The inaugural John Virgo Trophy takes place this weekend, with four of snooker’s most iconic players coming together to honour the late snooker player and broadcaster.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, Mark Williams, and Stephen Hendry headline the Snooker 900 event, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday and serves as a tribute to one of the sport’s most recognisable and respected figures.
The tournament, staged at the iconic Goffs in Ireland, was announced shortly after Virgo’s passing earlier this year at the age of 79.
While the format differs from the traditional game, the competition between four all-time greats ensures there will be plenty of interest.
A tribute to John Virgo
Virgo, the 1979 UK champion, enjoyed a long and influential career in snooker both on and off the table.
After his playing days, he became one of the sport’s most familiar voices through his work as a commentator, earning widespread recognition for his energetic and distinctive style.
The John Virgo Trophy has therefore been created in his honour, with this weekend’s event celebrating his contribution to snooker while also bringing together players and fans for a unique occasion.
Virgo, who reached number 10 in the world rankings, played at Goffs in the 1981 Irish Masters where he was beaten by Steve Davis in the first round.
After his playing career, he became best known for his broadcasting duties for the BBC, fronting Big Break alongside Jim Davidson and acting as one of the chief commentators at Triple Crown events.
Virgo was also a popular emcee at various Snooker Legends events, and indeed it is Jason Francis, the exhibition series promoter, who has quickly put on this tournament in his honour.
A meeting of snooker greats
One of the main attractions of the event is obviously the line-up itself.
O’Sullivan, Higgins, Williams, and Hendry have collectively dominated snooker headlines for the best part of four decades, winning 21 world titles between them and shaping different eras of the sport.
Matches between the quartet have defined some of the most memorable moments in snooker history, and while this event is effectively an exhibition, the competitive instincts of each player are unlikely to disappear entirely.
The clash between O’Sullivan and Hendry in particular stands out, but each game on the schedule will provide a poignant backstory.
“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.
“It will be a wonderful tribute to him and a great treat for our fans in Ireland. With this event being just a week before the World Professional Championship, I expect the players to be very sharp.”
2026 John Virgo Trophy schedule
The event is spread across two days, with the semi-finals on Saturday and the conclusion of the tournament on Sunday. Support events involving Irish players are also on the agenda.
Saturday, April 11
- Irish Legends Doubles (12pm–1pm)
Joe Delaney & Michael Judge vs Fergal O’Brien & Joe Swail - Semi-final 1 (2pm–5pm)
Mark Williams vs John Higgins - Semi-final 2 (7pm–11pm)
Ronnie O’Sullivan vs Stephen Hendry
Sunday, April 12
- Irish Junior Snooker 900 Championship (12pm–1pm)
Semi-finals and final - Trick Shot Cabaret (2pm–2:30pm)
Featuring Dennis Taylor - Third/fourth-place play-off (2:30pm–5pm)
- Final (7pm–11pm)
What is the Snooker 900 format?
The John Virgo Trophy will be played using the Snooker 900 format, which is designed to deliver quicker and more engaging matches for fans to enjoy.
Each frame lasts a maximum of 15 minutes and incorporates a shot clock, meaning players are forced to make decisions more quickly and adopt a more attacking approach than in traditional snooker.
The format’s popularity has gained momentum in recent times as it is generally aimed at creating a more television-friendly product.
Both semi-finals and the final will be played over the best of 11 frames, while the third/fourth-place play-off will take place across nine frames.
How to watch the John Virgo Trophy
With multiple sessions across both days, there will be extensive live coverage of the tournament. The John Virgo Trophy will be broadcast live on 5 Action in the UK and Ireland.
Fans can also watch the event online via Pluto TV, although this option is region-specific and could be restricted depending on your location.
Featured image credit: Snooker Legends
It may also be available on the 5App.
It should be a fun event honouring an all-round snooker entertainer. The great JV would’ve been touched by it.