All Time Top Snooker Players

The G.O.A.T. Although Hendry and O'Sullivan are level in world titles (7 each), Ronnie has more UK titles and Masters titles. A very long career winning major titles, over 30 years. The best break builder ever. For many years was an inconsistent performer, could play brilliantly in one match, poorly the next, but since working with Steve Peters he has become much tougher mentally.

A seven times world champion and dominated the sport in the 1990s. Ronnie never dominated like Stephen did, as Ronald's victories were spread out over a long period. A top quality break builder.

Dominated the sport in the 1980s. Won six world titles and should have won seven, but for a missed black in the final frame against Dennis Taylor in 1985. Was the first player to make a televised 147 break and was the top player in snooker's great period of popularity in the 1980s.

Turned pro in his late 30s at a time when snooker began to gain popularity. Was the dominant player in the 1970s, winning six world titles. In his first world title in 1970 he won three matches (8 man draw). His remaining five titles (1973-1976 and 1978) he won four matches to win each tournament (16-24 man draws). 32 man draws arrived in the 1980s.

His legendary safety game has led him to be nicknamed "The Torturer" by Ronnie O'Sullivan. In his prime had inexhaustible stamina. Also a good potter. Won four world titles.

A great all round game. In 2010 Higgins was found guilty of 'giving the impression' he would breach betting rules, and of failing to report the approach. Higgins was banned for six months, fined £75,000 and ordered to pay £10,000 in costs. He then returned from his ban and soon afterwards won his fourth and last world title.

A great potter, one of the three greats (along with John Higgins and Ronald O'Sullivan) of the "class of 1992" who were born in 1975 and turned pro in 1992. Williams won two world titles in 2000 and 2003 but dropped down the rankings before returning to form, winning a third world title in 2018. Reached the final aged 50 in 2025, the oldest finalist in the modern era (from 1969 onwards).

A fifteen times world champion (1927-1940 and 1946), though draws for the event were small in Joe's era. In 1931, 1932 and 1934 he only had to win one match to win the title and in 1928 the other players played out the draw for the right to meet him in the final. Other years there were typically four or eight players that entered. Highest breaks in the event in the early years were under 100, though this rose to over 100 by the end of Joe's winning period. Joe was the first player to make a 147 maximum break. He stopped playing the world championship in 1946 after winning his fifteenth consecutive title but continued playing tournaments until 1960 and played a few exhibitions in the early 1960s.

The Hurricane was the biggest star in snooker in the 1970s and early 1980s. Unpredictable and volatile, he could pot balls no one else could, though would miss frequently as well. A two times world champion ten years apart and a finalist on two other occasions.

Was the first world champion to win the title in the modern era (1969- present). In 1969 he won three matches in an eight man draw. He added another title in 1971 (held in Australia in late 1970, winning 3 of 4 round robin matches, then a semi and final). In 1972 he lost in the world final to Alex Higgins. He won his third world title in the first year the event was held at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield in 1977, winning four matches (16 man draw).

An eight times world champion. Typically eight players competed (3 rounds) in Fred's period of winning from 1948-56. Fred continued playing at a high level into his 60s, reaching the semis of the 1978 world championship aged 64. In his late 70s he was still playing, though losing in qualifying rounds for tournaments. On one occasion in 1992 aged 78 he lost in a qualifier to a 16 year old Ronnie O'Sullivan. He retired the next year.

An eight times world champion during snooker's least popular period. He won his first title in 1957, then the event wasn't held again until 1964. From 1964-68 Pulman won seven titles beating a single opponent over a series of matches.

A great potter that has a world title to his name, though is an underachiever based on his talent. Won many tournaments, though fewer triple crown titles than a man of his talent should have won.

A three times UK champion and one time Masters champion, but has never performed at his best in the world championship, reaching one final in 2016. Inspired many in his home country to take up the sport.

A one time world champion and winner of several other big events. A top player for over a decade.

"The ambassador" takes the role of promoting snooker around the world seriously. Won one world title in 2005 and was runner-up in 2009, 2015 and 2021. A top player for many years.

A six times world championship runner up, White has come closest and failed to win the top title more times than any other sportsman I can think of. Managed to win one UK title and one Masters title and was unfortunate to be at his peak when Hendry was.

Made the first 147 maximum break at the Crucible in 1983 and won the world title in 1980, winning 4 matches (the last player to win 4 matches to win the title rather than the modern day standard 5). Lost in the world final in 1977 and 1983.

An excitable fellow that won a tough world final against Hendry in 2002. Hendry missed crucial balls in the closing stages that cost him victory, shots he didn't miss in the final frame against White in 1994. Also reached the world final in 1996 and 2006.

Won the world title on debut in 1979 against Dennis Taylor. Lost easily to Steve Davis in the 1988 world final. Known for his safety play. One of a small number of players to win the world, UK and Masters titles. He won each of these titles once.

An underrated Welsh snooker player who reached the world final in 1981 and won two UK titles and a Masters.

Won the World and UK titles in 1991. Lost easily to Steve Davis in the 1989 world final.

A three times Masters winner. Died in his 20s.

Played well to beat Hendry in the 1997 world final to bring to an end Hendry's most dominant period. Reached the world final again in 1998 and 2003.

Was the first Asian winner of the World Championship. Previously won the UK championship.