Of the players who post here that I've either played, or watched extensively, Brumback is probably my best candidate for the top honor. What's interesting about his play is that, although he's the best bank pool player of today, he also finishes high in the 1P (and 9-ball) divisions at the DCC-- despite probably not playing all that much 1P in comparison to banks during the year. He's so widely known for bank pool, that his 1P prowess tends to stay in the shadows.
I've never seen Wayne play except on video. He certainly might be right up there with the top guys, if he's not there by himself.
Bernie and Hacker have also got to be pretty close to the top as well. Bernie is apt to beat all but the AAA players. I don't know in how much private action he partakes, but he's a threat to win, or to place in the top half dozen, at any event.
Hacker is a more complex study. He puts me in mind of the late great Mike Surber, who believed that there was no percentage in playing champions. It's better to pick your game and match up advantageously. Hacker is an excellent tactician and ball maker. But his best attributes may be stealth and cunning: a master of the trap. That's why I predict that you'll never see Hacker and Bill I. ever play again. They'll never get past the negotiation stage.
One of the players Ghost is referring to who might be a higher tier guy, is Mitch Ellerman. Mitch is an excellent player. His best attribute? He's fearless.
~Doc
