Alex Higgins, often dubbed “The Hurricane” for his electrifying pace and whirlwind personality, transcended the green baize to become a global sporting icon. His life and career were a captivating blend of unparalleled talent, audacious shot-making, and a turbulent personal journey that captivated millions. 

Born Alexander Gordon Higgins in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on March 18, 1949, he started playing snooker at the tender age of 11, quickly showcasing a natural flair that set him apart. His transformation of snooker from a niche pastime into a televised spectacle, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, cemented his legacy as a true “people’s champion.” 

Early Life and the Genesis of a Prodigy

Alex Higgins’s early life in Belfast was marked by a restlessness and an innate gravitation towards the snooker table. He honed his skills in local snooker halls, quickly gaining a reputation as a prodigious talent who could clear the table with breathtaking speed and audacious shots. 

Unlike many of his contemporaries who embraced a more tactical and methodical approach, Higgins played with an instinctual brilliance, often relying on flair and aggressive potting to dominate his opponents. This unorthodox style, coupled with his charismatic personality, laid the groundwork for the phenomenon he would become.

At just 17, he captured the Northern Ireland and All-Ireland snooker championships, demonstrating his burgeoning prowess. He turned professional in 1972, at the age of 22, a decision that would rapidly propel him into the international spotlight and forever alter the trajectory of snooker.

The Rise of “The Hurricane”: A Trailblazing Career

Higgins’s professional career was characterized by rapid ascent and breathtaking victories, punctuated by a maverick spirit that constantly challenged the sport’s traditional conventions.

World Championship Victories and Iconic Moments

His impact was immediate and profound. In 1972, barely a year after turning professional, Alex Higgins, at just 23, became the youngest-ever World Snooker Champion, defeating John Spencer 37-32. This victory was a shockwave through the snooker world, announcing the arrival of a new, dynamic force.

However, it was his second World Championship title in 1982 that truly etched him into sporting folklore. Trailing Jimmy White 15-14 in the semi-final, Higgins produced a legendary 69 break to win the frame, ultimately securing his place in the final. 

His emotional victory over Ray Reardon in the final, complete with tears and cradling his baby daughter, remains one of snooker’s most iconic and heart-wrenching moments, viewed by millions and solidifying his status as a national hero. The prize money for this triumph was £25,000, a significant sum at the time, although he was famously fined £1,000 for disciplinary offenses during the tournament.

Beyond the Crucible: Other Notable Achievements

While the World Championship titles are his most celebrated, Higgins amassed a remarkable collection of other prestigious titles, showcasing his consistent brilliance:

UK Championship: He secured the UK Championship title in 1983, one of snooker’s “Triple Crown” events alongside the World Championship and the Masters.

Masters: Higgins was a two-time winner of the Benson & Hedges UK Masters, clinching the title in 1978 and 1981.

Canadian Open: He won the Canadian Open in 1975 and 1977.

World Doubles Championship: In 1984, he partnered with his close friend, Jimmy White, to win the World Doubles Championship.

World Cup: Representing Ireland, Higgins was part of the winning World Cup team three times (1985-1987), further cementing his team spirit despite his individualistic nature.

His career statistics paint a picture of a player consistently at the top, even amidst his personal struggles. He recorded 15 century breaks at the Crucible Theatre during his World Championship appearances.

The Playing Style: Unorthodox, Entertaining, and Revolutionary

Alex Higgins’s playing style was nothing short of revolutionary. In an era dominated by cautious, tactical play, Higgins introduced a thrilling, attacking brand of snooker.

The “Hurricane” Approach

His nickname, “The Hurricane,” was perfectly fitting. Higgins played at a breakneck speed, often taking on audacious pots that other players wouldn’t even consider. His shots were often instinctive, driven by an uncanny feel for the table and an unparalleled ability to judge angles and anticipate rebounds. This fearless, risk-taking approach captivated audiences, turning snooker matches into exhilarating spectacles.

Ronnie O’Sullivan, widely considered one of snooker’s greatest, has often credited Higgins with bringing a “rock star vibe” to the sport, stating that snooker “would never have survived beyond the 1980s without the ‘incredible’ People’s Champion.” 

Technical Prowess and Limitations

While his style was often perceived as erratic, Higgins possessed a strong fundamental technique. He was an excellent ball striker, and many modern players, including Ding Junhui, have been noted for a compact, solid technique reminiscent of Higgins. 

However, his cavalier approach, while entertaining, sometimes led to inconsistencies and provided openings for opponents. He was an astute tactician but rarely had the discipline to maintain a cagey game over a full match. This duality was a hallmark of his play – capable of genius, yet prone to self-sabotage.

