John Virgo

John Trevor Virgo (4 March 1946 – 4 February 2026) was an English professional snooker player and broadcaster. After achieving success as an amateur, Virgo turned professional in 1976 at age 30 and won four professional titles during his career, including the 1979 UK Championship, where he defeated the reigning World Champion Terry Griffiths 14–13 in the final. A runner-up at the 1980 Champion of Champions, he was a semi-finalist at the 1979 World Championship and the 1986 British Open. He retired from professional play in 1994. Virgo had a successful broadcasting career working for the BBC. He was a co-presenter of Big Break alongside Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002 and worked as a commentator on the BBC's coverage of Triple Crown events from his retirement until shortly before his death. Known for his catchphrases in commentary and his impressions of other players, he was inducted into the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame in 2023. Virgo died in February 2026 at his home in Spain, aged 79. A special invitational tournament, the 2026 John Virgo Trophy was held in April 2026 as a tribute to his life and work as a snooker player.