Snooker is one of the most popular sports in the United Kingdom and the UK has produced some of the best snooker players in the world.
From the legendary Steve Davis to the new wave of talent such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, the UK has been home to some of the greatest snooker players of all time.
We will take a look at some of the best snooker players from the UK and explore their successes on the green baize.
1. Ronnie O’Sullivan
Ronald Antonio O’Sullivan OBE is an extraordinary English professional snooker player who is currently ranked the world number one.
His immense talent and remarkable achievements throughout his career have earned him a place among the most elite players in the history of the sport.
Having won the prestigious World Snooker Championship seven times, he and Stephen Hendry are the current record holders of this modern-era accomplishment. O’Sullivan has consistently proven himself to be an exceptional player in the world of snooker.
He is renowned for his skill, technique, and accuracy, and has managed to stay at the top of the game for many years. He has a strong competitive spirit and always strives to reach the highest levels of success.
His passion and determination have been instrumental in his many victories and titles. In addition to his success in snooker, O’Sullivan has also been recognized for his work outside of the sport. He has been awarded an OBE in recognition of his services to the sport.
This honour is a testament to his commitment to the sport and his dedication to promoting the game. Overall, Ronald Antonio O’Sullivan OBE is an incredibly talented snooker player who has achieved unparalleled success in the sport.
His skill, drive, and dedication have earned him the title of world number one, and his many impressive titles and awards have placed him among the most accomplished players in the history of the sport.
2. Stephen Hendry
Stephen Gordon Hendry MBE is widely considered one of the greatest snooker players of all time. He began his career in the late 1980s and quickly rose to prominence in the 1990s, earning the nickname “The Maestro”.
During this period, Hendry achieved a level of dominance rarely seen in any sport. He won 7 world championships, a record 5 consecutive titles from 1992 to 1996, and a total of 36 ranking titles.
He was also the youngest ever snooker world champion at the age of 21, and the first player to reach 500 century breaks. Hendry’s career achievements have been widely recognized and celebrated, and he was awarded an MBE in 1996 for services to snooker.
His iconic status in the world of snooker has been further cemented by his induction into the World Snooker Hall of Fame in 2004. He is a true legend of the game, and his legacy will live on for many years to come.
3. Steve Davis
Steve Davis OBE is a renowned figure in the world of snooker, having achieved great success throughout his professional career.
Born in South London in 1957, Steve Davis turned professional in 1978 and quickly rose to prominence in the sport, becoming world champion six times between 1981 and 1989.
Not only was he a successful player, but Davis also revolutionized snooker with his meticulous and methodical approach to the game. Since retiring from professional snooker in 2016, Davis has gone on to pursue a number of other interests.
He has become a popular commentator on the sport, appearing regularly at tournaments around the world. His enthusiasm and knowledge of the game have made him an asset to the sport. Davis is also an accomplished DJ, electronic musician and author.
He has released several albums as a DJ, and his electronic music has a strong following. He has also written three books on snooker and his life. It is clear that Steve Davis OBE has achieved a great deal in his life, both on and off the snooker table.
His influence on the game of snooker will remain long after he has retired, and his passion for the sport is still evident in his commentary and writing.
4. Ray Reardon
Raymond Reardon MBE is a legendary figure in the sport of snooker. Born in Wales, he is a retired professional snooker player who enjoyed a long and successful career in the sport.
In 1967, at the age of 35, he turned professional and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with. Throughout the 1970s, Raymond Reardon reigned supreme in the world of snooker.
He won the World Snooker Championship on six separate occasions and added a further dozen or more titles to his growing collection of accolades. His competitive drive and ambition to succeed saw him become one of the most successful players in the history of the sport.
Raymond Reardon’s tremendous achievements in the world of snooker were recognized in 2009 when he was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his contribution to the sport.
This honor was a fitting tribute to a man who had dedicated his life to snooker and achieved great things in the process.
5. Paul Hunter
Paul Alan Hunter was a professional snooker player from England who had a successful career. He was a three-time Masters champion, a prestigious event in the snooker world.
Hunter won the tournament at the 2001, 2002, and 2004 events, showing remarkable resilience and determination to come back from a deficit in the final to win 10–9 on all three occasions.
His accomplishments in the tournament are impressive and demonstrate his skill and ability to overcome difficult scenarios.
His ability to come back and win in the final frame of the tournament is something that sets him apart from other players and makes him one of the most successful snooker players of all time.
6. Dennis Taylor
Dennis Taylor is a snooker legend. Born in Northern Ireland, he is a retired professional snooker player and a current commentator. He is most renowned for his epic victory at the 1985 World Snooker Championship.
In a match widely considered as the one of the most famous in snooker history, Taylor defeated the defending champion Steve Davis with a final score of 18-17. This remarkable victory was sealed in a thrilling finish, with a final black ball that was potted after the final pink.
