Mike Sigel, an American professional pool player, is renowned in the billiards community as “Captain Hook” for his exceptional skill in executing safety plays that leave his opponents snookered.
Born on July 11, 1953, in Rochester, New York, Sigel rose to prominence in the 1980s, dominating the 9-ball and Straight Pool disciplines.
Here you can follow Mike Sigel’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
About Mike Sigel
Born into a Jewish family in Rochester, New York, Mike Sigel’s affinity for pool began at a young age. His birth date, July 11, 1953, marks the beginning of a journey that would lead him to become a celebrated figure in the world of professional pool.
Sigel’s early exposure to the game quickly turned into a passion, and despite the concerns of his mother Ruth, who lamented his preference for the pool hall over Hebrew school, Mike’s dedication to the sport was unwavering.
Early Life
Mike Sigel grew up in a middle-class family in Rochester, New York. His father was a salesman, and his mother was a homemaker. He became fascinated by the game and spent hours practicing and playing against local players.
He dropped out of high school in the 10th grade and moved to New York City, where he met some of the top pool players in the country such as Steve Mizerak, Irving Crane, and Luther Lassiter.
Professional Career
After turning professional in 1973 at the age of 20, Mike Sigel quickly made a name for himself in the competitive pool scene, amassing a total of 105 “majors” throughout his professional career.
His skill in both 14.1 (straight pool) and 9-Ball led him to win 10 World Championships and six U.S. Open championships, with a remarkable thirty-eight titles in these disciplines during the 1980s alone.
In 1976, Sigel claimed the World 8-Ball championship and followed it up with a World 9-Ball title in 1977. His prowess in straight pool was further demonstrated with runs of 150 shots-and-out in 1985 and 1988, earning him World Straight Pool titles.
Sigel’s career is not only marked by his tournament victories but also by his induction into the BCA (Billiard Congress of America) Hall of Fame in 1989, making him the youngest male ever elected at that time.
Throughout his career, Sigel has been a dominant force in the pool, with a record that includes over 100 professional tournament victories, multiple World Straight Pool Championship titles, and U.S. Open Nine-ball Championship titles.
Mike Sigel’s Net Worth Details
Mike Sigel’s net worth is estimated to be $8 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his prize money as a professional pool player, endorsements, and other sources.
Prize Money and Earnings
Mike Sigel, a legendary figure in the professional pool, has had a remarkable career that spans several decades, during which he has accumulated significant earnings from tournament wins.
In 1987, Sigel became the first player to earn over $100,000 in prize winnings in a single year on the pro tour.
Additionally, his participation in high-stakes matches, such as the IPT 8-ball Exhibition Match in 2005, which earned him $150,000, and finishing second in the King of the Hill Eight-ball Shootout the same year for $100,000, have contributed to his impressive career earnings.
Mike Sigel’s notable prize money winnings:
| Year | Tournament | Earnings |
| 1979 | Major Win | $25,000 |
| 1981 | Major Win | $30,000 |
| 1986 | Major Win | $40,000 |
| 2005 | IPT 8-ball Exhibition Match | $150,000 |
| 2005 | King of the Hill Eight-ball Shootout (2nd Place) | $100,000 |
Endorsements
Mike Sigel, a legendary figure in the professional pool, has augmented his income through endorsements and exhibitions, in addition to his tournament winnings.
Sigel’s endorsements have included partnerships with well-known brands such as Cuetec, Predator, and Simonis.
Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Mike Sigel |
| Nickname | Captain Hook, Mr. Finals |
| Birth Date | July 11, 1953 |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches |
| Weight | 165 pounds |
| Birthplace | Rochester, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Current Net Worth | $8 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Karen Sigel |
Wife
Mike Sigel, a renowned figure in the world of professional pool, is married to Renee Sigel.
They met in 1995 while Renee was working at an Orlando pool tournament, a meeting that would eventually lead to their marriage.
Career Stats
| Year | Event | Result |
| 1971 | US Open Nine-Ball Championship | Winner |
| 1975 | US Open Nine-Ball Championship | Winner |
| 1976 | US Open Nine-Ball Championship | Winner |
| 1976 | World Nine-Ball Championship | Winner |
| 1977 | World Nine-Ball Championship | Winner |
| 1978 | World Nine-Ball Championship | Winner |
| 1979 | World Nine-Ball Championship | Winner |
| 1980 | World Straight Pool Championship | Winner |
| 1981 | World Straight Pool Championship | Winner |
| 1982 | World Straight Pool Championship | Winner |
| 1983 | World Nine-Ball Championship | Winner |
| 1984 | International Challenge of Champions | Winner |
| 1992 | World Bank Pool Championship (with Buddy Hall) | Winner |
FAQs
1. Who is Mike Sigel?
Mike Sigel is an American professional pool player born on July 11, 1953, in Rochester, New York. Known as “Captain Hook” for his strategic safety plays, he dominated the pool scene in the 1980s and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. He has won over 100 professional tournaments.
2. What are Mike Sigel’s most notable achievements in pool?
Mike Sigel’s achievements include winning 10 World Championships, 6 U.S. Open titles, and over 100 professional tournaments. He was inducted into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame at age 35 and was named “Greatest Living Player of the Century” by Billiards Digest in 2000.
3. Why is Mike Sigel nicknamed “Captain Hook”?
Sigel earned the nickname “Captain Hook” due to his exceptional ability to hook opponents with safety plays during matches. His strategic approach to positioning made him a formidable competitor in professional pool.
4. When did Mike Sigel turn professional?
Mike Sigel turned professional in 1973 at the age of 20. He quickly gained recognition for his skills and went on to win numerous major tournaments, establishing himself as one of the best players in the sport.
5. What records does Mike Sigel hold in pool?
Mike Sigel holds several records, including being the first player to earn over $100,000 in prize money in a single year (1987) and achieving the quickest “150-And-Out” in straight pool history. He also won 63 out of 68 finals he reached by 1986.
6. What role did Mike Sigel play in movies?
Mike Sigel appeared as himself in The Baltimore Bullet (1980) and served as technical advisor, instructor, and choreographer for Paul Newman and Tom Cruise in The Color of Money (1986). His expertise helped shape the film’s realistic portrayal of pool.
7. How many times was Mike Sigel named Player of the Year?
Mike Sigel was named Player of the Year three times—1981, 1983, and 1986—by Billiards Digest and Pool & Billiards Magazine. These awards recognized his dominance during his peak years.
8. What is Mike Sigel’s net worth?
Mike Sigel’s net worth is estimated at $8 million. His earnings come from tournament prizes, endorsements, exhibitions, and crafting high-quality pool cues.
9. What is Mike Sigel’s connection to the International Pool Tour (IPT)?
Mike Sigel returned from retirement to compete professionally for the IPT. He won the IPT 8-ball Exhibition Match for $150,000 and placed second in the King of the Hill Eight-ball Shootout, earning $100,000.
10. Why is Mike Sigel considered one of the greatest pool players ever?
Mike Sigel’s combination of skill, strategy, and success makes him one of the greatest pool players ever. His ability to dominate multiple disciplines like straight pool and nine-ball, along with his record-breaking achievements and influence on the sport, solidifies his legendary status.
