Mark Williams

Mark Williams, a three-time World Snooker Champion, turned professional in 1992 as part of the renowned ‘Class of ’92’ alongside Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins. He swiftly ascended the ranks, entering the world’s top 16 within three years. His breakthrough came in 1996 with his first ranking tournament victory at the Welsh Open, followed by wins at the Grand Prix and British Open, notably defeating Stephen Hendry. Williams secured his first Masters title in 1998, again overcoming Hendry in a memorable black-ball finish.

This culminated in his third World Championship title in 2018, at 43, making him the oldest winner since Ray Reardon (1978) and setting a new record for the longest gap between consecutive world titles. Williams has maintained a formidable competitive presence at snooker’s highest echelons. He was inducted into the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame in 2012, solidifying his enduring impact. Demonstrating remarkable longevity, in 2025, Williams became the oldest player ever to win a ranking event, triumphing at the Xi’an Grand Prix by defeating Shaun Murphy 10-3 in the final.

This historic victory, achieved at 50 years and 206 days old, surpassed Ray Reardon’s 43-year-old record for the oldest ranking event winner. This victory also made him the first player to win professional titles across five decades: his teens, 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s. Throughout his illustrious career, Mark Williams has compiled over 600 century breaks and amassed more than £8 million in prize money, underscoring his consistent high performance and precise potting. His unparalleled longevity and ability to compete and win against generations of players cement his status as one of snooker’s all-time greats.