In a definitive statement that has reverberated throughout the snooker world, former world champion Neil Robertson has declared Ronnie O'Sullivan as the greatest player of all time, placing him above legends Stephen Hendry and Steve Davis. This endorsement comes amidst O'Sullivan's recent competitive performances, including a stunning record-breaking break.
The Verdict from a Champion
Neil Robertson, the 2010 world champion, took to social media platform X following Ronnie O'Sullivan's remarkable 153 break in the 2026 World Open quarter-final against Ryan Day. Robertson wrote emphatically, "The best ever and the best there ever will be. Snooker fans, I hope you've cherished him over the years in the joy he's brought to millions over four decades." This public declaration underscores Robertson's long-held belief in O'Sullivan's unparalleled status in the sport.
Robertson's Informed Perspective
Robertson's opinion carries significant weight due to his extensive experience competing against snooker's elite. At 44 years old, he has faced six-time world champion Steve Davis, who dominated the 1980s, and has clashed numerous times with icons Stephen Hendry and John Higgins. His assessment is not merely fan admiration but a professional evaluation from a peer who has shared the table with these giants.
Speaking at the Saudi Arabia Masters in October 2025, Robertson elaborated on O'Sullivan's greatness, highlighting the personal challenges the player has overcome. "Don't forget the things that he's struggled with, his anxiety and things like that. For him to be able to perform like that, it's just remarkable," Robertson stated. He added, "I can't think of any other athlete who's been able to achieve what he has in his sport whilst dealing with all these other issues whilst being the best to watch at the sport and for all the fans wanting him to win. The guy's an absolute champion."
Support from Fellow Legends
Robertson is not alone in his assessment. Four-time world champion John Higgins has also voiced his belief that O'Sullivan is the greatest. After losing to O'Sullivan in the 2022 World Snooker Championship semi-final, Higgins told Eurosport, "I think it would cement his place as the best in everybody's eyes if he beat Judd Trump. I think a lot of people would still hold on to Stephen having the seven World Championships and he is the greatest, but there is no debate in my eyes."
Even Stephen Hendry himself, the Scot who dominated the sport in the 1990s with seven world titles and 36 ranking titles, has acknowledged O'Sullivan's supremacy. In a BBC analysis segment with 2005 world champion Shaun Murphy, Hendry concurred when Murphy labelled O'Sullivan the 'GOAT'. Hendry stated, "He is the GOAT because he's taken the game onto a new level. One of the reasons he's taken the game onto a new level is because he is an artist."
O'Sullivan's Humble Contrast
Interestingly, Ronnie O'Sullivan has previously expressed humility by naming Stephen Hendry as the greatest. In 2022, O'Sullivan revealed, "Stephen is an all-time legend for me, the greatest player. He was the Tiger Woods of snooker." He elaborated, "Me, John and Mark have all done well, but when he was flying he was a superstar. When there's three of us, we're not superstars. But when there's one man dominating the sport like he did, like Tiger Woods, it's a different level." This contrast adds depth to the ongoing debate about legacy and dominance in snooker history.
The Statistical and Aesthetic Case
Ronnie O'Sullivan's claim to the title of greatest of all time is bolstered by both statistics and style. He holds more Triple Crown titles and overall championships than any other player, a testament to his sustained excellence over four decades. His recent 153 break in the World Open, the highest professional break ever recorded, exemplifies his continuing ability to push the boundaries of the sport.
Stephen Hendry's achievements remain monumental, including his record of seven world titles and his revolutionary impact on snooker in the 1990s. However, Robertson and others argue that O'Sullivan's combination of longevity, trophy haul, and artistic flair elevates him above all others. The debate, while perhaps settled in the eyes of many modern players, continues to fascinate fans and analysts alike.
As snooker evolves, the contributions of both O'Sullivan and Hendry are celebrated, but Neil Robertson's authoritative endorsement adds a compelling chapter to the discussion of who truly reigns supreme in the annals of the sport.
