Joe O’Connor

Joe O’Connor is an English professional snooker player from Leicester, achieving multiple ranking finals and making his Crucible debut. After winning the English Amateur Snooker Championship and securing a two-year tour card through the EBSA Play-Offs in 2018, English professional snooker player Joe O’Connor immediately made his mark in the sport. His strong amateur performances included qualifying for prestigious snooker events like the 2014 Wuxi Classic, where he faced Neil Robertson, and the 2015 UK Championship, competing against Mark Selby. Turning professional in 2018, O’Connor’s impact was immediate, earning him the coveted ‘Rookie of the Year’ title in his debut 2018-2019 season.

During this period, he notably reached the semi-finals of the Welsh Open, defeating top-ten players Kyren Wilson, Ding Junhui, and John Higgins. O’Connor continued to build his professional career with consistent high-level performances. He reached the quarter-finals of significant events, including the 2021 German Masters and the 2023 Welsh Open, consistently demonstrating his skill against high-ranking opponents. A pivotal moment arrived in December 2022 when O’Connor reached his first ranking final at the Scottish Open.

Building on this achievement, O’Connor made his highly anticipated debut at the prestigious World Snooker Championship. In a standout performance at the Crucible Theatre, he secured a notable 10-6 victory over former world champion Mark Selby, showcasing his ability on the sport’s biggest stage. Demonstrating continued impressive form, O’Connor carried his momentum into 2025. He reached the final of the World Open in China, a testament to his global competitive presence.

Further solidifying his position in professional snooker, O’Connor also reached another ranking event final at the Championship League in 2025. These recent achievements underscore his trajectory as a formidable competitor in the sport.