Breaking: Inside John Virgo’s final hours after snooker icon woke up at 2.30am in pain as it’s revealed he suffered a ruptured aorta

Breaking: Inside John Virgo’s final hours after snooker icon woke up at 2.30am in pain as it’s revealed he suffered a ruptured aorta

 

 

Snooker legend John Virgo died aged 79 on Wednesday morning, just hours after waking in pain during the early hours of the day. The former UK Championship winner and much-loved BBC commentator is understood to have suffered a ruptured aorta, a sudden and often fatal medical emergency.

Virgo, whose booming voice and catchphrase “Where’s the cue ball going?” made him a household name far beyond the baize, reportedly woke at around 2.30am feeling unwell. Those close to him said he was in pain, prompting immediate concern. Despite efforts to help him, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away approximately three hours later.

A ruptured aorta is a catastrophic event that can strike without warning, even in people who appear otherwise well. The aorta is the body’s main artery, carrying blood from the heart to the rest of the body, and a rupture can lead to massive internal bleeding in a matter of minutes. Medical experts say survival often depends on instant diagnosis and emergency surgery, but outcomes are frequently poor.

News of Virgo’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the sporting world. Fellow snooker players, broadcasters and fans described him as one of the game’s true characters – a man whose enthusiasm, humour and deep knowledge helped bring snooker into millions of living rooms during the sport’s golden era.

Born in Salford in 1946, Virgo enjoyed a successful professional career, winning the UK Championship in 1979 and reaching a high of world number three. He was also responsible for one of snooker’s most famous moments, compiling a marathon 1–0 win over Terry Griffiths in the 1979 World Championship that lasted nearly six hours.

After stepping away from the professional circuit, Virgo seamlessly transitioned into broadcasting. His animated commentary style, quick wit and genuine love for the game made him a staple of BBC snooker coverage for decades. For many viewers, his voice became inseparable from the Crucible Theatre and the drama of the World Championship.

Away from the spotlight, Virgo was described as warm, generous and fiercely proud of his family. Friends said he remained passionate about snooker until the end, regularly watching matches and staying in touch with players old and new.

His sudden passing has reignited conversations around the silent danger of cardiovascular conditions, particularly in older adults, where symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for less serious issues until it is too late.

John Virgo leaves behind a legacy that stretches far beyond trophies and titles. He helped shape snooker’s modern identity, entertaining fans not just with his cue action, but with his voice, personality and unmistakable presence. For a generation of viewers, snooker simply will not sound the same again.