Taylor’s unexpected victory made him an instant snooker star and cemented his place as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history. His legacy continues to this day, as his inspiring story still captivates snooker fans to this day.
7. John Spencer
John Spencer was a world-renowned snooker player, having won the World Snooker Championship three times. Born in Radcliffe, Lancashire, John had an early start in snooker, beginning to play at the age of 14 on a full-sized table.
His success was evident even at this early age, as he managed to make his first century break at age 15. This feat is even more impressive considering the difficulty of making a century break, which is a score of at least 100 points in a single snooker visit.
This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to John’s skill and dedication to the game. John Spencer was a world-class player and his skill was evident in his consistent success at tournaments.
He was one of the most successful players of his time, and his legacy continues to inspire and motivate many aspiring snooker players today.
His achievements are a source of pride for the country of England, and he will always be remembered for his extraordinary talent and dedication to the sport.
8. Walter Donaldson
Walter Weir Wilson Donaldson was a Scottish professional snooker and billiards player who had a very successful career. He was a dominant force in the game and became well known for his prowess in both snooker and billiards.
Donaldson was especially renowned for his rivalry with Fred Davis, which spanned eight consecutive World Championship finals from 1947 to 1954. Donaldson won the championship twice in that time, in 1947 and 1950.
His success in these tournaments was a testament to his skill and determination and helped cement his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the game.
Donaldson’s rivalry with Davis was one of the most famous in the sport and was the source of much excitement and drama for fans of the game. The two men pushed each other to their limits and kept audiences on the edge of their seats as they battled to be the best in the world.
9. John Virgo
John Virgo is an English snooker commentator and former professional snooker player known for his long-standing career in the sport. A native of London, he turned professional in 1975 and reached the semi-finals of the World Snooker Championship in 1981.
He represented England in international events and won the World Doubles Championship with former world number one, Steve Davis, in 1985. After retiring from professional snooker in 1990, Virgo went on to become a commentator on the BBC’s coverage of snooker tournaments.
He also served as a consultant for the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA). Over the years, Virgo has become one of the most recognizable figures in snooker.
He has made appearances on television shows such as BBC’s A Question of Sport and has written books about the sport. John Virgo’s long-standing career in the sport has made him a true icon of snooker.
His knowledge and expertise of the game, as a former professional and a commentator, has provided the audience with an insight into the sport.
His contribution to snooker, both as a player and a commentator, have helped to make the sport more popular and accessible to a wider audience.
10. Bill Werbeniuk
William Alexander Werbeniuk was a highly accomplished Canadian snooker and pool player. He was well-known for his large stature and was affectionately referred to as “Big Bill”.
During his professional career, Werbeniuk achieved several impressive results, including four appearances in the World Championship quarter-finals and one UK Championship semi-final. He even reached a career-high world ranking of #8 in the 1983-84 season.
His impressive results have placed him among the most successful Canadian snooker and pool players of all time. Werbeniuk’s success was no easy feat, as the competition in the snooker and pool scene is extremely fierce.
To reach the level of success that he has achieved requires a great deal of skill, determination, and dedication.
Not only did Werbeniuk possess the technical skills necessary to be successful, but he also had an unwavering commitment to the sport, which was evident in his ability to stay focused and perform at the highest level. His achievements have also been a source of inspiration for many aspiring snooker and pool players.
His example serves as a reminder of what is possible if you are willing to put in the hard work and dedication that is necessary to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Even today, Werbeniuk’s legacy continues to live on as a reminder of the heights that can be achieved through dedication and hard work.
11. Lisa Ingall
Lisa Ingall is an accomplished snooker player from England. She first made a name for herself in 2000, when she reached the finals of the World Women’s Snooker Championship.
Even though she ultimately lost the finals, she was still able to make a lasting impression on the sport. Since then, Ingall has achieved numerous successes in snooker. She has won several amateur tournaments, as well as several professional tournaments.
She also holds the record for the most consecutive century breaks made by a female player. Her success has cemented her as one of the top female snooker players in the world. Throughout her career, Ingall has also served as an ambassador for the sport.
She has made numerous appearances on television and in the media to promote snooker. She has also worked with charities to raise money and awareness for the sport. It is clear that Lisa Ingall has had a tremendous impact on the game of snooker.
Her commitment to the sport and her success in it have earned her a place among the elite players in the world.
12. Willie Thorne
William Joseph Thorne was a professional snooker player from England who made a name for himself in the sport. He won one ranking title, the 1985 Classic, and made it to the final of the 1985 UK Championship.
Although he had a solid lead of 13-8, he ultimately lost the final 16-14 to Steve Davis. Thorne was known for his break-building skills and was one of the first players to compile 100 century breaks in his snooker career.
He was highly respected in the sport and his accomplishments remain remembered to this day.
13. Doug Mountjoy
Doug Mountjoy was a legendary Welsh snooker player, who hailed from the small village of Tir-y-Berth in Gelligaer, Wales. He first joined the professional snooker circuit in the late 1970s, and went on to have a highly successful career that spanned the entire 1980s.
