Snooker icon Jimmy White has delivered his definitive verdict on the sport's greatest of all time, placing fellow Englishman Ronnie O'Sullivan at the pinnacle. The Whirlwind, who has faced both O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry across his storied career, made the declaration during a 2023 Eurosport segment, a ranking he stands by.
White's GOAT: The Case for The Rocket
Jimmy White, a ten-time ranking title winner himself, left no room for doubt when naming the top player. "Ronnie O'Sullivan [is] for sure the GOAT, greatest of all time," stated the 63-year-old. He pointed to O'Sullivan's monumental achievements: seven world titles, seven UK Championships, seven Masters crowns, and over 1,200 career centuries.
White emphasised that O'Sullivan's genius lies in his effortless style. "Why he's so good is because he makes the game look so easy. That is why Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest of all time," he explained. Since White's initial comments, O'Sullivan has added two more major titles to his haul, though questions about his longevity at the top persist.
Hendry and Davis: Legends in the Ranking
In second place, White positioned the formidable Stephen Hendry, the Scot who denied him in four World Championship finals during the 1990s. Acknowledging their fierce rivalry, White admitted, "I should have won at least two of them. The other two, he completely outplayed me." He praised Hendry's seven world titles and his unshakeable focus, placing him just ahead of Steve Davis.
Of the retired six-time world champion Steve Davis, White was equally effusive, calling him "the hardest player in my career to beat." He highlighted Davis's superb long potting, temperament, and pressure play, securing him the third spot on the list.
Completing the Top Ten Snooker Legends
With his top three settled, Jimmy White filled out the remainder of his personal snooker hall of fame. His full top ten, as stated in 2023, is as follows:
- Ronnie O'Sullivan
- Stephen Hendry
- Steve Davis
- Mark Selby
- Mark Williams
- Alex Higgins
- John Higgins
- Ray Reardon
- Jimmy White
- Joe Davis
White noted that this list could evolve with the rise of contemporary stars like world number one Judd Trump, Zhao Xintong, and Kyren Wilson. Still active on the World Snooker Tour and as a pundit, White's perspective carries the unique weight of a competitor who has battled the very best across multiple eras.
