Francisco “Django” Bustamante is a renowned Filipino professional pool player who has left an indelible mark on the world of billiards.
Known for his powerful break shot and exceptional skills, Bustamante has become one of the most respected figures in the sport.
Francisco Bustamante’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Francisco Bustamante |
| Nickname | Django, Bustie |
| Born | December 29, 1963 |
| Age | 61 |
| Nationality | Filipino |
| Height | N/A |
| Turned Pro | Early 1980s |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2-3 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
Bustamante hails from Tarlac, Philippines, and is the youngest of 8 siblings. His journey from a small village to becoming a world champion is a testament to his dedication and skill in the game of pool.
Early Career
Francisco Bustamante’s love for pool began at the tender age of 10 when he started working in his sister’s pool hall. He would rack and spot balls during the day and practice alone at night after the hall closed.
Bustamante never completed high school, instead focusing on honing his skills in pocket billiards. By the age of 15, he had won his first local tournament in Tarlac.
His talent quickly became apparent, and he soon started traveling around Luzon and eventually the entire Philippines to compete and earn money through pool.
Professional Career
Bustamante’s professional career took off in the early 1990s when he moved to Germany. This move allowed him to compete in numerous European tournaments and gain international exposure.
His breakthrough came in 1998 when he won four major tournaments in the United States and was named Billiards Digest Player of the Year.
Bustamante’s career reached its pinnacle in 2010 when he won the WPA World Nine-ball Championship, cementing his status as one of the greatest pool players of all time.
Throughout his career, he has won over 80 international titles and has been a consistent top performer in various prestigious tournaments around the world.
Francisco Bustamante’s Net Worth Details
Francisco Bustamante’s net worth is estimated to be between $2-3 million as of 2025. This wealth has been accumulated through his successful career in professional pool, including tournament winnings, sponsorships, and other related activities.
Prize Money
| Year | Tournament/Achievement | Prize Money |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Midwest Billiards and Cue Expo One Pocket (1st place) | $9,000 |
| 2013 | Derby City Classic Master of the Table (1st place) | $20,000 |
| 2013 | Derby City Classic Banks Division (1st place) | $10,000 |
| 2010 | WPA World Nine-ball Championship | $36,000 |
| 2004 | World Pool League | – |
| 2002 | World Pool Championship (Runner-up) | – |
| 2000 | Motolite 9-ball Tournament | $30,000 |
| 1999 | International Challenge of Champions | – |
| 1998 | Various tournaments (including Camel Pro Billiards Series) | $107,200 |
| 1988 | Multiple tournament wins | $122,000 |
Endorsements
- Predator Cues
- Mezz Cues
- Black Boar Custom Cues
Career Stats
| Opponent | Notable Matches/Results |
|---|---|
| Efren Reyes | Lost to Reyes in the 1999 WPA World Nine-ball Championship semifinals |
| Partnered with Reyes to win the World Cup of Pool in 2006 and 2009 | |
| Defeated Reyes in the quarterfinals of the 2002 World Pool Championship | |
| Earl Strickland | Lost to Strickland 17-15 in the 2002 World Pool Championship final |
| Alex Pagulayan | Defeated Pagulayan in the 2004 World Pool League final |
| Kuo Po-cheng | Defeated Kuo in the 2010 World Nine-ball Championship final |
| Ralf Souquet | Defeated Souquet (with Reyes) in the 2009 World Cup of Pool final |
FAQs
1. What is Francisco Bustamante’s most significant achievement in pool?
Francisco Bustamante’s most significant achievement is winning the 2010 WPA World Nine-ball Championship, which is considered the most prestigious title in pool.
2. How did Francisco Bustamante get the nickname “Django”?
Bustamante was given the nickname “Django” by his neighbors due to his tough-guy attitude and appearance, which reminded them of the character from the spaghetti western films.
3. What is Francisco Bustamante known for in terms of playing style?
Bustamante is known for his powerful break shot, considered one of the strongest in the game, as well as his aggressive play and ability to make difficult shots.
4. Has Francisco Bustamante won any team events?
Yes, Bustamante has won the World Cup of Pool twice (in 2006 and 2009) partnering with fellow Filipino player Efren Reyes.
5. When was Francisco Bustamante inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame?
Francisco Bustamante was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame in 2010.
6. What impact has Francisco Bustamante had on pool in the Philippines?
Bustamante, along with players like Efren Reyes, has helped establish the Philippines as a powerhouse in international pool, inspiring many young Filipino players to take up the sport.
7. How has Francisco Bustamante contributed to the sport beyond playing?
Bustamante has been involved in coaching and mentoring younger players, helping to develop the next generation of pool talent.
8. What personal tragedy did Francisco Bustamante face during his career?
In 2002, while competing in the World Pool Championship, Bustamante lost his 7-month-old daughter to a viral infection.
9. How long has Francisco Bustamante been playing professional pool?
Bustamante has been playing professional pool since the early 1980s, a career spanning over four decades.
10. What is Francisco Bustamante’s reputation off the pool table?
Off the table, Bustamante is known for his friendly demeanor and willingness to interact with fans, making him a beloved figure in the pool community.
