John Higgins Unpacks Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Snooker Legacy as Steve Davis Tips Judd Trump for Future Dominance
Ronnie O’Sullivan: The Greatest of His Era?
People don’t just talk about Ronnie O’Sullivan—they argue, obsess, and even debate his method at pubs across the UK. Now, with the 2025 World Snooker Championship drawing near, another familiar voice has weighed in: John Higgins. For those who follow snooker, Higgins isn’t some background character. He’s one of the legends himself, sharing the stage with the likes of O’Sullivan for decades. When Higgins speaks about Ronnie’s legacy, it carries real weight.
Higgins didn’t sugarcoat it. He admitted that Ronnie’s blend of talent and nerve puts him in a league of his own. Higgins has played O’Sullivan more times than most can count, and he said plainly that you feel the heat when it’s Ronnie at the other side of the table—no matter your own record. To some, O’Sullivan’s quick-fire breaks and audacious shot-making look effortless. Higgins urges people not to mistake flair for luck. He pointed out that Ronnie combines a technician’s precision with a showman’s bravado, something rarely seen in the sport’s history. “He’s more than just a great scorer. He handles pressure like nobody else,” Higgins summarized.
This praise isn’t just friendly back-patting. It feeds into a wider debate that rumbles on in corridors, on social media, and even among former pros: Is Ronnie the best all-round player the game has ever seen? It’s not about stats alone. Higgins highlighted how Ronnie’s influence goes beyond just the silverware. Every young player growing up now shapes their game, at least in some way, with O’Sullivan’s style and attitude in mind. You get the sense from Higgins that, legend-to-legend, the bar Ronnie sets may not be reached for a long time.
The Future: Davis Backs Trump to Take Over
While snooker fans are busy marveling at O’Sullivan’s achievements, Steve Davis—another all-time great—has his eyes trained on the next big thing: Judd Trump. Davis knows a thing or two about sustaining dominance. His decades at the top didn’t come by accident. That’s why when Davis talks about Trump, it’s not just empty hype.
Trump’s 2019 world title was supposed to kick off a new era. But anyone watching closely has seen the bumpier ride since then—flashy wins, followed by head-scratching losses. Yet Davis isn’t rattled. He’s convinced Trump has the tools to control the sport for years to come. Davis points to Judd’s mix of attacking flair and improved tactical game. “He just needs to put it all together at the right times, and no one will touch him,” Davis suggested. He knows comebacks aren’t unusual in this sport, especially for a player who can rattle off frame-winning breaks faster than most can set up their cue.
The idea of Trump as the heir to the snooker throne is an irresistible talking point. With O’Sullivan still a force and other challengers stepping up, the next few years could bring shocks and a power shift at the top. Davis’s confidence is like a signal for Trump: the legends think he’s got what it takes, but he’ll need to prove it—again and again—under the brightest lights.
Behind all this, the upcoming 2025 World Snooker Championship becomes about more than just another trophy. It’s a snapshot of where the sport’s balance truly lies. Is O’Sullivan still the king? Or will Judd Trump, pushed and prodded by voices like Davis’s, find his own period of dominance?