In a sport as rich in history as snooker, selecting the top players of all time is a subjective but often debated topic.
Barry Hearn, the prominent snooker promoter and chairman of World Snooker, has recently revealed his personal list of the top five players in the history of the game.
Hearn, who has played an integral role in the sport’s commercialization and global reach, knows the game inside out and his opinions carry weight in the snooker world. Let’s take a look at the names that made it onto his prestigious list.
1. Ronnie O’Sullivan
At the top of Hearn’s list is none other than Ronnie O’Sullivan. The “Rocket,” as he is known, is regarded by many as the most naturally talented player the game has ever seen.
O’Sullivan has consistently redefined the boundaries of snooker with his speed, skill, and flair. With over 38 ranking titles to his name, including a record 6 World Championships (as of 2023), O’Sullivan’s dominance on the table is unmatched.
Hearn has spoken in the past about O’Sullivan’s unmatched ability to play under pressure and his unique charisma that has made him a household name in the sport.
2. Stephen Hendry
Stephen Hendry is another legend on Hearn’s list. The Scottish icon dominated snooker in the 1990s, winning a record seven World Championships between 1990 and 1999.
Hendry was known for his ice-cold temperament, meticulous approach to the game, and his ability to perform under the most intense pressure.
Hearn has often praised Hendry’s resilience and tactical brilliance, making him a natural inclusion in any discussion of the greatest players in snooker history.
3. Steve Davis
Steve Davis, another key figure in snooker’s rise to global popularity, makes Hearn’s top five. The Englishman, a six-time World Champion, was the face of snooker during the 1980s.
His domination of the sport, particularly during the 1980 World Snooker Championship, where he won his first title at just 21 years old, helped establish snooker as a mainstream television sport. Davis’s precision and consistent dominance earned him a place in snooker history.
4. Ray Reardon
Known as the “Tally Ho” man for his charismatic personality, Welshman Ray Reardon was a dominant force in snooker during the 1970s.
Winning six World Championships, Reardon’s tactical mastery and ability to outthink his opponents set him apart in an era when snooker was still developing into the sport we know today.
Hearn has expressed admiration for Reardon’s sharp mind and ability to adapt his game to different challenges.
5. Alex Higgins
The controversial yet brilliant Alex Higgins rounds out Hearn’s top five. Known as “The Hurricane,” Higgins brought a flair and excitement to snooker that had been lacking before him.
Though his career was marred by off-table troubles, his remarkable skill and influence on the game cannot be ignored. He was the 1972 World Champion and his electrifying style of play inspired a new generation of snooker players.
Barry Hearn’s list celebrates a diverse range of styles and eras, showcasing the depth of talent that has shaped snooker’s history.
Each of these players not only achieved great success but also left an indelible mark on the sport, ensuring their places in the pantheon of snooker greats.