Alex Higgins BBC Documentary - The People's Champion

Like the video if you enjoyed, it really helps the video and channel out! My channel has been demonetised so if you want to support the channel you can do so here - / jordi147

[@pricey420]

People can call him whatever they want in youtube comment sections but no one knows your name, no one knows who you are and you have inspired no one. Rip alex great player and changed the game

[@Jordi1872.]

Very well said mate!

[@PJToxophilus]

+pricey420 Absolutely!

[@best349]

+pricey420 & his daughter is amazing

[@irishking1414]

J.B Mac Forever he put the snooker into snooker.brilliant person with a brilliant talent

[@waynebaker3481]

he was a snooker legend

[@Dybbouk]

One day in 1975 I came back from school to find Alex Hurricane Higgins in our front room slurping scotch. He was already a legend. He had come to my home town to give a demonstration at my father's snooker club. He was accompanied by an attractive red head whom he presented to us as his wife but she wasn't apparently. He also tried to chat up my big sister who was 18 at the time, asking her out for a date. She was very flattered. That evening he was completely sloshed but the more he drank the better he played. My father was a strong amateur player who beat Reardon, Jimmy White and Tony Meo (twice) but the Hurricane cracked into the pack, fluked a red and made a break of 80 plus. At the end of the demo, he asked my father 'What do you think of that?'. 'Bloody marvellous' he replied. My father said that the only thing holding him up was his snooker cue and if he'd taken it away he would have fallen over. After that evening Hurricane had to stay in bed for 2 days so bad was his hangover. His hosts made him some vegetable soup to nurse him better, but apparently he only liked tinned. Heinz soup!! Despite his numerous failings he was a man of great humour and charm.

[@stewstock6036]

That’s an amazing story. Great that you got to meet him!

[@wilfy7744]

Wow. Great story. Thanks 😊

[@sunnymccoy9327]

Hahaha

[@MrYFlyer]

Met Jimmy in Limerick

[@PeteK147]

Hey boss! The plane The plane!! Walter mitty

[@Mayhemdog]

After watching this , i really love Ray Reardon , what a true gentleman he is .

[@sjs260563]

needs to get some furniture in that front room though :)

[@chrisnoble2084]

My late father sold Ray a new car at a dealership he said he was one of the nicest ppl you could ever meet

[@Discoboyaka]

@@chrisnoble2084 My father was Rays tailor and my uncle was Rays practice partner occasionally. Like your father said Chris, nicest person you will ever meet , a true gentlemen

[@ssss-df5qz]

You can see that in his reaction when Alex beat him. The man was genuinely happy to give up the world title to him.

[@danielnichols5632]

He was, that quality of person are gone now, almost, been replaced by ignorant morons

[@infobeam1902]

Tell you what, Dennis Taylor is a massive gentleman! Respect to him for taking the situation like a big man!

[@kevinprior3549]

Tell you what he's amazing believe it or not... See what I did there? His normal BBC commentating sayings in a sentence.

[@TimeTraveller3256]

Lol I found what Alex said quite funny about having him shot lol haha as if he would have someone shot

[@rippedtorn2310]

@@TimeTraveller3256 you laugh but those days man ..no joke .

[@manephewlenny6401]

@@TimeTraveller3256 he also told Dennis Taylor that his recently deceased mother was sucking cocks in hell.

[@danielhannah1496]

had snooker not had Alex Higgins you could compere watching it to,watching paint dry.He is the most important person ever to pick up a cue ,ever

[@garyconyers]

The most important since Joe Davis, anyway.

[@Chi_Vid1]

He was average. Didn't even make a 147. Ronnie O'Sullivan has made about 15 so far

[@paulowens6004]

@@Chi_Vid1 Excuse me but he actually made a 155

[@paleshelter4002]

@@Chi_Vid1 he was the Ronnie O'Sullivan at the time

[@marksmith1916]

I couldn't get into this guys eccentric play. Ronnie is the best.

[@mickharrison9004]

I bumped into Ray reardon on my holiday once in torquay years ago, walking along with his Mrs i shouted over the road hey Ray and he smiled and gave time to talk to us, a very good man a gentleman.

[@deathshead357]

In case anyone hasn't seen it, check out Alex Higgins and Jimmy White playing doubles at 9 ball pool in the Mosconi cup.

