BBC SPORT — As snooker's most electrifying and enigmatic talent, Ronnie O'Sullivan, celebrates his 50th birthday, the sport pauses to reflect on a career that has redefined its very limits. With a record-equalling seven World Championship titles, over 1,200 century breaks, and a record 15 maximum 147s, his statistics are staggering. Yet, numbers alone cannot capture the genius. To mark the occasion, we rank 10 of his most unforgettable moments – a near-impossible task for a player who has made the extraordinary routine for three decades.
1. The Youngest Ever Masters Champion (1995)
At just 19 years old, O'Sullivan announced his arrival on the grandest stage by winning the prestigious Masters at Wembley. In the final against the formidable John Higgins, another rising star, he showcased a blistering blend of speed and skill. His victory, sealed with a majestic 134 break in the deciding frame, made him the youngest-ever winner of the tournament. It was a statement of intent, a promise of the fireworks to come. "The Rocket" had truly launched.
2. The Fastest Maximum 147 (1997 World Championship)
Perfection, delivered at breakneck speed. In his first-round match against Mick Price at the Crucible, O'Sullivan compiled a maximum 147 break in a mind-boggling five minutes and eight seconds. It remains one of snooker's most iconic feats. The sheer velocity, the rhythmic potting, the nonchalant walk back to his chair as the final black dropped – it was less a break and more a force of nature. This moment didn't just break a record; it shattered the perception of what was humanly possible at the table.
3. First World Title Amid Personal Turmoil (2001)
O'Sullivan's immense talent was often shadowed by personal struggles. His breakthrough at the Crucible in 2001, where he defeated John Higgins 18-14, was therefore a triumph of mind as much as skill. With his father recently released from prison, the emotional weight was immense. In the closing session, he produced a stunning display, later reflecting with raw honesty: "I was just fighting myself, fighting my demons. To win it was a massive relief." It was the moment he proved he could conquer the sport's ultimate test.
4. The "V" for Victory 147 (2008 World Championship)
Ever the showman, O'Sullivan turned a routine maximum into an act of sublime audacity. Leading Mark Williams 8-0 in their second-round match, he opted to pot the final black left-handed, despite being a natural right-hander. He then mimed a "V" for victory sign with his cue as the ball dropped. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated Ronnie – breathtakingly skillful, utterly confident, and playfully controversial. It underscored his unique ability to entertain and astonish in equal measure.
5. The "Shot of the Century" Contender (2009 Masters)
In a semi-final against Mark Selby, trapped behind the brown with no clear path to the reds, O'Sullivan conjured magic. He played a powerful, swerving shot around the table, using multiple cushions to not only escape the snooker but also land perfectly on a red. The shot was so improbable and successful that commentator Willie Thorne declared, "That is one of the greatest shots I have ever seen in my life!" It was a testament to his otherworldly cue ball control and creative genius.
6. Sixth World Title & The "Greatest" Debate (2020)
In a Crucible tournament held in August due to the pandemic, a 44-year-old O'Sullivan produced a masterclass to defeat Kyren Wilson 18-8. In doing so, he claimed a sixth world crown, moving level with Steve Davis and Ray Reardon. The victory, achieved with a mix of tactical nous and explosive breaks, reignited the debate about the greatest of all time. His post-match interview was pure O'Sullivan, downplaying the achievement while simultaneously staking his claim: "I’m probably the best part-timer that’s ever played snooker."
7. Record-Breaking 38th Ranking Title (2022)
At the 2022 World Grand Prix final, O'Sullivan defeated Neil Robertson 10-8 to win his 38th career ranking event, surpassing the long-standing record of 37 he jointly held with Stephen Hendry. The significance was monumental. It was the final major statistical record he didn't own outright. The win cemented his statistical supremacy across all metrics, allowing pundits and fans to crown him the most successful player in the history of the ranking system.
8. The Historic Seventh World Championship (2022)
Just months after his ranking record, O'Sullivan returned to the Crucible and achieved the ultimate. In a tense, high-quality final against Judd Trump, he triumphed 18-13 to win a modern-era record seventh World Championship. At 46, he became the oldest winner. The moment he sank the final ball, he embraced his son and broke into tears. This victory moved him ahead of Ray Reardon and Steve Davis, and level with Stephen Hendry, settling the "greatest" debate for many. It was the crowning glory of a relentless career.
9. Eighth Masters Crown & The Oldest Winner (2024)
Proving his powers were undimmed at 48, O'Sullivan stormed to a record-extending eighth Masters title at Alexandra Palace in 2024. In a dominant display, he whitewashed Ding Junhui 6-1 in the semi-final before overcoming Ali Carter 10-7 in a fiery final. The victory made him the oldest winner in the tournament's history, a stunning reminder that his hunger and skill continue to eclipse that of players half his age. It was a statement that the O'Sullivan era was far from over.
10. The 1,200th Century Break (2024)
At the 2024 World Open, O'Sullivan reached another milestone that seemed unthinkable: his 1,200th professional century break. The gap between him and the next player on the list is cavernous. This moment isn't about a single match or trophy, but a career-long exhibition of sustained, peak performance. It symbolizes the relentless scoring power that has been the bedrock of his game. Each century is a mini-masterpiece; 1,200 of them is an unparalleled gallery of brilliance.
Conclusion: The Unfinished Symphony
Ranking Ronnie O'Sullivan's moments is an exercise in subjectivity, as for every entry listed, a dozen more could make the case:
- His three UK Championship titles won in three different decades.
- The 146 break played deliberately in protest at the 147 prize money.
- Any number of his lightning-quick tournament victories.
- His unique ability to win frames in a single, mesmerizing visit.
