Ronnie O’Sullivan paid snooker legend John Virgo the ultimate compliment before his death.

Ronnie O’Sullivan paid snooker legend John Virgo the ultimate compliment before his death.

 

Legendary snooker figure John Virgo has died at the age of 79, prompting an outpouring of emotion across the world of snooker — including from one of the sport’s greatest ever players, Ronnie O’Sullivan.

Virgo was a well‑known professional snooker player in the 1970s and 1980s, most notably winning the 1979 UK Championship and reaching a career‑high world ranking of No. 10 before retiring from professional play in 1994. However, for many fans he was even better known as a broadcaster and commentator, where his warm personality, humour, and distinctive phrases — especially “Where’s the cue ball going?” — made him a household name during decades of BBC snooker coverage. Virgo also became a familiar face beyond commentary through his many years co‑hosting the popular BBC game show Big Break, bringing snooker into mainstream entertainment.

The news of Virgo’s death was officially announced by World Snooker and shared on social media, revealing that he had passed away at his home in Spain. Players, broadcasters and fans paid tribute across platforms, describing him as a charismatic, knowledgeable and kind‑hearted figure who brought joy to the sport.

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s tribute, in particular, stood out as one of the most personal and moving. O’Sullivan — a seven‑time world champion and widely regarded as one of the best players in snooker history — had just finished his match at the World Grand Prix when he learned of Virgo’s passing. Speaking on social media, O’Sullivan wrote:

> “Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away. Love to Rosie, Brooke and Gary. Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.”

That expression of loss — calling Virgo a “great mate” and emphasizing how much he valued their time together — was widely interpreted as the ultimate compliment from one snooker great to another. Despite their very different careers, O’Sullivan and Virgo had a mutual respect rooted in shared experience around the sport. Virgo’s commentary and personality had helped shape how players and fans alike experienced major tournaments over generations, and his friendship with O’Sullivan went beyond the professional.

At the World Grand Prix itself a minute’s silence was held in tribute to Virgo, underscoring the respect the sport had for him. Other players — including Neil Robertson, Mark Selby and Shaun Murphy — also shared heartfelt messages about how Virgo had influenced them both personally and professionally.

Virgo’s legacy isn’t just defined by his results on the snooker table or the catchphrases he popularised, but by the widespread affection from colleagues, legends, and fans across the sport. And in O’Sullivan’s public tribute — calling him a close friend, remembering how much he loved Virgo’s company — many saw the ultimate affirmation of Virgo’s impact on snooker and on those who played it at the highest level.