[@mistermusturd6402]

Never heard of the guy. A minute thirty in And I’m in tears.

[@jogolock1190]

Greatest ever player on a table, Snooker, Pool, Billiards.

[@p3rk1vs]

@@jogolock1190 he was great but far from the greatest lol hendry, o'sullivan, trump, john higgins, Davis just to name a few.

[@jogolock1190]

@@p3rk1vs Higgins in his prime was way ahead of all of them even Ronnie. Sadly he had issues we all know about.

[@jogolock1190]

@De Rekarts It doesn't take a rocket science to work that out, go discover

[@mpicewe3023]

@@p3rk1vs how can you leave out Minnesota fats?

[@theawfulgambler]

Met Alex at a poker club before he passed. Clearly wasn’t well, but was so cool to meet him. Went behind the bar and served himself so he didn’t have to wait for a drink 😂. RIP.

[@mpicewe3023]

Wow, that shows he was a very cool person as wanted to help the bartenders. I heard he was a man of the people. Very class move.

[@sjang816]

When he starts crying wanting to hold his baby after winning the world championship, man that made me want to cry

[@pauloliver1842]

i remember that my friend , and the time he wouldn't leave the ring....... he was loved just not by steve davis a the time

[@martyrobson4958]

Agreed mate; watched that match live as a wee boy living in Belfast Northern Ireland, Alex winning gave all the people of this wee country hope and the belief that we could do anything we wanted if we set our mind to it 🤔 absolute legend , RIP Alex Higgins and thank you sir for the amazing memories you have given me 👍

[@jamesmason9925]

Forget the baggage ... this man was unbelievable and had a snooker talent that will never ever be matched ... R.I.P. Alex! :)

[@anthonyaman1488]

Except by all the technically superior players who beat him?

[@anthonyaman1488]

@jason west I didn't watch at the time but all the archived footage I've seen supports my point.

[@donuttime2507]

@@anthonyaman1488 100% agree

[@markdrinkwater1508]

@@anthonyaman1488 But he beat all of those players more than once, Alex at his best was better than the others at their best, he played shots that no other would or could.

[@anthonyaman1488]

@@markdrinkwater1508 He did indeed beat Steve Davis more than once. 4 times in fact! Maybe my statement was swayed by the fact Davis beat him 23 times.

[@captpicard6894]

Alex Higgins was the reason I got interested in Snooker because of the way he played the game. I still love watching the game even now, so I thank Alex Higgins for giving me a lifelong love of Snooker.

[@jake7x7]

If only he had management back then to just steer him in the right direction things could have been so much different. It really struck me when his sisters said "He was very lonely , he had to travel to all these events by train by himself while the organisers got chauffeured". That just sums it up really. They used him for the viewership it brought to snooker but actually never cared enough for him as a person. RIP Alex Higgins.

[@GenGamesUniverse]

It's like I said in my comment that I posted a moment ago, that despite Higgins being his own worst enemy at times, I do think the WSC was wanting him out, hence why Barry Hearn created the "Matchroom Mob" (who even admitted that they had taken some of Alex Higgins' thunder).

[@ejayman]

Part of me thinks you can't tame wild horses like Alex

[@Luke_-_]

Yes that’s all well and good but he was an angry drunk but nice as punch sober, I like Higgins and admired his passion but with everyone just take it with a pinch of salt, maybe he didn’t mean the things he said but above all he said it and that’s that…sometimes you can help those that want help but with Alex it was different he didn’t like the help but cried out for it just no one was around to help him

[@finnmcginn9931]

@@ejayman I agree.

[@mpicewe3023]

Who can blame them? The guy was a complete maniac and apparently a violent unpredictable one which is the worst type.

[@patrickjm3487]

Very proud of Alex Higgins he only lived 4 miles from were I used to live and he was my hero great player)) Won a few pound on Alex’s matches He was a legend no one was ever as good as our Alex !! Lovely person who would do anything for ya if he could!! Rest in peace in heaven our Alex Gone but never ever forgotten)) Very proud of ya and being from Belfast just done it for me

[@mickharrison9004]

The fact that he went hustling on both the Shankill Road and falls road places says a lot, normally in them troubled times most people stayed in there own areas, because even being in the wrong place at the wrong time could get you in big trouble.