Later Life, Health Battles, and Legacy

As his playing career waned, Higgins faced increasing health challenges, particularly a long and arduous battle with throat cancer.

Deteriorating Health and Final Years

Higgins was first diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998, a condition he largely attributed to the cigarette sponsorships prevalent in snooker during his prime. The disease took a heavy toll, significantly impacting his ability to eat and communicate. 

Public appearances in his later years revealed a painfully thin and frail figure, a stark contrast to the dynamic “Hurricane” of his heyday. Despite these immense challenges, he continued to play exhibition matches for money, often in backstreet pubs, a poignant return to his humble beginnings.

Alex Higgins passed away on July 24, 2010, at the age of 61, leaving behind a profound void in the snooker world and the hearts of his many fans.

Enduring Impact on Snooker

Alex Higgins’s legacy in snooker is undeniable and multifaceted:

Popularization of the Sport: He was instrumental in transforming snooker from a niche sport into a mainstream television phenomenon, attracting millions of new fans during the 1970s and 1980s. His charismatic presence and exciting style were perfectly suited for the burgeoning medium of televised sport.

Inspiration for Future Generations: Many top players, including Ken Doherty and Ronnie O’Sullivan, have openly stated that Higgins was their hero and a major inspiration for them to take up snooker. His attacking philosophy influenced a generation of players to embrace a more flamboyant and aggressive game.

Entertainment Value: Higgins brought an unprecedented level of drama and excitement to every match he played. His unpredictable nature, both on and off the table, made for compulsive viewing and elevated snooker beyond mere competition into a form of theatrical entertainment.

Cultural Icon: Beyond snooker, Higgins became a genuine cultural icon, a figure whose triumphs and tribulations were followed by the general public, not just sports enthusiasts. He was snooker’s first true “rock star,” a comparison often drawn to George Best in football.

His legacy is not just about the titles he won, but the way he played, the emotions he evoked, and the indelible mark he left on the sport’s identity.

Understanding Snooker: A Brief Overview

To fully appreciate Alex Higgins’s genius, it helps to understand the fundamentals of snooker.

Definitions and Key Concepts

Snooker: A cue sport played on a rectangular table covered with a green cloth, featuring pockets at each of the four corners and in the middle of each of the long side cushions. The game is played with a cue stick and 22 balls: one white cue ball, 15 red balls (1 point each), and six coloured balls (yellow-2, green-3, brown-4, blue-5, pink-6, black-7).

Frame: A single game of snooker. A player wins a frame by scoring more points than their opponent or if the opponent concedes.

Break: The total number of points a player scores in a single visit to the table.

Potting: Striking the cue ball to send an object ball into a pocket.

Safety Shot: A shot played not to pot a ball but to leave the opponent in a difficult position, typically with no easy pot available. Higgins was known for his aggressive potting, often forsaking traditional safety play.

Maximum Break (147): The highest possible break in snooker, achieved by potting all 15 reds with 15 blacks, followed by all six colours in order. While Higgins never officially recorded a 147 in professional competition, his attacking style often led to high breaks.

Snooker in 2025: Current Trends and Evolution

The snooker landscape in 2025 continues to evolve, building on the foundations laid by pioneers like Alex Higgins.

Increased Global Reach

Snooker has seen a significant expansion beyond its traditional British and Commonwealth strongholds. China, in particular, has emerged as a major hub for the sport, producing top-tier players and hosting numerous lucrative tournaments. This global expansion is a key trend, driven by increased accessibility and professional tours.

Professionalism and Player Welfare

Compared to Higgins’s era, the sport is significantly more professional. Player welfare, coaching, and sports science play a much larger role. While characters like Higgins are still celebrated, modern players often adhere to stricter codes of conduct, reflecting the sport’s increasing global appeal and commercial interests.

Prize Money and Commercialization

Prize money in snooker has seen a substantial increase, particularly for major tournaments like the World Championship. The winner of the 2025 World Snooker Championship, for instance, is set to take home £500,000, with a total prize pot exceeding £2 million (Source: City AM, April 20, 2025). This financial growth incentivizes more players and raises the stakes of competition.

Data Analytics and Tactical Nuance

Modern snooker benefits from advanced data analytics, allowing players and coaches to meticulously study opponents, analyze shot percentages, and refine tactical approaches. While Higgins’s instinctive play was revolutionary, today’s top players often combine natural talent with highly analytical and data-driven strategies.

Practical Tips for Aspiring Snooker Players 

While few can replicate Higgins’s innate talent, his approach offers valuable lessons for aspiring players:

Embrace Aggression (Strategically): Don’t be afraid to take on challenging pots, but learn when to temper aggression with safety. Higgins’s boldness was a double-edged sword; mastering the balance is key.

