Remembering John Virgo: The Snooker Legend Who Was Anything But Boring
Following the sad news of John Virgo's passing at the age of 79, the sporting world has been reflecting on the life and career of one of snooker's most beloved figures. As a journalist who had the privilege of interviewing him, I can attest that Virgo was the absolute opposite of boring—a man whose warmth, humour, and passion left an indelible mark on everyone he met.
A Childhood Memory Brought to Life
Like many Brits, my childhood Saturdays were defined by fish and chips for tea while watching the iconic snooker game show Big Break. While I wasn't a die-hard snooker fan back then, I was always glued to the screen, not for Jim Davidson's jokes, but for John Virgo's deadpan delivery. His catchphrases—"pot as many balls as you can" or "goodnight, JV"—never failed to raise a laugh, no matter how many times he said them.
The Thrill of an Interview
In late 2024, I had the great thrill of interviewing Virgo for a UK Championship preview publication. The plan was to discuss his victory in the same tournament back in 1978, but true to form, the conversation was far from dull. He recounted being docked two frames for arriving late to a session, a mishap caused by not realising the start time had been moved for live TV coverage. Yet, focusing solely on that would have been remiss, given a life and career packed with excitement.
Generosity and Warmth from Spain
Speaking from his home in Spain, Virgo couldn't have been more generous with his time. He vividly described his hectic drive down the M6 to the UK Championship final, saying he still got "cold sweats just thinking about it." When I mentioned my Big Break memories, he seemed genuinely touched, speaking warmly about the show and his friendship with Davidson, despite their different personalities—a lesson in getting along without sharing the same worldview.
Pride in His Legacy
Virgo never tired of fans repeating his catchphrases, like "where's the cue ball going?" from his commentary days. Instead, he saw it as a badge of honour, a source of pride that his words resonated with so many. While younger fans might know him best as a commentator, Virgo played a key role in snooker's 1980s heyday, mixing it with legends like Steve Davis and the hellraiser Alex Higgins, even bravely socialising with the latter.
A Life Beyond the Table
Going further back, Manchester United fan Virgo had stories of George Best watching him practice at a Salford snooker club. Our half-hour interview only scratched the surface of his eventful life. At nearly 80, he was still gearing up to commentate at the UK Championship in York, driven by passion rather than necessity.
A Lasting Impact
Snooker has lost one of its greatest characters and ambassadors. Boring, he was not. From his playing days to his commentary and TV fame, John Virgo's legacy is one of laughter, dedication, and genuine connection. There'll never be another like him, and his absence will be deeply felt across the sport and beyond.