[@phillipbrown9153]

Alex was the reason snooker is alive and kicking today. Total nutcase, total genius and total legend. R.I.P hurricane, go easy on that table up there. 💓

[@PaddyIrishman]

Thoroughly enjoyable watch. Many good memories as a kid in the south of Ireland staying up late to watch Alex win the world championshps.

[@MrStacey1983]

Its nice to see the greatest Irish snooker player ever been shown on the rangers channel.

[@mikes6970]

Im in NZ and he was a childhood hero .... when i use to wag college and play snooker all day at the takapuna ,auckland snooker hall ... run then by nzs up and coming dean o'kane ... back in the day .. legend ...the hurricane higgins ...

[@Bigbaz86]

One of my heroes growing up in the 70s and 80s. He was loved in the 26 counties. A working man's man.

[@SavoPaddy]

He certainly did it his way. The most amazing clearances, the impossible situations, the pace, the buzz, the outrageous cuts, getting out of jail and leaving others in it, that's how best to remember him I think, sparks flying off him, that's what he was about.

[@martinpilfold4126]

What a legend of snooker I remember him at charity award he gave he's time and I got he's autograph great night with a great man R.I.P Alex Higgins.

[@elliothunter4224]

The man could have won many more championships had he kept his personal life in check. What a player.

[@kristalmacleod3215]

he played the game different BUT know this IF he were to be playing in 2days game he'd be hard pressed to BEAT a Top 16 Player ANDDDDDDDDDDDDDD he MIGHT Never have Won a WORLDS tItLE in 2DAYS GAME Yes GreaT player but You NEED to Score Huge he would lose on that alone plus he had anchor's booze- cig's take that away mmmmmmm HE IS IN tOUGH

[@hughmungus1235]

@@kristalmacleod3215 he saved snooker, no one cares about how he'd do this day

[@akaijones1237]

@@hughmungus1235 if Higgins hadn't come along the game as it is today wouldn't exist. If he'd grown up in this generation who knows what he could have achieved with his natural talent. Ignore anyone who thinks he wouldn't have coped because the closest player in todays game is O'Sullivan and he seems to be doing ok 😂😂

[@johnbuell8035]

@@kristalmacleod3215 shut up. And speak English.

[@mpicewe3023]

@@kristalmacleod3215 you sound like a bloody fool. He would have evolved like everybody else.

[@Albert_O_Balsam]

He was a personality, and above all an entertainer, and a great snooker player, in stark contrast to todays robots in the game. He had his demons, but he made snooker what it is today.

[@suzukisuzuki8176]

Michael Martin The Greatest Maverick of All Time

[@jaynestag95]

He was...Addiction is not the person as many in this world know... He draws you in to his world by his passion and quiet way...❤

[@TheWelwyn21]

I take it you haven't seen Ronnie O'Sullivan play then, or jimmy white

[@Albert_O_Balsam]

@@TheWelwyn21 never heard of them

[@burroughsw5058]

@@TheWelwyn21 he's alluding to lifestyle, cocaine, women, talent, alcoholism etc . Ronnie's an athlete and very clean living. To live how Alex did and still hit the pinnacle is mind blowing

[@steverobertson1072]

had the pleasure of meeting him in 1981, he was an absolute gent.

[@anddontcallmeshirley-]

Bullshit.

[@Yessnowwwww]

What was he like

[@Drew_the_Hud]

A fascinating man! I played his son at pool once in a Cheadle pub. As Jordan racked up he assured me he wasn’t very good - knowing who he was from school I said “I doubt it mate, I know who your Dad is”. He beat me by only one ball - I’ll take that :)

[@stewsretroreviews]

Remember when I was kid in the 80s, everyone wanted Alex to win and he definitely had something about him, great player.

[@ReboundzGaming]

My grandad worked in the europe hotel in killarney and met many famous people but alex use to stay every year and do exibitions in killarney and he got to know my grandad who he played a few rounds of snooker with and of course had a few drinks. He spoke very highly of him and he was an honest man according to my grandad. Dude was certainly the peoples champion

[@Jordi1872.]

My da had some stories as well about Higgy in the Europe belfast 🤣

[@jerryday9838]

I never heard of him before,he is so cool.with his hat cocked to the side. A snooker player.there ideally bordering. Glade I checked this video out.very stylish and flamboyant.may GOD bless. him.

