been the pool world’s best source for news, tournament coverage, player profiles, bold editorials, and advice on how to play pool. Our instructors include superstars Nick Varner and Jeanette Lee. Every issue features the pool accessories and equipment you love — pool cues, pool tables, instruction aids and more. Columnists Mike Shamos and R.A. Dyer examine legends like Willie Mosconi and Minnesota Fats, and dig deep into the histories of pool games like 8-ball, 9-ball and straight pool.

Copyright © 1997-2003 Billiards Digest, All Rights Reserved
LUBY PUBLISHING INC.
122 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 1506, Chicago IL 60603
Phone: 312-341-1110
Fax: 312-341-1469
Legal Disclaimer