BREAKING: John Virgo Trophy Set for April — Four Legends to Battle It Out in Tribute to Snooker’s Gentle Giant.

BREAKING: John Virgo Trophy Set for April — Four Legends to Battle It Out in Tribute to Snooker’s Gentle Giant.

 

A brand-new snooker event honouring the late John Virgo — one of the sport’s most beloved figures — is slated to take place this spring, bringing together four of the game’s all-time greats in a high-stakes, fast-paced showdown. Organisers have confirmed that Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, John Higgins and Mark Williams will all compete for the inaugural John Virgo Trophy, set to be contested over two action-packed days on April 11th and 12th, 2026, at the historic Goffs venue in County Kildare, Ireland.

The tournament promises to be both a fitting tribute to Virgo’s enduring legacy and a thrilling spectacle for fans. Jason Francis, who worked closely with Virgo on his Snooker Legends exhibition tour, spearheaded the creation of this event. “The line-up speaks for itself,” Francis said. “All four probably sit within the top five or six of the greatest ever to play this game, but this is not an exhibition. They are playing for prize money and competing hard, just the way our great friend John Virgo would have wanted.”

John Virgo, who passed away on February 4, 2026 at the age of 79, was revered not only as a former UK champion and World Championship semi-finalist but also as one of snooker’s most charismatic broadcasters. His witty commentary, especially the iconic catchphrase “Where’s the cue ball going?”, endeared him to generations of viewers. His death sent shockwaves through the snooker community, prompting tributes from across the sport — including heartfelt posts from O’Sullivan, Hendry, Higgins and Williams — all of whom spoke of his kindness, humour and unwavering passion for the game.

The format of the John Virgo Trophy mirrors the innovative Snooker 900 series: matches will consist of 15-minute frames with shot clocks, adding urgency and excitement to every shot. The competition will unfold as a knockout event: two semi-finals on Saturday, followed by a third/fourth place playoff and the final on Sunday — a best-of-11 frame showdown to decide the champion.

The semi-final pairings are particularly tantalising: Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Stephen Hendry — marking their first competitive meeting in 15 years — and John Higgins vs Mark Williams, a rematch of their dramatic 2018 World Championship final. Given that Hendry won’t be competing in the upcoming World Championship, this could be his last high-profile appearance before the Crucible, making the event even more poignant.

Beyond the main competition, the weekend will feature additional attractions including an Irish Junior 900 Championship, an Irish Legends Doubles event, and a trick-shot exhibition led by Dennis Taylor — another close friend of Virgo’s. Tickets go on sale February 27 via Ticketmaster, with organizers expecting strong demand given the star-studded lineup and emotional resonance of the occasion.

The John Virgo Trophy arrives just weeks after Virgo’s funeral and amid a wave of tributes across media outlets. Neal Foulds, writing in his column, described Virgo as “one of snooker’s great men” — a gentle giant whose warmth and wit left an indelible mark on the sport ³. Ronnie O’Sullivan’s post-loss message captured the collective feeling: “Such a great mate who I loved spending time with, absolutely gutted.”

In summary: this April, four legends will gather not just to compete, but to celebrate the life and spirit of John Virgo — playing under modified rules, for prize money, and with the knowledge that every frame carries the weight of tribute. It’s a rare chance to see O’Sullivan, Hendry, Higgins and Williams locked in battle once more — and a beautiful gesture from a community that refuses to let Virgo’s laughter fade from the green baize.