[@amck72]

Alex Higgins was the most exciting player I ever saw when I was growing up. He did some stuff no other player could do.

[@eddiep100857]

One of the top men to come out of Belfast along with George Best R.I.P. you were both legends. Xx

[@trishfarrell770]

I remember watching Alex Higgins play in the 80’s with my Dad on TV. I never realised until today what happened to him! What an incredible shame, how sad to see the demise of such an incredible character and snooker player. RIP Hurricane Higgins what a legend and inspiration you have been.

[@bigknocker2264]

My mother once gave me a birthday card that I'm sure Alex would have liked: When you were born, they broke the mold. Then they beat the hell out of the mold-maker too. Thanks to all for the video. I really loved watching it, and wish I could have seen Alex play in person.

[@aps7785]

Brought tears in my eyes. Unpredictable person. Lots and lots of love from INDIA.

[@Henry99-07]

Alex ‘Hurricane’ Higgins is the best entertainer on a snooker table the game has ever seen. Along with his World Championship wins in 1972 and 1982 he was Masters Champion in 1978 and 1981 along with UK Champion in 1983. This makes him one of just eleven snooker players to have won all three of snooker’s Triple Crown events albeit never in the same season.

[@LazlosPlane]

I'm a Yank, new to snooker this past year, watching this video fighting back tears.

[@humanforfreedom9583]

Fair play. In Britain this man is a legend and has fans worldwide such as yourself. He had his demons but oh my god I have never seen another snooker or pool player drink 20 pints and still win the tournament!!!

[@LazlosPlane]

@@humanforfreedom9583 I am far from an expert but I think anyone can see that there is something EXTREMELY special and unique about this man. Often, people like this are driven to over-drink, or to drugs. But all that aside, no doubt, the man was touched by God.

[@mickharrison9004]

Well said freind over the pond, much appreciated over here for the legend.

[@andrewbailey2547]

Thanks to KZbin we are able to watch these legends. I was a kid but loved watching Alex and Jimmy. Good luck with your snooker, I was into darts and I got my 1st dartboard and in the instructions it said keep darts sharp matches are lost with blunt darts, I laughed and said to my mate as if I'd be playing in a match. Didn't make the big time but was good enough to play matches. You never know where you will end up. Keep watching learning and try the shots for yourself build your confidence and who knows.

[@LazlosPlane]

@@mickharrison9004 No need to thank me, though it is appreciated. My feelings were inside me wanting bursting to get out and be expressed. Some day, soon, I hope to actually visit the UK (I haven't been there in 25 years!!! How sad!!) Oh, and would that Fortune smile upon me to see some of the great players in person!!! I pray O'Sullivan is still playing by then.

[@kokmenglew8240]

A champion in his own right and the best ever to hold a cue! There is this thing called Character! He is a real character!

[@sonofwallacecoyb4744]

I remember staying at a hotel with a loyalist family were in the same time as me,a republican,and for hours we watched that world final and through sport we were united..I wont ever forget that

[@steveaustin6219]

Very interesting programme. This is where KZbin is a great source of information.

[@Ampex196]

I could never understand the negative reports in the press. On the few occasions that I met Alex while I was working behind a camera lens, he was always genuinely approachable. He did seem to enjoy recognition and indeed why should he not? There will never be another player of his like. It's often said that colour television popularised the game of snooker but Alex Higgins surely played a huge part!

[@finnmcginn9931]

Controversy and gossip sell, the press are mostly scum.

[@ukdavepianoman]

Growing up watching Pot Black, Alex "Hurricane" Higgins was the man who stirred my excitement in the sport of snooker - a genius, brilliant potter, unpredictable. Such a unique character. Very painful to see his final years.

[@TheLegenDacster]

Alex Higgins was a genuine Force of Nature. WOW. Massive kudos to Ray Reardon though. He is the throughly wonderful grandfather of snooker. Bless you Ray for your contribution to the sport and guiding other players. You will NEVER be forgotten Alex. I have one of your cues. Thanks for everything.

