Ever wondered who tops the cue sports world? Short answer: Ronnie O’Sullivan, aka “The Rocket,” is the most famous billiards and snooker player. But he’s not alone, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, and other legends helped build the sport’s history. Grab your spot by the Pool Table, this story is only getting started!
If snooker had a rockstar, it would be Ronnie O’Sullivan. Fans call him “The Rocket” because of his speed around the table, but it’s his precision that makes him unstoppable. He’s a seven-time World Champion, holds the record for the most century breaks, and is often the answer to who is the most famous billiards player. His mix of natural instinct and fearless flair has inspired an entire generation.
During the 1990s, Stephen Hendry was almost untouchable. His cold, clinical style dominated the sport, making him the undisputed world no 1 snooker player of that era. With seven World Championships, Hendry proved that focus and ruthless consistency could outshine even the most creative players. He set the standard every rising star wanted to match.
Before Hendry came along, Steve Davis owned the snooker scene. Nicknamed “The Nugget,” he captured six World Championships in the 1980s and became the sport’s first true TV celebrity. When people talk about famous old snooker players, Davis’ name always comes up. He made calmness under pressure his trademark, turning snooker into a household event.
Alex Higgins wasn’t just a player, he was a showman. Nicknamed “Hurricane,” his whirlwind style made matches unpredictable and thrilling. He won two World Titles, but his bigger legacy was bringing snooker into the mainstream. His fire and flair earned him a place in the top 50 snooker players of all time. Fans loved him because he played the game with his heart on display.
Jimmy White is often called the best player never to win a World Championship. He reached six finals, only to fall short each time, usually against snooker’s giants. But his attacking style, charisma, and personality made him a legend in his own right. Known as a famous snooker player with glasses, Jimmy remains one of the most loved cueists in history.
Joe Davis wasn’t just good, he was the foundation of modern snooker. He formalised many of the rules still used today while also excelling in English billiards. That’s why his name appears on every list of snooker players who shaped the game. Without him, snooker wouldn’t be the sport we know now.
From 1927 to 1946, Joe Davis was untouchable. He won 20 consecutive World Championships and retired undefeated. Imagine being so dominant that nobody could knock you off the top for two decades. His record still stands as one of the greatest achievements in cue sports.
Walter Lindrum’s dominance in the 1930s was so overwhelming that officials had to change the rules just to give others a chance. His scoring runs were unbelievable, making him one of the names often mentioned in debates about who is the top 2 billiard player in the world.
In the U.S., Willie Mosconi was pool’s ultimate ambassador. He won the World Straight Pool Championship 15 times and even set a world record with a 526-ball run. When people ask who was the best American pool player, the answer is almost always Mosconi. His style was clean, smooth, and unshakably precise.
Raymond Ceulemans is the definition of longevity and excellence. With over 20 world titles in three-cushion billiards, he became known as the “King of Billiards.” To this day, his name is synonymous with the discipline, and his influence stretches across every list of snooker players and billiards greats.
Snooker’s future is safe in the hands of players like Judd Trump, Mark Selby, and Neil Robertson. Trump thrills fans with his fearless long pots, Selby is a master of tactical safety play, and Robertson is flying the flag for Australia on the global stage. Each one belongs in any top 50 snooker players of all time list, proving the game is still evolving and as exciting as ever.
Most agree it’s Ronnie O’Sullivan. His records, charisma, and longevity make him the undisputed answer to who is the best snooker player of all time.
Both Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry share the record with seven titles each. Hendry owned the 1990s, while O’Sullivan continues to shine in the modern era.
The crown goes to Willie Mosconi, who dominated with 15 World Titles and left a legacy that shaped American pool forever.
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