During this time, Mountjoy was one of the most successful snooker players in the world, consistently ranking within the top 16 for 11 consecutive years. His achievements in the sport were remarkable, and he gained widespread respect from his peers for his skill and dedication.
Mountjoy also left a lasting legacy, inspiring a generation of players who followed in his footsteps. He will always be remembered as one of the greatest snooker players of all time.
14. Liam Graham
Liam Graham is a professional snooker player from Scotland. He achieved a great success in March 2023 when he won the EBSA European Under-21 Snooker Championships.
This was a major accomplishment for Graham, as it is one of the most prestigious snooker tournaments in Europe and it was the first major title of his career. The tournament was held in Poland and featured some of the best snooker talent in the region.
Graham impressed the judges and spectators alike with his skill and technique. He was able to outplay his opponents with a combination of delicate potting and accurate shot selection.
Graham showed nerves of steel in the final, where he defeated his rival by a narrow margin to take the title. The victory was a major boost for Graham’s confidence, and he has since gone on to become a regular feature in the top rankings of the sport.
He is now widely regarded as one of the most talented young snooker players in the world and his success at the EBSA European Under-21 Snooker Championships has only further cemented his reputation.
15. Ryan Thomerson
Ryan Thomerson is a renowned snooker player from Australia. He made history in 2022 when he became a professional snooker player after winning the Asia Pacific Championship.
As a result, he was granted a two-year tour card that gave him access to the 2022–23 and 2023–24 snooker seasons. Thomerson’s success at the Asia Pacific Championship was a remarkable achievement.
It showcased his immense talent and skill in the sport and earned him national recognition in Australia. This victory also provided him with a platform to further showcase his skills and compete with the best players in the world.
Thomerson has since gone on to compete in multiple snooker tournaments and is now considered to be one of the top players in the sport. He continues to impress with his performances and is seen as a great ambassador for the sport.
He is a role model for aspiring snooker players and is a source of motivation for them to reach for their goals. Ryan Thomerson has earned his place in the annals of snooker history, and will undoubtedly continue to make waves in the sport.
His success is a testament to his unwavering dedication and hard work, and he will continue to be a major influence in the sport for years to come.
16. Clive Everton
Clive Harold Everton MBE is a renowned figure in the world of sports. He is a sports commentator, journalist, author and former professional snooker and English billiards player.
He has had a long and successful career in the world of sports, which began in 1971 when he founded Snooker Scene magazine.
Since then, he has been the magazine’s editor for over 50 years and is set to step down from his position in September 2022. In addition to his role as editor of Snooker Scene, Clive Everton has written over twenty books about cue sports since 1972.
His works cover a diverse range of topics, including the history of the game, the anatomy of a cue, and the rules and regulations of major tournaments.
He has also written extensively about the techniques and strategies of snooker and billiards, offering his readers a wealth of knowledge on the subject. Clive Everton MBE is an important figure in the world of sports, and his contributions to the game of snooker and billiards are invaluable.
His books, magazine, and commentary have helped to shape the game and make it what it is today.
17. Alec Brown
Alec Brown was an accomplished snooker player who made a name for himself in the sport during the mid-1930s to the mid-1950s. Born in London, Brown was the son of Alexander Brown, an established professional billiard player.
It is no wonder then that Brown decided to pursue the sport at the young age of 14, already becoming a professional player. Before focusing on snooker, Brown had a brief stint as a speedway driver, giving him an edge of competitiveness and a unique understanding of the game.
His success in the sport is a testament to his commitment and dedication to the game. He has since been remembered as one of the most influential figures in snooker history.
18. Jack Karnehm
Jack Karnehm was a renowned figure in the sport of snooker and billiards. He was an amateur world champion at English billiards and was a professional snooker and billiards player.
For sixteen years, Karnehm was a regular commentator of snooker on BBC television from 1978 to 1994.
His expertise in the sport earned him recognition and praise from commentators and viewers alike. Karnehm was known for his keen eye for the game, and his ability to break down the action into clear and understandable terms.
He was able to provide insight and analysis on the strategies employed by players and was a major asset to the BBC’s coverage of the sport.
His ability to make the game accessible to all viewers made him a favorite among fans of the sport. Karnehm’s contributions to snooker and billiards will never be forgotten.
His skill and knowledge of the game helped to popularize snooker in the United Kingdom, and his work as a commentator will always be remembered fondly by those who watched. He was an inspiration to many, and his legacy lives on in the sport he loved.
Conclusion
The United Kingdom has produced some of the best snooker players in the world. Players like Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and Steve Davis have all achieved significant success at the highest level of the game.
Their accomplishments have helped to raise the profile of snooker in the UK and have inspired many aspiring young players to take up the sport. As long as these great players continue to compete, the UK will remain a stronghold of snooker excellence.
