Snooker icon Ronnie O'Sullivan remains one of the most notable figures never to have won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award, despite multiple nominations. His fellow legend, Steve Davis, has previously made an extraordinary claim about O'Sullivan's standing in British sport, a sentiment that has resurfaced as the 2025 winner is set to be crowned.
The Davis Endorsement: A 'Most Talented' Claim
Following O'Sullivan's nomination in 2022, six-time world champion Steve Davis took to social media to offer a stunning assessment. Davis described 'The Rocket' as "the most talented sports personality the UK has ever produced," placing him on a remarkable pedestal. This passionate defence from a cue sport colleague highlights the high regard in which O'Sullivan is held within his own discipline, even if broader recognition has been elusive.
O'Sullivan has been shortlisted for the prestigious BBC award on several occasions, including after his World Championship triumphs in 2020 and 2022. However, the snooker maestro has consistently been pipped to the post by athletes from sports with greater mainstream television coverage, such as Formula 1, tennis, golf, and Olympic events.
O'Sullivan's Complicated Relationship with SPOTY
The snooker star's own comments on the award have been famously mixed, often appearing to dismiss its significance while simultaneously hinting at a sense of undervaluation. In 2016, he was sharply critical, calling the scant coverage given to snooker during the ceremony "a complete insult." He compared the sport's treatment to a "garage sale" against the "Harrods" of other, more favoured sports.
Yet, his stance seemed to soften by 2022, when he admitted that winning SPOTY "would be nice" and suggested he might have claimed the trophy "10 times" if he were a golfer or tennis player. This contrasts with statements in other years where he claimed to be "so happy" not to be nominated to avoid the event, and in 2020 when he insisted he "won't ever" win it and wasn't bothered.
The Quest for an Elusive Accolade
For 2025, O'Sullivan is not among the six shortlisted contenders, with the winner to be announced on Thursday evening. His absence this year has reignited discussions about his SPOTY prospects. With seven world titles and a record 23 Triple Crown victories, his sporting excellence is undeniable. Many believe his outspoken personality and unparalleled success make him a worthy candidate.
However, the pattern suggests that a historic, record-breaking eighth world championship may be what finally sways the BBC judges. Until then, he retains the fervent support of peers like Steve Davis, who continues to rank O'Sullivan's talent above all others in UK sport. Whether the ultimate public vote will ever align with that view remains one of snooker's most intriguing unanswered questions.
