The Boozy Legends of Snooker: From ‘Big’ Bill Werbeniuk to Luca Brecel
The sport of snooker has a long history of players known for their drinking habits as much as their skills on the green baize. From ‘Big’ Bill Werbeniuk to Alex Higgins and Jimmy White, legendary tales of their staggering ability to consume alcohol have become embedded in the lore of the game.
Last year’s World Snooker Championship saw reigning champion Luca Brecel admit to being “drunk as hell” during his victory against Mark Williams, a throwback to the sport’s boozy past. Brecel’s confession sparked a discussion on the sport’s biggest drinkers and what has become of them.
Brecel’s victory over Mark Williams, despite his intoxicated state, set up a dramatic quarter-final clash with Ronnie O’Sullivan. The Belgian’s unorthodox approach to the game paid off as he made a stunning comeback from a 10-6 deficit to beat O’Sullivan, leaving fans in awe.
Among the sport’s biggest drinkers, ‘Big’ Bill Werbeniuk stands out for his legendary drinking feats, including consuming up to 50 pints of beer daily. Eddie Sinclair, another snooker legend, famously passed out after the 42nd pint during a drinking session with Werbeniuk.
The tragic tale of Alex Higgins serves as a reminder of the dangers of substance abuse, with his addictions ultimately leading to his early demise. Jimmy White, known for his off-table antics as much as his snooker skills, has also battled with addiction but continues to play the sport at 61.
Mark Williams, a laid-back snooker legend, has recently opened up about changing his wild lifestyle for health reasons. And Ronnie O’Sullivan, once known as snooker’s enfant terrible, has overcome his struggles with drugs and alcohol to become a six-time world champion.
The sport of snooker has certainly seen its share of colorful characters, with their drinking habits often overshadowing their achievements on the table. As the game continues to evolve, the legacy of these legendary guzzlers remains a fascinating part of snooker history.