Ronnie O’Sullivan may be snooker’s most recognisable figure, but he isn’t the richest. That title belongs to Steve Davis—here’s why and how he built his wealth.

Ronnie O’Sullivan may be snooker’s most recognisable figure, but he isn’t the richest. That title belongs to Steve Davis—here’s why and how he built his wealth.

 

 

Ronnie O’Sullivan may be snooker’s most recognisable figure, but he isn’t the richest. That title belongs to Steve Davis—and the story of how Davis built his wealth goes far beyond prize money on the table.

Steve Davis dominated snooker during the 1980s, a period when the sport was exploding in popularity, particularly in the UK. Nicknamed “The Nugget,” Davis won six World Snooker Championships and spent a record-breaking number of weeks ranked world number one. While Ronnie O’Sullivan’s career has been defined by longevity, flair, and record-breaking performances, Davis’s success came at a time when snooker was becoming a mainstream television spectacle. That timing mattered—a lot.

One of the biggest reasons for Davis’s wealth is his early embrace of commercial opportunities. In the 1980s, snooker players were suddenly household names, regularly appearing on prime-time TV. Davis became the face of the sport, landing lucrative sponsorships and endorsement deals when competition for those deals was far lower than it is today. Brands wanted reliability, professionalism, and consistency—and Davis fit that image perfectly.

Prize money also played a role, though not in the way many assume. While modern players often earn more per tournament, Davis accumulated steady winnings over many years at a time when expenses were lower and competition was less global. More importantly, he was known for managing his finances carefully rather than relying solely on tournament income.

After his peak competitive years, Davis made smart moves off the table. He transitioned smoothly into broadcasting, becoming a respected snooker pundit and commentator. This long-term media presence provided a stable and ongoing income stream well after his playing days ended. Unlike many athletes who struggle after retirement, Davis stayed relevant and visible in the sport.

Another major factor in his wealth is diversification. Steve Davis didn’t limit himself to snooker. He became deeply involved in music, particularly electronic and techno scenes, performing as a DJ and running music-related projects. While this may not rival his snooker earnings, it reflects a mindset that looks for opportunity beyond a single career path.

In contrast, Ronnie O’Sullivan’s earnings are more heavily tied to prize money and selective endorsements. O’Sullivan is famously independent, sometimes avoiding commercial commitments that don’t align with his personality or values. While this has helped build his legendary status, it hasn’t always maximised financial return in the same way Davis’s more traditional approach did.

Ultimately, Steve Davis’s wealth is the result of perfect timing, dominance during a commercial boom, careful financial management, and smart post-retirement planning. Ronnie O’Sullivan may be snooker’s most iconic and naturally gifted player, but Steve Davis understood early that success in sport doesn’t end when the final frame is played—it’s also about what you build around it.