"From Eight to Twenty-Five: Is 2025 the 'Golden Era' of Snooker with a Surge in 147 Breaks?"

For many, the golden age of snooker was during the 1980s.

Steve Davis won six World Championship titles, and Jimmy White emerged as a prominent figure.

The excitement, the narratives, and the personalities went beyond the sport itself.

However, statistically, the current players represent the true golden generation.

In the 1980s, there were only eight 147 breaks throughout the entire decade.

Steve Davis achieved the first in history at the 1982 Lada Classic, which earned him a Lada car.

He never added to that initial achievement.

In the 1985 final, the highest break recorded was a modest 98.

Players like Taylor, Ray Reardon, Alex Higgins, John Spencer, Terry Griffiths, and Joe Johnson collectively hold 14 world championship titles.

Yet, none of them achieved a single 147 break.

Fast forward to 2025, and by the end of November, there was a remarkable increase in 147 breaks.

This shattered the previous record of 14 147s in a calendar year, set in 2024.

In the 2025-26 season, which runs from late June to May, the tally of 16 has already set a new record.

Ronnie O'Sullivan achieved another 147 in Saudi Arabia in August, bringing his record total to 17.

Several players, including Aaron Hill, the world No. 43, have also made maximum breaks this year.

So, what accounts for the increase in 147 breaks? And is this beneficial for snooker?

After all, the fundamental structure of the game remains unchanged: 15 reds, 15 blacks, yellow, green, brown, blue, pink, and black.

From 1982 to 2013, there were 100 147 breaks. Since then, the total has risen to 233.

The number of potential maximum breaks could be even higher, but players like Mark Selby, Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, and Ken Doherty have missed the black ball on 140, with the latter missing out on an £80,000 sports car.

While the tables are of better quality and there are more tournaments, there must be more factors at play – and snooker officials maintain that the pockets are not larger.

The reality is quite straightforward: the players have improved significantly.

In the 1980s, achieving 50 breaks was impressive and celebrated. Today, such breaks are expected.

The 'Class of 92' – including O'Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams – ushered in a new era for the sport, with O'Sullivan in particular energizing a new generation through his spectacular play, including his remarkable five-minute-eight-second 147.

Current players are actively pursuing 147 breaks and aspire to have their names recorded in history.

Former world champion Murphy, now 43, stated in an interview with BBC Sport : “I believe everyone is improving.”

“Some lesser-known players can beat anyone on their day.”

“Players are working towards their career records, and the tour is providing incentives.”

“There’s greater awareness of these challenges, and players are practicing for them.”

Credit: Getty

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Eze Chidiebere Paul

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