Player Profile Series: The iconic Francisco "Django" Bustamante

Francisco “Django” Bustamante is now in his twilight years and ready to pass the torch to the country’s rising billiards talents, including Rubilen Amit and Chezka Centeno, with whom he shared the pool table in a friendly doubles match.

Although he never completed his studies, his dedication, determination, and passion for the sport he loved brought him to the pinnacle of success. He helped his family earn a living to survive. His father made a living by building toilets and planting rice, and Bustamante also worked alongside him. He spent time in his sister's pool hall, racking and spotting balls on the tables, and practiced alone after the hall had closed.

As one of the pioneers who helped elevate billiards to one of the most beloved sports in the Philippines, Bustamante has encouraged aspiring players to persevere, train diligently, and avoid vices that could derail their potential.

“Many young people are playing now, especially in Cebu, where I think there are more young players than anywhere else. But they should finish their studies first before focusing on billiards. If they truly want to excel, they need to be disciplined, practice tirelessly, and stay away from drugs,” Bustamante said.

He may no longer be at the peak of his playing days, but his legacy remains unparalleled. His passion for the sport is still strong, now channeled into mentoring the next generation of Filipino billiards stars.

He has not lost his magic, effortlessly showcasing the trick shots that once made him a global icon of the sport—especially last February, when he continued to cement his status as one of the greatest players in billiards history.

Bustamante showcased his signature Filipino brand of billiards skill when he overcame Germany’s Can Salim in a thrilling finale to clinch the title at the 29th Annual Jay Swanson Memorial (“The Swanee”), held at Griff’s Bar & Billiards in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Not only that, prior to his recent triumph, Bustamante had already secured several prestigious titles, including the Munich Masters, the German Nine-ball Championship, and the All Japan Championship. With his win in Tulsa, he was crowned champion of the 1998 Camel Pro Billiards Series year-long point fund. He capped off the season by winning the Columbus 10-Ball Open and becoming the first player to win three Camel titles in one season. His Columbus victory completed the first-ever Camel trifecta, with titles in each of the three games contested in the Camel Pro Billiards Series: eight-ball, nine-ball, and ten-ball. Known for his flamboyant style and behind-the-back shots, he also holds the world record for the most powerful break shot.

Bustamante also won the Peninsula Nine-ball Open, Gabriel’s Las Vegas International Nine-ball Tournament, the IBC Tokyo Nine-ball International, and the All Japan Championship. He claimed the Sudden Death Seven-ball Tournament title as well, dedicating the victory to his daughter. This string of wins earned him the AZBilliards 2002 Player of the Year honor.

In 2004, he joined and won the World Pool League, defeating world nine-ball champion Alex Pagulayan. He had previously reached the finals of that event in 2001 but lost to Steve Knight.

In 2006, Bustamante and his partner Efren Reyes won the inaugural World Cup of Pool, defeating the American duo of Earl Strickland and Rodney Morris, 13–5, in the final. They claimed the title again in 2009, overcoming the German pair of Ralf Souquet and Thorsten Hohmann, 11–9.

In 2007, he went undefeated in the United States Pro Tour Championship held at the Normandie Casino in Los Angeles, California, and was ranked No. 7 in Pool & Billiard Magazine's "Fans' Top 20 Favorite Players" poll.

He also competed in the 2008 WPA World Straight Pool Championship, where he finished second behind Niels Feijen, becoming the only Filipino player to reach the finals of that event.

In 2010, Bustamante once again reached the finals of the World Nine-ball Championship, this time emerging victorious by defeating Taiwan’s Kuo Po-cheng.

On July 27, 2010, Francisco Bustamante, along with Terry Bell and Larry Hubbart—founders of the American Poolplayers Association (APA)—was elected to the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame and officially inducted on October 21, 2010. He became the second Filipino player to be inducted, following the legendary Efren Reyes.