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EKTT Champion “The Legend” battles “Dr. J” Johnny Johnson in what is considered to be the best match in EKTT history on Oct. 25, 2018. Risner survived being down 14 to 13 to come back and win the match with an unbelievable edge shot to retain the title against perhaps his biggest rival ever. The second longest run of all-time.

By EKTT Staff

A three year Eastern Kentucky Championship reign has only happened one other time: 2002 through 2005. The holder of that record? “The Legend” Byron Risner. Now he has the rare opportunity to eclipse this unbelievable feat if he can hold the EKTT Title for another 180 days. In the most competitive era in EKTT history, this won’t be an easy task.

Let’s look at the time in terms of these numbers: 3 years 0 months and 5 days; 36 months and 5 days; 157 weeks and 2 days; or an incredible 1101 days. During this time, the league has hit a resurgence that has not been seen since the late 1990’s, he has defended the EKTT Title 21 times, a won-loss record of 107-8 (.939). Risner also added an Eastern Kentucky Classic Championship to his all-time record of 16 in 2017; finishing second in 2016 and 2018. His rating went from the 1500s to an all-time league record high of 1850-currently 1835. How many meets did he miss during this time? Zero. This type of run would easily get any player into the EKTT Hall of Fame.

“Last year (2018) was one of my most challenging,” says Risner. “I had to battle some back and knee issues that were inconvenient at best. When you play against top competition, like we have, you always need to be at your best.  In addition to that, being EKTT President and Chairman is more than a full-time responsibility, so you have to navigate and balance player/administrator roles as best you can. I’m not complaining, but it isn’t easy. Facing off against Josh May, Perry Franklin, The Doc (Johnny Johnson “JJ”), Josh Frisby, Junior (Gullett)…you have to be ready every night. Its awesome to see Greg Helton return, so he can be added to that list.”

Does the pressure get to the champ?

“It doesn’t get to me, but you feel a weight the longer you hold the Championship. You can’t have an off night, or it’s all over. Perry (Franklin) is the best natural talent I’ve ever seen to come through the league, and he has forced me to elevate my game. He’s going to be in the Hall of Fame someday, I have no doubt of that. I never think about past wins, I only focus on the match that’s in front of me. I’m excited for 2019, and ready to see is next in line to play for the most important accolade you can achieve-the Eastern Kentucky Title.”

His reign may end this week versus Perry Franklin, or in five more weeks versus one of the top players. However, for now, he is still the “king of the mountain.” Whomever ends this streak will have their name in the history books with one of the biggest EKTT wins of all-time.  We are following history, let’s see where it goes.