Since the origins of this cue sport game, snooker has and remains a popular sport in the UK. In recent years, the game has grown in popularity around the world. Relying on both skill and strategy, just like some popular online casino games, some of the best snooker players have won incredibly huge sums of money. Let’s take a look at the history of snooker and some of the richest players!
The history of snooker
Snooker has always been an English sport for the simple reason that it was an officer of the British Army who invented the game way back in 1875 in the Indian town of Jubbulpore. Lieutenant Neville Francis Fitzgerald Chamberlain created snooker while experimenting with the game of black pool, which is a form of billiards. Rookie cadets at the Royal Military Academy in Woolwich were called “snookers.” Chamberlain would then observe those playing this new version of black pool and refer to them as “snookers at the game.” In 1916, the first official snooker competition, the English Amateur Championship, took place. Joe Davis won the first professional event in 1927 and became the first superstar. He won the Professional Snooker Championship (now known as the World Snooker Championship) for 15 consecutive years. For a long time, Joe Davis was considered the best snooker player in the world.
During the 1950s, snooker underwent a bit of a dip in popularity. However, in 1969, a BBC television series of annual snooker tournaments called Pot Black helped to revive the game. This series introduced famous players like Ray Reardon, Steve Davis, Dennis Taylor and Alex “Hurricane” Higgins to a wider, popular audience.
Games of skill, such as snooker and online poker, have produced some of the richest players in the world. Let’s look at some of the richest snooker players.
1. Steve Davis – England
Net worth: $33.7 Million
Steve Davis was the world’s number-one snooker player for seven consecutive years in the 1980s. He’s been on top of all snooker summits and, by the age of 52, had made a record 30th professional appearance. Davis is the only player to have been recognized as the BBC sports personality of the year. During his career, he won 28 ranking titles, including six World Championships and six UK Championships. His career lasted until 2016 with earnings that also came from commentary, endorsements and other avenues. When it comes to the world’s best snooker players, Davis definitely deserves to be on our list!
2. Stephen Hendry – Scotland
Net worth: $32.4 million
Stephen Hendry is a snooker veteran who started his professional career at the age of 16. He dominated snooker throughout the 1990s, winning six Masters titles, including five in a row, as well as seven World Championships and five UK Championships. Hendry was ranked number one in the world for over eight years. He was also referred to as “The Golden Boy” and garnered a lot of money from his career titles. His net worth is estimated at $32.4 million, which includes career earnings, properties, contracts and businesses. Today, Hendry works as a commentator for BBC and ITV.
3. Dennis Taylor – Ireland
Net worth: $23.3 million
Dennis Taylor holds his place as one of the most famous snooker players in the world. He won the world championship in 1985 when, during the finals, he turned the tables from a 0-8 defeat against Steve Davis to an 18-17 scoreline. After retiring, he kept earning money through commentary and shows like Strictly Come Dancing.
4. Jimmy White – England
Net worth: $19.4 million
Jimmy White is a pro player best known for his unique left-handed playing style. He is also known as “The People’s Champion.” During his early years, he would skip school and play snooker at a local hall. White is a two-time winner of the British Open and World Cup. He became the first-ever left-handed snooker player to break a record at the International Championship. Much of White’s wealth has come from TV appearances and sponsorship deals.
5. Cliff Thorburn – Canada
Net worth: $15.5 million
Cliff Thorburn (nicknamed the “Grinder”) is a Canadian professional snooker player. He is remembered for winning the title in 1980. Thorburn earned the nickname “Grinder” due to his sheer dedication and patience toward the game. He was the first non-British player to win the World Championship. Thorburn won the Masters thrice and was included in the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame in 2001.
It’s always interesting to see who’s at the top of their game, including some of the richest casino owners. Casino games, much like snooker, continue to thrive. With all the entertainment it provides, it is easy to see why.
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