Snooker is a sport with a rich history dating back well over a century, and in that time some truly legendary figures have graced the green baize. Since the early days of the game’s codification in the late 19th century, snooker has evolved from a pastime of British Army officers stationed in India into a professional sport watched by millions all over the world.
Alongside this growth in popularity, the standard of play has increased dramatically. Each era has produced its fair share of superstar players who have advanced techniques, shattered records, and captured the imagination of the public. While comparing players across different time periods poses difficulties, looking back at the careers of snooker’s most significant figures provides insight into how the sport has developed.
This article will chronicle some of the biggest icons in snooker history, from pioneering early professionals to modern day greats. For each profiled player, their major achievements, impact on the game, and lasting legacy will be examined. From dominating particular eras to reinventing strategic approaches, these individuals raised the bar and inspired future generations. By surveying the sport’s most fabled figures, the rich tapestry of snooker’s development over more than a century can be better appreciated.
The Pioneers
Snooker’s early years saw the foundations laid by a number of influential figures who popularised the sport and paved the way for future professionalisation.
John Roberts was one of the key driving forces behind the game’s codification in the late 19th century. Stationed in Jabalpur, India, Roberts drafted the first identifiable snooker rules alongside fellow British Army officers. The dimensions of the table, scoring system, and basic regulations established by Roberts remain in use to this day. Along with Billiards Association secretary E.J. Taylor, Roberts also compiled the snooker rules published by the Billiards Association in 1919, further standardising the sport.
Following the game’s introduction to Britain in the 1880s, the first snooker championship was held in 1916. Englishman Joe Davis emerged victorious and went undefeated in the tournament for the next two decades. Davis won every World Championship held from 1927 until his retirement in 1946, earning the nickname “The Boss” for his complete dominance. Not only an outstanding break-builder and tactical player, Davis also pushed the sport’s expansion by promoting exhibition matches and driving commercial interest. His fifteen world titles remain a record that stands to this day.
The Post-War Pioneers
With snooker struggling to gain traction as a spectator sport, several post-war figures were instrumental in boosting its popularity and laying professional foundations.
Fred Davis, twelve-time world champion and the younger brother of Joe Davis, continued to play a leading role after the WWII break. Although eclipsed by Joe’s earlier feats, Fred’s victories at the first post-war World Championships maintained interest. His attacking style of play also popularised the concept of rapid scoring.
The 1950s and 60s saw stars emerge who would help transform the game. John Pulman established dominance in the 1960s by introducing greater tactical sophistication and matchplay psychology. Jackie Rea became a leading force with his powerful breaking, earning a world title in 1956. The rocketing popularity of snooker in this era was also driven by figures like Rex Williams and Ray Reardon, who drew larger crowds and television audiences.
The Tourenee Trailblazers
As snooker’s following continued to grow, a new wave of stars in the 1970s and 80s paved the way for today’s global professional circuit.
Alex Higgins captured the public’s imagination with his charisma and irrepressible attacking flair. ‘Hurricane Higgins’ won world titles in 1972 and 1982, becoming the game’s first superstar personality.
Joining Higgins at the vanguard was six-time world champion Ray Reardon, whose methodical matchplay approach saw him dubbed ‘Dracula’ for terrifying opponents. Reardon’s rivalry with Higgins gripped audiences, establishing the World Championship as a major televised event.
Later stars like Steve Davis, Cliff Thorburn and Dennis Taylor built on these foundations. Their world title clashes and expansion of snooker’s tournament circuit set the stage for further professionalisation. This golden age transformed the game into a major television attraction and lucrative pursuit for its leading lights.
The Modern Greats
While snooker’s boom years faded after the 1980s, the following decades saw new talents emerge to usher in another period of progress.
Stephen Hendry dominated during the 1990s, with his attacking style and break-building prowess helping revive flagging interest. Hendry’s record seven world titles and over 800 competitive centuries make him one of snooker’s most decorated figures.
Mark Williams and John Higgins rose to prominence in the late 90s as Hendry’s main rivals, with multiple world titles each. Their exciting head-to-head clashes kept fans enthralled during a difficult period for the game.
No individual has shaped the modern era more than Ronnie O’Sullivan, snooker’s most naturally gifted star. ‘The Rocket’ has attracted new audiences with his cavalier playing style and unpredictable personality, underpinned by his incredible cue ball control and break building.
Despite personal struggles off the table, O’Sullivan’s prodigious talent has seen him accrue six world titles and over 1000 centuries.
Other contemporary greats like Judd Trump, Mark Selby and Neil Robertson have helped maintain snooker’s competitiveness at the top level. Their dedication and professionalism represent how the sport has evolved into a demanding athletic pursuit light years removed from its genteel amateur origins.
The Greatest of All Time
Spanning over a century from the pioneer Victorians to internet-era global stars, snooker boasts a pantheon of icons who shaped the sport. But who deserves the elusive title as the game’s single greatest player?
Joe Davis’ complete dominance and foundational impact make him a contender. The relentless consistency and tactical mastery of Stephen Hendry also stands out across the generations. Yet for sheer prodigious natural ability, Ronnie O’Sullivan holds a strong claim as history’s finest. His fluid cue power, improvisational flair and enduring success across eras gives ‘The Rocket’ a strong case as snooker’s greatest of all time.
While individual achievements vary with context, the sport’s evolution relies on the influence of its leading lights. Those able to captivate audiences, rewrite the record books or advance technical frontiers have ensured snooker continues to thrive professionally and grow in stature. By remembering those who paved the way, we appreciate how they shaped snooker into the spectacle it remains today. Their legacy lives on whenever the balls are struck across the baize.
| Player | Country | World Titles | Years Won |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Davis | England | 15 | 1927–1946 |
| Ray Reardon | Wales | 6 | 1970, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1978 |
| Stephen Hendry | Scotland | 7 | 1990, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999 |
| Steve Davis | England | 6 | 1981, 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, 1989 |
| Ronnie O’Sullivan | England | 6 | 2001, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020 |
Bringing up rear, tracing the history of snooker through its most significant players provides insight into the sport’s development. As techniques advanced, popularity grew and commercial rewards increased, iconic figures emerged who pushed boundaries and inspired future generations. Their achievements form a rich tapestry expressing snooker’s evolution from genteel 19th century pastime to a modern professional pursuit watched globally by millions. By remembering those who shaped the game, we gain perspective on the progress made over more than a century of cues striking balls across the green baize. Snooker’s historic icons not only entertained audiences and dominated eras, but propelled the sport itself into new realms.