For those new to snooker the question is often asked; “So, who is the best snooker player ever?” Well, it is a very easy question to answer. Ronnie O’Sullivan is, without doubt, the world’s best-ever snooker player. Let’s look at why everyone in the game says Ronnie is the best player to ever pick up a snooker cue.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, often hailed as the greatest snooker player of all time, has a career that is nothing short of legendary. Born in 1975, O’Sullivan’s journey in the world of snooker began at a remarkably young age. He exhibited his prowess in the sport early on, winning his first club tournament at the age of 9 and making his first competitive century break at just 10 years old.
His journey to professional status was rapid, turning pro in 1992 at the age of 16. From the outset, O’Sullivan’s talent was undeniable, and he swiftly made his mark in the professional circuit, winning 74 of his first 76 qualifying matches.
O’Sullivan’s record in the sport is extraordinary. He holds the all-time record of 39 ranking event victories and has triumphed at the Masters and UK Championship seven and eight times respectively, which are unmatched feats. His achievements include a record 21 triple crown events, including seven World Championship titles. His first World Championship win came in 2001, and he has continued to dominate the sport, tying with Stephen Hendry’s record of seven world titles with his win in 2022.
His skill is further highlighted by his ability to compile more century breaks than any other player, becoming the first to reach 1,000 career centuries in 2019. O’Sullivan also holds the record for the most ratified maximum breaks (15) in professional competition. This includes the fastest recorded 147 against Mick Price at the 1997 World Championship.
Apart from his remarkable achievements on the snooker table, O’Sullivan has had a complex personal journey, having faced mental health challenges and controversies throughout his career. Despite these challenges, he has remained a key figure in the sport, often engaging in punditry and authoring books.
O’Sullivan’s longevity in the sport is also noteworthy. He remains the youngest-ever winner of a ranking event (UK Championship) and the Masters, demonstrating his sustained excellence over the years. In 2014, he scored a record 556 points without reply against Ricky Walden at the Masters, further cementing his status as a snooker legend.
His career statistics are a testament to his dominance in the sport. He has played numerous matches across various formats, demonstrating a high winning percentage in each. His consistent performance across different rounds and against a variety of opponents underlines his versatility and skill.
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s career in snooker is marked by unparalleled achievements, remarkable skill, and significant contributions to the sport. His journey from a young snooker enthusiast to a world-renowned champion is a story of talent, resilience, and sheer determination, making him arguably the best ever snooker player in the history of the sport.
