The 2026 World Snooker Championship began with a poignant and emotional tribute to John Virgo at the Crucible Theatre on Saturday.
Before a ball had been struck in this year’s tournament, the focus inside the famous Sheffield venue turned to remembering one of the sport’s most recognisable and best-loved figures.
A short video was played featuring highlights from Virgo’s long association with snooker, including some of his most iconic commentary lines that have become part of the game’s fabric.
As the video concluded, the crowd rose to their feet for a minute’s applause, with BBC presenter Hazel Irvine also inviting fans watching from around the world to do the same.
Watch the moment below.
For many fans, Virgo was far more than a former professional player.
He was a constant presence in the sport for decades and a familiar voice who helped bring snooker into living rooms across the UK, Ireland, and beyond.
While he enjoyed a successful playing career, most notably winning the UK Championship in 1979, it was his work as a broadcaster and entertainer that ensured his lasting legacy.
Virgo played a central role in shaping how snooker was presented during its boom years on television.
His partnership with Jim Davidson on Big Break introduced the game to a wider audience, while his commentary work with the BBC made him one of the most recognisable voices in the sport.
Whether delivering insight during tense Crucible deciders or reacting with trademark enthusiasm to dramatic moments, Virgo had a rare ability to connect with viewers and enhance the spectacle.
Inside the Crucible on Saturday, several of his contemporaries were present to witness the tribute, including Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Jimmy White, Ken Doherty, and John Parrott.
Irvine confirmed during the broadcast that further tributes to Virgo will take place throughout the championship, underlining the scale of his contribution to the game.
The tribute took place shortly before the opening match of the tournament got under way, with reigning champion Zhao Xintong later orchestrating a 5-4 first-session lead over Liam Highfield.
Earlier this week in Sheffield, meanwhile, a memorial service was also held for Virgo.
Organised by Doherty and broadcaster Rob Walker, the service was attended by many former players, colleagues, and members of Virgo’s family.
Virgo passed away in February at the age of 79, bringing to an end a lifetime of involvement in snooker that spanned nearly five decades.
Few figures have contributed as much to the sport across so many different roles.
From his days as a top-16 player in the late 1970s and early 1980s, to becoming one of snooker’s most iconic commentators and a central figure in bringing the game to mainstream television audiences, Virgo’s impact is difficult to overstate.
For generations of fans, his voice was synonymous with the sport itself.
In a venue so closely associated with snooker’s greatest memories, it felt entirely appropriate that John Virgo was honoured on the opening day of the game’s biggest tournament.
Featured photo credit: WST
