Alex Higgins was a two-time world snooker champion whose attacking flair and charisma helped transform the sport’s popularity during the television era.
Alex Higgins – Career Snapshot
| Date of birth: | 18 March 1949 |
| Nationality: | Northern Ireland |
| Turned professional: | 1971 |
| Highest world ranking: | No. 2 |
| Ranking titles: | 1 |
| World Championship titles: | 2 |
| Triple Crown titles: | 5 |
| Masters appearances: | 15 |
| Maximum 147 breaks: | 0 |
Alex Higgins’ Snooker Career
Alex Higgins turned professional in 1971 and made an immediate impact by winning the World Snooker Championship at his first attempt in 1972, defeating John Spencer in the final. His emergence coincided with snooker’s growing presence on television, and his explosive attacking style quickly captured the imagination of a new audience.
Nicknamed “Hurricane Higgins”, the Northern Irishman played at a pace and with a flair rarely seen at the time. He became a regular fixture at the latter stages of major tournaments throughout the 1970s, reaching further World Championship finals in 1976 and 1980, although he was denied on those occasions by Ray Reardon and Cliff Thorburn.
Higgins’ greatest moment at the Crucible Theatre came in 1982, when he produced one of the most iconic runs in snooker history. After compiling a famous clearance to defeat Jimmy White in the semi-finals, he went on to beat Reardon in the final to secure his second world title.
Beyond the World Championship, Higgins enjoyed success across the sport’s other major events, winning the Masters twice and the UK Championship in dramatic fashion in 1983 when he overturned a 7-0 deficit to defeat Steve Davis. His intense rivalry with Davis dominated headlines throughout the 1980s.
Despite his achievements, Higgins’ career was frequently overshadowed by personal struggles and controversy. Nevertheless, his influence on the game was profound, and he is widely regarded as the player who brought modern snooker to the masses. Higgins passed away in 2010 following a long battle with cancer.
Alex Higgins’ Ranking Titles
Alex Higgins won one ranking title during his professional career.
| Year | Tournament |
|---|---|
| 1982 | World Snooker Championship |
Other Major Titles and Notable Wins
- World Snooker Championship (1972)
- The Masters (1978, 1981)
- UK Championship (1983)
- Irish Masters (1977, 1989)
- Tolly Cobbold Classic (1979, 1980)
- Canadian Open (1975, 1977)
- World Cup (1985, 1986, 1987)
- World Doubles Championship (1984)
Alex Higgins and the Triple Crown
Alex Higgins won five Triple Crown titles during his professional career.
- World Championship: 2 titles (1972, 1982)
- UK Championship: 1 title (1983)
- Masters: 2 titles (1978, 1981)
SHQ Star Rating: ★★★★★★
SnookerHQ uses a seven-point star scale based on the scoring values of snooker balls, with a black (7) representing the highest career classification. Ratings are assigned using career achievements, longevity, and historical impact.
Alex Higgins: ★★★★★★
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Featured photo credit: Wikipedia