[@Alexander..........]

thanks Jordi 1872, my favourite player in the 80s, snooker was dying until alex higgins came along. RIP Mr Alex higgins

[@i.marr.6688]

All the stars of the game from the 70's -80's brings back great memories ,now I wouldn't know many of them. Alex put the game on the world stage

[@joenewman3705]

I met Alex in a snooker club in Hillsborough Sheffield 2006 top man charming had time for everyone shook hands and signed autographs and he approached me and asked do I want a game top bloke.

[@richardbayly8866]

Higgins and Maradona. Two sportsman who shared similar traits: A) They could do things that nobody else could. B) They had moments of brilliance but were not consistent. C) They were hugely devisive. D) They were flawed geniuses. RIP Alex.

[@hughmungus1235]

Lived his life and didn't take any shit. He's not my idol but he's an absolute legend. Rip Alex you'll never be forgotten.

[@mickharrison9004]

Little did John know this was the best break ever all things considered .

[@neilbrown6559]

When I was 8 years old wanna thank this man Alex Higgins who got me into Snooker. Barry Earn never Coached Alex Higgins. Alex was a player he brought snooker Alive. For me Alex Hurricane Higgins v the whirlwind Jimmy White. 1982 Semi Final. In That Year Tony Knowls knocked out Steve Davis 10 frames to 1. Alex had his Problems. One thing his shots the risk he takes on. Makes him a Peoples Champion. The Break 135 Final against Ray Reardon. was just Amazing. Nothing more amazing playing Jimmy White the break of 69 was just out standing. every shot was a presure shot. even today this break still stands out today. Going on KZbin watching Alex so sad that he is no longer with us The Confidence of that 1982 Semi Final for Alex to win the final. was pure Amazing.Bringing his Wife and Baby on stage. He played with his heart he played to win holding his baby the tears. Alex Higgins Playing Stephen Hendry wish I could trade places with him cause what your seeing is a future Champion. how right was Alex Higgins . Davis And Hendry 1990 the blue with the rest what a shot to take on. I look back on KZbin I watch Alex Higgins. he made Snooker Happen. Look at Ronnie o Sullivan what a amazing snooker player he is. Look at Jimmy White never won the world Championship. must hurt seeing Davis with 6 Hendry with 7 back to world number 1 Ronnie o Sullivan on for his 7th Alex Higgins with Two. world Championships. Even today must hurt Jimmy White With no World Championships to his Name.. Thank-You Alex What you Done For Snooker. You have brought a new Talent to the Game Xtintong Judd Trump Ronnie o Sullivan. you made these guys happen all because of you. One Thing that break of 69 won't ever ever be matched. Just Pure Amazing. THAT MOMENT BRINGING HIS DAUGHTER. ON IS A MEMORY THAT WILL NEVER GO AWAY.

[@michaelolson6982]

£400 to win his first world snooker championship.. The rest of the snooker players owe Alex Higgins a huge legacy for putting snooker on the map without Alex Higgins snooker would have died a death long ago.

[@stephengeasley4143]

Alex was one of the greatest players ever, r i p Alex.

[@oh8wingman]

I didn't start to watch snooker until about a year ago and it has become a fascination with me. Alex Higgins became one of my favourite players as time went by. He was not a prima donna as some are, but a good solid player who had his foibles in life. My favourite game of all was when he and Jimmy White played in the Mosconi cup, high as kites, and they beat the Americans soundly. Life was a lark at that time and Alex lived it to the fullest. I wish that I had found him sooner.

[@paulbowman1762]

Great to see this again after first seeing it years ago? Godbless ya Alex and what s beautiful person Lauren turned out to be....

[@PeteAxeShields]

" Legend " and " Working Class Hero " are two labels that belong to very few sportsmen who, against all odds, possess unique, exceptional skills and who can only be described as natural born geniuses - Two Belfast boys, George Best and Alex " Hurricane " Higgins stand above the rest in this regard as they completely transformed their respective sports with a level of showmanship never seen before. I still get goosebumps watching these two incredible artists at their brilliant best. R.I.P Alex and George and thank you both for sharing your amazing gifts.

[@stephenreeds3632]

Was Ray Reardon, Doug Mountjoy, Terry Griffiths, Willie Thorne, Steve Davis etc etc not working class? The first two had been miners and the third a postman....as far as I'm aware Higgins never had a job before snooker. Apparently, he rarely attended school. That's a Hero?

