Ronnie O'Sullivan stands on the brink of snooker history as the 50-year-old prepares for a record-extending 34th consecutive World Championship appearance. The Essex potter, who made his first century break at age 10 and turned professional at 16, has already claimed seven World Championship titles and 22 Triple Crowns, putting him among Britain's greatest ever sportspeople.

Despite missing several tournaments on medical grounds, O'Sullivan showed glimpses of his brilliance in 2026, hitting two maximum breaks in the Saudi Arabia Masters and making a record 153 break at the World Open. However, his bid for an eighth world title suffered a setback in 2025 when he lost his semi-final 17-7 to eventual champion Zhao Xintong.

O'Sullivan's career has been marked by both brilliance and controversy, from his fastest 147 break in 1997 to walking out of matches and refusing to complete maximum breaks when prize money was deemed insufficient. "I always keep beating myself up because of the age thing," he said of his longevity. "I will keep on going until the wheels fall off."