Service To The Sport: An Interview With Allison Fisher, The Duchess of Doom

By Staff | February 10, 2026

Widely considered one of the most dominant figures in the history of cue sports, Allison Fisher is a dual-sport legend who transitioned from a legendary snooker career to a decade-defining run in professional 9-ball. Born in England, Fisher began playing snooker at age seven and secured her first world title by seventeen, establishing herself as one of the top snooker players in the world, ultimately winning over 80 titles. In 1995, she moved to the United States to join the Women’s Professional Billiards Association tour, where her precision and consistency led to over 50 Classic Tour titles and four WPA World 9-Ball Championships. The Duchess of Doom’s unparalleled impact on the sport was cemented by her 2009 induction into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame and her 2022 appointment as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her service to the game.

Welcome Allison! You won 11 World Snooker Championships before moving to the U.S. in 1995 to play professional pool. What was the most difficult technical adjustment you had to make when moving from the larger snooker table to a standard U.S. table?

Thank you! I did not really make a technical adjustment because coming from a 12 ft table to a 9 ft table was easier but what needed work was learning the reactions of the balls, the rails and learning the finer points.

In your early years in England, you faced significant gender barriers in the male-dominated snooker world. How did those early experiences of being refused entry to certain leagues shape the mental toughness you later became famous for on the WPBA tour?

Playing snooker was not an easy path but it definitely shaped me. I had many years of experience in my snooker career and it paid great dividends in my pool career. I immediately loved playing 9 ball and enjoyed learning the nuances of the game. It was very exciting and my desire to do well was very strong.

Being known as "The Duchess of Doom" suggests a relentless, no-nonsense style of play. Do you feel that persona is an accurate reflection of your personality, or is it strictly for the table?

I took my job very seriously and it definitely fitted my persona on the table; however, away from the table I am friendly, personable and have the British humor.

Between 2000 and 2001, you won eight consecutive major pro pool tournaments — a feat almost unheard of in cue sports. When you are in that kind of zone, what does the table look like to you?

At that time in my career I was full of confidence in my ability and felt like I couldn’t miss. I was always very present, respected my opponents and the results came my way, I felt very in control of all aspects of the game. 

You are known for being a strong finisher who can come back from significant deficits. What is the internal dialogue that allows you to stay calm while your opponent is on the hill and things are looking bleak?

I never give up. I enjoy the challenge and try to remain present. I’m a very patient player and controlled emotionally.

You’ve been winning major titles in four different decades. How has your approach to practice changed from your teens to your current training routines?

I trained much more when I was younger and had more confidence because of that. But with age comes wisdom and the knowledge of how to win. It’s a different head space. As a younger player I had more desire and will to win. Now my life is completely different as I have a family and my Mother to look after. My priorities have changed. I can’t imagine life on the road now.

Photo credit: Ayden Byrnes

You recently officially changed your sporting designation to represent the United States. After so many years as an English icon, what did that transition mean to you personally and professionally?

I have lived in the US longer than England and it made sense with a family here.

In 2022, you were appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). Among all your world titles and Hall of Fame inductions, where does this royal recognition sit in your list of achievements?

I think this honor was the icing on the cake. I felt very proud to receive this honor from Her Royal Highness, Princess Anne at Windsor Castle. It was for my services to sport.

Photo credit: @giantpinball

Through your World Champion Academy, you’ve moved into the role of mentor. What is the most common mistake you see young players making today, either mental or physical?

I think not training properly. The foundation of mechanics is the most important and doing drills. Goal setting and planning is key.

You were the first woman to record a century break in a World Championship. Does the presence of cameras and a live audience change the way you approach the game, or have you reached a level where the environment is completely tuned out?

I think I thrive with cameras and an audience. It’s a place where you want to show what you can do and you either rise or fall in that environment. I am very aware of my surroundings and nothing really disturbs my focus.

You have been compared to legends like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer for your era of dominance. Looking back at your career, what do you want your lasting impact on the world of billiards to be beyond the trophy count?

I’d like to be remembered for good sportsmanship and consistency. That I represented the sport to the best of my ability in every way.

If you had to play someone with a Fargo 300 points lower than yourself (not mentioning names ... ok, it's me), what advice would you give that player to maybe get one game in a race to 9, or are you just going to break and run?

Focus on the process not the outcome. Always try to make sure you deliver a good stroke. The more good strokes you deliver the greater the chance of success.

Official website/merch: https://allisonfisher.com

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allison_Fisher

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AFathlete

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allisonfisher9ball