[@TheBelstone]

the most exciting player ever...there has never been anyone like Alex!

[@josiekaposie5783]

a drunk , a woman beater and a bigot

[@99thehighstreet69]

Funny throughout the years whenever I think about Alex Higgins or he's mentioned i always picture him hugging his baby girl. After that win...

[@chriswalford9228]

The golden days of sport where you had individual characters and not robotic machines and the result was exciting entertainment. Snooker, football, formula one , wrestling etc etc

[@silversliver1592]

I have not watched a documentary of some one in the sport i loved all my life and felt this emotional at the end, thanks for upload.

[@Broomehall]

Still one of the best tributes to Alex you'll ever see ..... and definitely one of the great Sporting documentaries, at the peak of his fame I was tasked with looking after him for the eveningvehen he opened, and was guest of honour at a well known nightclub my boss'es owned...... a nightmare, but I'll never forget it.

[@wboyle9721]

I only started watched snooker in 1970s because of this man rip Alex Higgins

[@tims46HD]

not sure how many times Ive watched this. what a bloke he was. the close up shots of him, especially at 32:37 are so iconic. a tragic story but his memory will live on forever

[@mpicewe3023]

Did the old guy talking just before that look like Jay Leno?

[@tedex8100]

Alex will never be forgotten. A true legend.

[@addictedtonothing23]

You cant forget someone you have never known

[@tedex8100]

@@addictedtonothing23 Good point,well made. However I knew Alex and even played him for a fiver,I lost.

[@addictedtonothing23]

@@tedex8100 This was referred to me. I thought this would be a docu. about john higgins xD

[@christopherfarrington9270]

@@tedex8100 sucker.

[@PTS82]

If O’Sullivan is snooker’s Mozart, Higgins was its Arthur Rimbaud. Hell-raising genius.

[@paulhayes3514]

Such a sad and moving story, he was a lot like George Best, in his prime, nobody could touch him, and such a handsome man, like the 6th Beatle? Tyfs! :)

[@chrisevans5259]

The hurricane played snooker from the heart.....a twitching blur of nervous energy and genius that was both captivating and mesmerizing.....erratically enthralling as he bludgeoned balls everywhere and anywhere, fizzing them across the baize.......this skinny Irishman with big hands orchestrated his wand of ash, ...with mastery as no ball was safe from his rampaging onslaught.......and everyone who witnessed his flawed brilliance,...knew he had a gift from the gods.....A.Higgins (rip)

[@simofyou]

I teared up when he was calling for his child..GReat man

[@shahidali11]

We all miss you His Highness Mr. Alex Higgins you made an incredible history of snooker.

[@nervo6321]

This whole documentary breaks me up.....Alex was so talented.....so highly strung.....so emotional.....and very brave to leave home as a very young man to take on the world and beat them....dont care what people say I hold him in the highest esteem...

[@Ampex196]

You've hit the nail squarely on the head. I worked with Alex a few times. He was always great company; he clearly enjoyed recognition (and why should he not?). His supreme talent was never in any doubt. There was always an obvious vulnerable side and a need to be liked. Alex was more than 'liked'; he was loved! Not once did I ever see a negative personality trait. He was a kind and gentle spirit. Very sadly missed!

[@mickharrison9004]

These were better times with better people, much more genuine than these days the good old days sadly consigned to the past.

[@beverley8987]

nothing matters more than family that's why it hurts some things must hurt that's what love is PS he was a great just like those before him no more to be said !!!

[@XinWongDigital]

What a legend. Mr Higgins is always the champion in my heart. R.I.P The hurrican.

[@Revelian1982]

This is so sad. I feel terrible for is friends and family. May he rest in peace.

[@christopherpatel4731]

Made me cry,,,Alex Higgins the people’s champion

[@limpet7r63]

Higgins and White played fast, creative snooker that was, and still is, an absolute pleasure to watch. Of top 16 today, only O'Sullivan has the same magic.

[@annmulqueen2253]

Before Alex Higgins came along, snooker was a sedate old man's game. Alex Higgins changed it into an exciting sport to watch!

