Snooker Legend John Virgo Dies At Age Seventy-Nine

British snooker legend John Virgo, celebrated for his remarkable career both at the table and behind the microphone, has died at the age of 79. The World Snooker Tour confirmed the news on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, expressing deep sadness at the loss of a figure whose influence spanned generations of the sport. Virgo passed away in Spain, where he had lived in recent years, leaving behind his wife Rosie and children Gary and Brook-Leah.

Virgo’s legacy is woven tightly into the fabric of snooker. Born in Salford, England, in 1946, he rose to prominence in the late 1970s, clinching the UK Championship title in 1979. That year, he also made a memorable run to the semi-finals of the World Championship, showcasing a blend of tactical acumen and showmanship that would become his trademark. His UK Championship victory at Preston Guild Hall included wins over Tony Meo, Steve Davis, and Dennis Taylor, culminating in a thrilling 14-13 final against Terry Griffiths.

Though Virgo’s playing career spanned 18 years—from 1976 to 1994—his impact extended far beyond the green baize. After retiring from professional play, he transitioned seamlessly into broadcasting, becoming a fixture of the BBC’s snooker coverage. Fans and colleagues alike came to cherish his insightful commentary, delivered with warmth, humor, and a touch of mischief. His signature catchphrase, “Where’s the cue ball going?”, became an indelible part of the snooker lexicon, uttered in moments of tension as players flirted with fouls.

Virgo’s broadcasting career reached its poignant conclusion just 17 days before his death, when he delivered his final commentary during the Masters final at Alexandra Palace. In that match, Kyren Wilson bested John Higgins 10-6—a fittingly dramatic stage for Virgo’s last words from the booth. The outpouring of tributes from across the snooker world underscored the affection and respect he commanded.

Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan was among the first to pay tribute, saying, “Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away ... Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.” Four-time world champion Mark Selby echoed the sentiment, writing, “So sad to hear the news of the passing of John Virgo! Such a great guy and a huge character! He will be greatly missed! RIP JV.” Former world champion Shaun Murphy, who shared the commentary box with Virgo, added, “I first met John in 1994, filming Junior Big Break. He then went on to become a friend and colleague. I learned so much from him whilst sharing a commentary box. The voice of snooker will be sadly missed.”

Neil Robertson, the 2010 world champion, also reflected on Virgo’s influence: “He was a great character and an amazing pundit and commentator. I had the pleasure of sharing the booth with him during the World Championship a couple of years ago in which I got a huge appreciation for how good he was. We’ve lost some great people of our game just recently which is incredibly sad.”

Beyond his achievements as a player and commentator, Virgo was a beloved television personality. From 1991 to 2002, he co-hosted the BBC’s snooker-based game show Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson. The show brought snooker into living rooms across the UK, blending skill, humor, and entertainment. Davidson, paying tribute on Instagram, wrote, “Heartbroken to hear that my great mate John Virgo has passed away at 79. What a character, what a talent. From our time together on Big Break, to the snooker commentary chair, you brought so much joy to so many. Rest easy, John. You will be missed.”

Virgo’s popularity extended well beyond the snooker community. Former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno shared a memory on X: “RIP John Virgo ... great sense of humor he tried teaching me some trick shots and really was laughing when the balls kept leaving the table.” His reputation for good-natured impersonations—of twitchy Alex Higgins or the shrugging Ray Reardon—was legendary on the exhibition circuit, where his trick shots delighted fans for decades.

Yet, Virgo’s life was not without its challenges. He spoke candidly about his battle with gambling addiction, particularly during the pressures of maintaining a successful image as a professional sportsman. In an interview, he reflected, “It was a vicious circle. I was doing commentary for the BBC and had exhibition work but if you’re not winning, you are not earning as much. And when you’re seen as a successful sportsman, people assume you’re earning a good living. There was pressure on me to have the newest car, a more expensive holiday. It was all about keeping up appearances. When the results weren’t coming on the snooker table, I tried to supplement things by gambling on horses even more. I went through a period when I was addicted to gambling.”

The consequences were severe—his Surrey home was repossessed at the height of his addiction. But Virgo managed to regain control, later saying, “It was a compulsion that I struggled to get to grips with. By 1990, it was in danger of ruining my life. I was borrowing against the mortgage just to keep up the pretence that I was successful. Looking back, I see it was crazy. I think a lot of players may have had issues with gambling.” His openness about these struggles endeared him further to fans, showing a vulnerability beneath the entertainer’s bravado.

Virgo’s personal life was marked by enduring relationships. He was married three times and had two children, Gary and Brook-Leah, from his second marriage. His third marriage, to publishing executive Rosie Ries, was a story in itself—he waited 22 years to ask her out, finally finding happiness after years of self-reflection and growth.

As the snooker world mourns John Virgo’s passing, his legacy is secure: a champion at the table, a beloved commentator, a television icon, and a man who faced life’s ups and downs with honesty and humor. The World Snooker Tour’s statement perhaps says it best: “Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV.”

For fans, colleagues, and players alike, the game simply won’t sound the same without that familiar voice pondering, “Where’s the cue ball going?”