Develop Positional Play: Higgins’s fast-paced breaks were often built on superb positional play, even if it appeared chaotic. Focus on cue ball control to set yourself up for the next shot.

Cultivate Mental Toughness: Snooker is as much a mental game as it is physical. Higgins’s resilience, particularly in high-pressure situations like his 1982 semi-final against White, highlights the importance of mental fortitude. Practice under pressure.

Watch and Learn: Study the masters, past and present. Analyze their techniques, shot selection, and tactical decisions. Observing Higgins’s old matches can be a masterclass in break-building and audacious potting.

Practice Regularly: There’s no substitute for consistent practice. Repetition builds muscle memory and refines technique. Higgins spent countless hours on the table, even in his later years.

Understand the Game’s Nuances: Beyond potting, learn the intricacies of safety play, break-building patterns, and strategic shot selection. While Higgins might have eschewed some of the more cautious elements, a comprehensive understanding is crucial for modern success.

Real-Life Examples of Higgins’s Impact

The 1982 World Championship Semi-Final: Trailing Jimmy White 15-14 and 59-0 down in frame 30, Higgins produced a legendary 69 break to clear the table and win the frame. This break is often cited as one of the greatest under pressure and a testament to his never-say-die attitude. He went on to win the match and then the final, showcasing his extraordinary ability to perform when it mattered most.

Media Magnetism: Higgins’s life was a constant source of media fascination. His triumphs were celebrated on front pages, and his controversies ensured he remained a constant fixture in the tabloids. This intense media coverage significantly boosted snooker’s profile, bringing it into millions of homes.

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Admiration: Arguably the greatest player of the modern era, Ronnie O’Sullivan has repeatedly spoken about Higgins’s profound influence on his own game and the sport at large. He famously said, “If Higgins hadn’t been there, snooker wouldn’t have been popular on the back of Steve Davis or Stephen Hendry, who were very reserved in comparison.” (Source: TNT Sports, March 19, 2025). This direct acknowledgment from a modern legend underscores Higgins’s lasting impact.

The “People’s Champion” Persona: Higgins’s connection with the working-class audience was unparalleled. He was seen as one of them, a flawed genius who played with his heart on his sleeve. This authenticity forged a powerful bond, making his victories feel like shared triumphs for his legions of fans.

FAQ

What was Alex Higgins’s nickname and why?

Alex Higgins was famously nicknamed “The Hurricane” (or “Hurricane Higgins”). This moniker was earned due to his incredibly fast, aggressive, and often unpredictable playing style, which saw him tear through frames with breathtaking speed and audacious shots. It also reflected his whirlwind personality and tumultuous life off the table.

How many World Snooker Championships did Alex Higgins win?

Alex Higgins won the World Snooker Championship twice. His first victory came in 1972, and his second, more iconic win, was in 1982.

What was Alex Higgins’s impact on snooker?

Alex Higgins’s impact on snooker was immense. He is credited with popularizing the sport, particularly in the 1970s and 1980s, transforming it from a niche club game into a major televised spectacle. His exciting, attacking style of play captivated audiences, and his charismatic, often controversial, personality made him a household name, inspiring a new generation of players and fans.

What were some of the major controversies surrounding Alex Higgins?

Alex Higgins’s career was riddled with controversies. These included numerous clashes with snooker authorities, leading to fines and bans, such as being suspended for headbutting a tournament official. His personal life was also turbulent, marked by public battles with alcohol, gambling, and reported violent incidents, which frequently made tabloid headlines.

What happened to Alex Higgins in his later life?

In his later life, Alex Higgins battled severe health issues, most notably throat cancer, which he was diagnosed with in 1998. The illness greatly affected his ability to eat and speak, and his health deteriorated significantly. He passed away on July 24, 2010, at the age of 61, after a long struggle with the disease.

Final Thoughts

Alexander Gordon Higgins was a Northern Irish professional snooker player and a two-time world champion who is remembered as one of the most iconic figures in the sport’s history. His story is a powerful testament to raw talent, magnetic charisma, and the complex interplay between genius and personal struggle. 

“The Hurricane” didn’t just play snooker; he lived it, breathed it, and infused it with an intensity and passion that transcended the game itself. While his life was undoubtedly marked by controversy and personal demons, his unadulterated passion for snooker and his breathtaking ability to transform the green baize into a stage for unparalleled drama left an indelible mark. 

He ushered in snooker’s golden age, inspired legions of fans and players, and continues to be remembered as the sport’s original rock star – a flawed, brilliant, and utterly unforgettable icon. His legacy remains a cornerstone of snooker’s rich history, reminding us that true greatness often comes with a whirlwind of a ride.

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