Alex Pagulayan, a Filipino and Canadian professional pool player, was rumored to be arrested for gambling at the US Open in 2024.
For those who don’t know him well, he is such a joker and prankster.
Alex Pagulayan, also known as The Lion, has built a legendary career on a unique combination of incredible skill and a personality that fills the seats.
He was born in the Philippines but represents Canada on the international stage. He did have a period from the mid-2000s to 2012 where he competed for his birth country, but he now proudly plays under the Canadian flag once more.
His mentor, Paul Thornley, gave him the nickname “The Lion,” a fitting title for a player widely considered one of the greatest of all time.
Pagulayan’s showmanship set him apart, and he thrives on interaction. He is famous for his relaxed demeanor, often joking with the crowd and even doing humorous impressions of his opponents.
This entertaining style has made him a massive crowd favorite wherever he plays. He doesn’t just win matches but puts on a show, proving that you can be a fierce competitor and a fan favorite at the same time.
Alex Pagulayan’s Playful Pranks and Past Legal Battle
As of February 23, 2026, no credible reports or official records indicate that professional pool player Alex “The Lion” Pagulayan has been arrested.
The Canadian-Filipino billiards champion remains active in the pool community, free from any known legal troubles involving law enforcement.
The confusion surrounding Pagulayan and arrests may stem from his well-documented sense of humor.
He is known for his playful personality at tournaments and has been known to prank fans and fellow players, including joking about being arrested. These lighthearted antics occasionally get misinterpreted online.
This photo of Alex Pagulayan is circulating lately, and I was bombarded with messages if there is any truth to this. I just called Alex just now, and he said he tossed a coin with somebody for 10k again, and when he won, he got set up and arrested for doing it! Then he said it’s a prank!! 🤦🏻♂️ The relief when I heard that👌
Roy’s Basement
Fans often use the term “arrested” metaphorically when describing Pagulayan’s dominant performances.
Comments like “arrested for stealing the match” celebrate his victories, while posts with titles such as “Don’t let The Lion out of the cage” have become common among his followers.
While Pagulayan hasn’t faced arrest, he has engaged in legal action.
On July 14, 2008, he filed a libel case against Yen Makabenta and Ernesto Fajardo, officials of the Billiards and Snookers Congress of the Philippines (BSCP), at the Pasig Regional Trial Court.
He sought 6 million Philippine pesos in damages after the officials accused him of “sharking” (distracting an opponent) at the Singapore leg of the Guinness 9-Ball Tour, and called him a “disgraceful loser” and “liar.”
Pagulayan maintained that these accusations were retaliation for his refusal to appear in a television production without compensation.
The Lion remains focused on what he does best: dominating the pool table, playing pranks, and entertaining fans worldwide.
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