Alex “Hurricane” Higgins was an Irish professional snooker player who captivated fans with his swashbuckling style and rebellious charisma. As the sport’s first superstar, Higgins propelled snooker into the mainstream with his uncompromising brilliance.
This profile explores Higgins’ background, playing style, achievements, controversies, and cultural impact on snooker. Read on for the story of the mercurial genius who shook up a genteel sport.
Early Life in Belfast
Alexander Higgins was born in March 1949 in Northern Ireland’s capital Belfast. His father worked at the Belfast shipyards but passed away when Higgins was 10.
As a youth, Higgins discovered snooker and haunted Belfast’s many working men’s clubs honing his cue skills. His raw talent was obvious and Higgins turned professional in 1972 aged 22.
From modest beginnings, Higgins initially struggled to gain acceptance in snooker’s genteel establishment circles. However, success would soon follow.
Winning the World Title in 1972
In 1972, Alex Higgins achieved overnight fame and changed snooker forever by capturing his first World Championship at just age 23.
The brash young Irishman defeated John Spencer 37–32 in a gripping final at the Crucible. His triumph electrified the sport and signaled the growth of televised snooker.
Despite Higgins’ refusal to conform to expectations, his daring style gained admiration from traditionalists and new fans alike. Snooker now had a bona fide superstar.
Dominating the 1970s
Alex Higgins utterly dominated snooker throughout the 1970s, shattering expectations of player conduct in the process:
- Captured two World Championships (1972, 1982) and two UK titles (1977, 1983).
- Won the Masters twice and became the tournament’s biggest draw.
- Set numerous scoring records with his dashing attacking play.
- Established himself as the sport’s top box office attraction.
However, Higgins’ volatile behavior, drinking escapades, and brushes with authority also cemented his ‘bad boy’ notoriety away from the table.
Saving the World Championship
By the early 1980s, snooker was declining in popularity at a time Higgins entered his 30s.
However, Higgins spectacularly regained the World Championship crown in 1982 from 0–7 behind, beating Ray Reardon 18-15.
This gripping Crucible triumph is credited with saving the World Championship from cancellation. Higgins retained his unmatched big-match pedigree.
Style of Play and Persona
Alex Higgins played snooker with unrelenting aggression and flair, compiling high breaks at all-out speed:
- Devastating long potting and ability to sink outrageous shots.
- Superb cue ball control and mastery of angles.
- Loved entertaining with trick shots between frames.
- Played on the edge – heavy drinker and smoker.
- Rebel who clashed with officials over conduct.
‘Hurricane Higgins’ lived the rock star lifestyle away from the table. His raw brilliance ensured forgiveness for his vices from most fans.
Post-Career Decline and Death
After retiring in the late 1980s, Alex Higgins battled poverty, ill health, and alcoholism before dying of throat cancer in 2010 aged 61.
He made some unsavored headlines in retirement, but Higgins remained snooker’s biggest icon. Over 10,000 mourners attended his Belfast funeral.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Alex Higgins left an indelible mark on snooker through his trailblazingplaying style and rock star persona:
- Transformed snooker’s staid image almost singlehandedly.
- Set new standards of breakbuilding pace and thrill factor.
- Inspired future legends like Jimmy White and Ronnie O’Sullivan.
- Boosted television interest and sponsorship for the sport.
- Remains one of snooker’s most legendary mavericks.
‘Hurricane Higgins’ shakes up snooker’s establishment introduced showmanship, aggression and cool charisma to a genuflecting sport.
10 Fast Facts About Alex Higgins
- Born in 1949 in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
- Nicknamed “Hurricane Higgins” due to fast attacking play.
- Won World Championships in 1972 and 1982.
- UK Champion in 1977 and 1983.
- First player to compile a televised 147 maximum break.
- Loved partying, drinking, smoking while playing.
- Diagnosed with throat cancer in 1998.
- Autobiography released in 2003 titled “From The Eye of the Hurricane”.
- Died in 2010 aged 61 and buried in Belfast.
- Subject of the acclaimed biopic “Hurricane” in 2019.
Forty years since his peak, Alex Higgins remains revered as the charismatic genius who transformed snooker into a television spectacle. His legend lives large in the sport.
