Alex Higgins was one of the most famous and influential snooker players of all time. Born in Belfast in 1949, he became known as “Hurricane Higgins” because of his incredibly fast, attacking style of play and his ability to make bold, exciting shots at great speed. The nickname was created by one of his early backers John McLaughlin, it perfectly captured the energy and excitement he brought to the table. His rapid play and charismatic personality made him a fan favourite and earned him the title of the “People’s Champion.”
Higgins turned professional in 1970 and quickly made history. In 1972, at just 22 years old, he won the World Snooker Championship at his first attempt, becoming the first qualifier ever to win the title. He defeated John Spencer in the final and became the youngest world champion at the time, a record that stood until Stephen Hendry surpassed it in 1990. His dramatic victory helped bring significant public attention to snooker and played a major role in increasing the sport’s popularity.
One of Higgins’s greatest achievements came a decade later when he won his second World Championship in 1982. The tournament featured one of the most famous moments in snooker history, when he produced a remarkable 69 break against Jimmy White in the semi-final after trailing badly. He then defeated Ray Reardon in the final to claim his second world title. This victory cemented his reputation as one of the sport’s most talented and exciting competitors.
Beyond his world titles, Higgins enjoyed many other successes. He won the Masters twice, in 1978 and 1981, and captured the UK Championship in 1983 after an extraordinary comeback from 0–7 down against Steve Davis. These achievements allowed him to complete snooker’s prestigious Triple Crown of World Championship, Masters, and UK Championship titles.
Although Higgins’s career was often overshadowed by personal struggles, disciplinary issues, and health problems, his impact on snooker remains immense. His thrilling style, natural talent, and larger-than-life personality helped transform snooker into a major televised sport during the 1980s. Fellow players and fans regarded him as a genius whose creativity changed the way the game was played. Today, Alex Higgins is remembered not only for his trophies but also for the excitement, passion, and unforgettable flair that made “The Hurricane” one of snooker’s greatest legends.
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From the Eye of the Hurricane (Autobiography) by Alex Higgins (Amazon UK)*
Goody Two Shoes: Alex Higgins, 1982 How the Hurricane won the greatest World Championship ever staged by John Skilbeck (Amazon UK)*