John Schmidt 626: How Mosconi’s Straight Pool Record Finally Fell
Quick answer: John Schmidt ran 626 balls in a row on May 27, 2019, at Easy Street Billiards in Monterey, California. It broke Willie Mosconi’s 526, which had stood for 65 years. The BCA certified it on August 15, 2019.
Watch the video
Watch the straight pool record video on YouTube
What You Will Learn
- Who John Schmidt is
- What happened at ball 527
- How the run ended
- How the record became official
Mr. 400
Before the big run, AZBilliards says Schmidt was known as “Mr. 400” because he had eight runs over 400 balls. Today Wikipedia lists his nickname as “Mr. 600.”
Schmidt told Billiards Digest that when he first learned straight pool, he asked a room of players what the high run record was. About nine people answered at once with Mosconi’s 526. He knew that was the record he wanted.
Memorial Day, 2019
At ball 527, the ball that would break the record, Schmidt stopped. He put down his cue and went to the men’s room to calm down. Then he came back and made it.
He kept going for six more racks. He finally missed a combination shot at 626. That is 100 balls more than Mosconi.
Making It Official
The run was filmed. The BCA watched the full video, and on August 15, 2019, it certified 626 as the new 14.1 exhibition high run record.
The record did not last long. Jayson Shaw ran 669 in 2022 and 832 in 2025. Read how it all played out on pool-billiards-game.com.
A Lesson for Your Game
Schmidt took a break when the pressure hit. You can do the same. Step back, breathe, then shoot. Want more help with nerves and shot making? Try these 9 ball tips.
The Bottom Line
Schmidt chased one number for years, and then he beat it by 100 balls. He is still chasing. On March 10, 2026, he ran 820 in a private session in Rock Springs, Wyoming. Billiards Digest says he fouled earlier in that run, so it does not count. It still shows he has not given up.
FAQ
When did Schmidt run 626?
May 27, 2019, Memorial Day.
Where did he do it?
Easy Street Billiards in Monterey, California.
Is 626 still the record?
No. Jayson Shaw holds it now with 832.
Did Schmidt ever pass 626?
He ran 820 in 2026, but it is unofficial because of an earlier foul.
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