The Bold Street Cue Man In April 1926 Joe Earlam, at the age of only nineteen, caused a sensation in the world of billiards by becoming one of the youngest players, to win the world Amateur Billiards Championship. The contest being held in the Thurston's Match Rooms in Leicester Square, London.

It boiled down to a meeting of continents from both sides of the world, Great Britain and Australia. The final being an epic game with the two cue men who were at their peak. Joe had won the English Amateur Billiards Championship that year and his opponent Shailer at 45 was the veteran champion, of five championships in Australia since 1913. Shailer had been given six months unpaid leave as a police officer and had sailed all the way from Sidney to compete in the championship.

The young pretender Earlam established a 500 to 69 interval lead, Shailer tried valiantly to pull back in the second half with breaks of 107, 129, 145, and 96. Shailer received a certificate from the BA & CC, The Billiards Association and Control Council for the making the most centuries in the final session. Shailer had also taken home a special prize of an inscribed silver teapot awarded by the Composition Ball Co.

Joe Earlam was almost stopped from competing in the Championship by the establishment, governing billiards, this was shortly before the start, after announcing his intention to turn professional at the end of the tournament. Joe made a total of six centuries in the final, with the highest break being 282. He also received the Thurston's trophy and a replica to keep. His play was as good as any top class professional at that time.

After his win Joe was welcomed home by the local territorial band playing the tune "Hail the Conquering Hero Comes". Local Railwaymen let off fog flares on the railway lines to celebrate his victory, a huge celebration was held at the Drill Hall in Greenway Road, Runcorn.

Joe also did an exhibition tournament around the same time and took on six locals in six matches played at once with the expected result, he beat all six opponents. Joe went on to become Junior Professional Champion in 1930 and the year after 1931 retired from being a professional because of politics spoiling the game.

Lots of changes took place in the world of billiards in 1926 including changing to composition balls and restriction on losing hazards to 25, because of this a lot of the great players refused to take part in the 1926 championship including the Great Sidney Fry.