JACK LISOWSKI plans to take time off the World Snooker Tour next year – as he awaits the arrival of his “little Pele”.
Once a playboy potter, Jackpot, 35, is a changed man these days and he and are expecting their first child towards the end of January 2027.
In August, the engaged couple and their respective families came together in her homeland of Brazil for a special ‘baby reveal’ ceremony.
As everyone waited excitedly for the news, a dog came running into the living room carrying blue balloons – this signalled that they are expecting a boy.
Life is good for the World No.18 but he will have to rejig his itinerary in the New Year given the pregnancy.
Lisowski – whose dad died in March 2025 – said: “‘Little Pele’ is getting born in January. My first child.
“Don’t know what the hell to expect. Everyone just says you’re going to be really tired.
“But then also everyone says it’s the most special thing as well. So yeah, it’s a distraction but it’s a good distraction.
“Life’s going to change and we’re buying stuff for the nursery room. I’ve got everything going on, cots and all this stuff. I’m learning as I go.
“It’s a very exciting time and life’s going to change, what can I say?
“At the reveal, it was going to be blue for a boy and yellow for a girl. I could just remember I really wanted it to be a boy.
“I didn’t really admit that to anyone, but deep down I just really wanted the first one to be a boy.
“When the dog came around with the blue balloons, I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy.
“I was just thinking about my dad. I feel like maybe I get to relive what he did with me. I can try and emulate that with a boy.
“It’s just very, very special. Very emotional.
“I guess it’s the biggest thing in your life, having a kid. I’m going into a new chapter.
“Bela’s due at the end of January. I’m pretty sure I’m going to miss a tournament or two.
“She’s having it in Brazil as well – so I’m going to have to go out there for the birth. I can’t miss that.
“It’s one of the most important days of my life. I want to be there more than anything – if it means missing a few tournaments, so be it.
“Most of my prize money feels like it goes on taxes, to be honest. But yeah, I’m a mature 35-year-old family man now. Hey man, I got bills.”
Lisowski claims he has had a “terrible start” to the season but heads to Belfast this weekend for his title defence of the Northern Ireland Open.
He faces China’s world No.108 Huang Jiahao in round one on Sunday afternoon.
Last year he beat close pal 9-8 in a thrilling final at the Waterfront Hall in the city centre – his first ranking title success.
Given the life-changing moment coming his way, he has been overcompensating this campaign to try and improve his ranking ahead of his enforced break from the tour.
The Cheltenham star said: “Very frustrating so far. I’ve known for a few months that I’m going to be out of action in January and February.
“So I’ve been trying to get ahead. I thought: ‘Right, I’ve got to try and crack on now.’
“It’s been a terrible start. I just need to work hard to get myself out of the little rut I am in.
“The standard of snooker is getting so much better. It just feels like everyone’s just a lot better these days.
“You’ve got players pretty much the public would have probably never even heard of.
“They can just make one-visits all day long and play good snooker, especially in these qualifiers. But I’m not in some crisis yet, anyway.”
