John Virgo, beloved figure in snooker, passes away at 79
Former world champion John Virgo, who won the prestigious UK Championship in 1979, has died at the age of 79. The news, announced by World Snooker, leaves fans and fellow professionals in mourning.
For many years, Virgo's name was synonymous with excellence behind the snooker table, where he enjoyed a successful playing career that included winning the UK Championship. His on-table achievements were matched by his enduring popularity as a broadcaster, particularly when he became an integral part of the BBC's coverage following his retirement from professional play in 1994.
Virgo's iconic catchphrase "Where's the cue ball going?" remains etched in the memories of those who witnessed him at work. His engaging commentary and infectious enthusiasm on games like Big Break further cemented his status as a snooker legend. Tragically, Virgo passed away while living in Spain, surrounded by his loving family, including wife Rosie and children Gary and Brook-Leah.
The snooker community is paying tribute to Virgo's irrepressible spirit, boundless energy, and unwavering passion for the sport. Ronnie O'Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, eulogised him as "a great mate who I loved spending time with," while Jim Davidson, his former Big Break co-host, described Virgo as "what a character, what a talent" whose passing was "heartbreaking news."
Even as tributes pour in from fellow professionals like Mark Selby and Neil Robertson, the loss of John Virgo serves as a poignant reminder that the snooker world is not just about victories on the table but also the camaraderie and memories forged behind it.
Former world champion John Virgo, who won the prestigious UK Championship in 1979, has died at the age of 79. The news, announced by World Snooker, leaves fans and fellow professionals in mourning.
For many years, Virgo's name was synonymous with excellence behind the snooker table, where he enjoyed a successful playing career that included winning the UK Championship. His on-table achievements were matched by his enduring popularity as a broadcaster, particularly when he became an integral part of the BBC's coverage following his retirement from professional play in 1994.
Virgo's iconic catchphrase "Where's the cue ball going?" remains etched in the memories of those who witnessed him at work. His engaging commentary and infectious enthusiasm on games like Big Break further cemented his status as a snooker legend. Tragically, Virgo passed away while living in Spain, surrounded by his loving family, including wife Rosie and children Gary and Brook-Leah.
The snooker community is paying tribute to Virgo's irrepressible spirit, boundless energy, and unwavering passion for the sport. Ronnie O'Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, eulogised him as "a great mate who I loved spending time with," while Jim Davidson, his former Big Break co-host, described Virgo as "what a character, what a talent" whose passing was "heartbreaking news."
Even as tributes pour in from fellow professionals like Mark Selby and Neil Robertson, the loss of John Virgo serves as a poignant reminder that the snooker world is not just about victories on the table but also the camaraderie and memories forged behind it.
. He was an iconic figure in the sport, and his infectious enthusiasm made everyone love watching him play 
. His catchphrase "Where's the cue ball going?" still gives me goosebumps every time I think about it 
. What I love most about Virgo is that he wasn't just a great player, but also an amazing broadcaster who brought so much excitement to the game for fans around the world 
. The tributes from fellow pros like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Jim Davidson say it all - this guy was a true legend, and his passing is indeed heartbreaking 
.
. It's not just his playing career that makes him a beloved figure, but also how he connected with fans through his commentary 
. I'm sure it won't be easy for the snooker community to say goodbye to someone as iconic as John Virgo 
he was always so energetic & enthusiastic when commentating, made watching snooker even more fun! loved his iconic catchphrase still gives me goosebumps thinking about Big Break with Jim Davidson 
. I mean, have you seen him commentate on Big Break? The way he'd ask those questions and keep it light, yet so insightful? "Where's the cue ball going?" still cracks me up 
. I'm gonna miss hearing his voice and seeing those infectious grins on TV 
ronnie O'Sullivan and jim davison are giving some amazing tributes... Virgo was definitely one of a kind, but his legacy lives on in our hearts 
.
he was like a big part of snooker fam, always spreading that infectious enthusiasm 
ronnie o sullivan said it all when he called him "a great mate"... those were the days when you could just watch him n jim davidson on big break n laugh n cheer n have a good time lol 
mark selby n neil robertson might've had their ups n downs, but they both know what virgo meant 2 them, & now it's up 2 us fans 2 keep his memory alive 
His catchphrase "Where's the cue ball going?" still cracks me up 
. It's not just about his playing career or broadcasting skills, it's about the memories he created for us all 
.
just heard about john virgo passing away 
anyone else remember how excited he used to get when a player got close to potting? still gonna miss his "where's the cue ball going?" 
I'm shocked to hear about John Virgo's passing... 79 years young, what a legend! 
He was more than just a great player, he had this infectious energy that made you wanna watch snooker all day long 
. His commentary skills were top-notch and his catchphrase still gives me goosebumps - "Where's the cue ball going?" 
. Thanks for sharing the news, let's keep celebrating his life and legacy