[@alanmctavish4802]

@anne mulqueen well said anne. And so true, but it was going to get worse than that it was being axed as there was no money in it for any one till alex won it in 1972. Yet ye get alot of clowns making comments about his bad habits! They clowns wouldnt even know the game today if it wasnt for alex? What is it they dont get? If i have said it once a have said a million times. Even steve davis, parrot, white, hendry, up till todays players would be skint if it wasnt for alex as they wouldnt have got to play the game. The bbc were going to axe it in early 1970s. There was no money in it and no one wanted to watch it. Till 1972 when a man called alex higgins came on the scene

[@cjns5253]

Two time world champion Two time masters champion and 1 time UK champion (Great Snooker Player)

[@HappyDaysManchester]

I enjoyed watching that hurricane Higgins was my favourite snooker player when I was a young lad in the 80's & 90's in Scotland

[@Marjopolo302]

Alex Higgins made people take up a cue. I remember dressing up as him on a signed poster of him I got. I was about 8. Alex played shots that players now wudnt even contemplate. Gone but never forgotten. X

[@MedievalFolkDance]

An expert trick shot, exhibition player. A fan of the crowd, and the crowds were always fans. So much talent & skill in one man. God bless you, Alex!

[@tarakb7606]

RIP Alex. Thank you for many great memories. You are much missed.

[@dksand0135]

May He rest in peace..?? I started watching snooker during Stephen Hendrys time..Now I'm just learning about Alex Higgins seen him during the Mosconi cup but never thought anything.. Before my time..R.I.P..!!!

[@gwynmaverickjames6098]

My favorite player ever,the scenes with his wife and child when he won was beautiful,what a player what a character he was,the peoples champion RIP Alex never to be forgotten

[@yellowfolder]

It did show a glimpse of the caring Higgins when he won that final. The thing is, he beat his wife, cheated on her, and somehow felt the need to prove himself to her by winning the Worlds, like doing so would forgive all his violence and betrayal and make things okay again. In that moment, with tears pouring down his face, he was thinking only of himself and his redemption, as it's all he could manage. He didn't understand that it'd take more than a trophy to fix things, and invited an unwilling wife and child into his ceremony. Such a vile man, and waste of talent.

[@uncleambient]

Alex was THE man, and always will be.

[@ericpayne2949]

Sad the way he was left out in the cold one of the bravest players of his era not a yes man working class hero jimmy white and the rocket and hendry really no how great and vunrable he was god bless him brought a lot of people a lot of pleasure

[@douglaskay9959]

I played Alex in Colchester and he could hardly stand up he was pissed out of his mind, I waited over an hour for him to appear but I lost 2 out of three games I just don't know how he was able to play in the condition he was in.

[@novit5798]

Every generation should have one of the kind Alex was............words can´t explain the magic he radiated. A loner, a heroe, one of a kind. Love to you forever Alex !!!!.

[@FransBlaas1]

RIP Alex.... I had the honor to meet him at a Dutch Open, as I recall in Arnhem. He came late, actually disqualified, but was allowed to play. Due to the delay the referee planned to judge his game was already occupied at another game, so they asked me to be the referee.. just some months after having referee lessons by Jan Verhaas and passed... As referee I had a marker on these simple score rails.. Alex asked me every time when it was his turn what the score was and asked me several times to move further back complaining I was in his eyesight, though well left and behind him.. This was my first and last official job as a referee.... Even so I sure admired his game.. feel sorry he had to end like he did... Great tribute to a great player and man.....RIP..

[@tomratican6345]

played over Belfast and saw him one night in a club on the falls road really nice he was too and his family were lovely people

[@alanmctavish4802]

Tavy@ in the 1982 world semi final against jimmy white when jimmy was 59 points infront and only needed about 17 points to beat alex to get into the final. But that break alex pulled of under immense pressure is the best break i have ever seen to make it 16 each. There was about 6 shots that just made you thinck how did he manage that, and that long shot on the blue to then screw back of the cushion with left hand side was just genius. Then he took that long red right down into the top pocket. Brilliant, just brilliant. Rip alex and thancks.

[@stephenreie9847]

I know Steve Davis was a great player but when he was winning everything I couldn't stand him but Alex Higgins was a breathe of fresh air, the people's champion, what's weird is now that Davis doesn't play anymore I like him 😁

[@ivanriverooo]

Watching the beginning of the WC final I felt an apple in my throat. Absolutely loveable guy.

[@welshdragon2008]

A very sad demise, of a great man in his hayday!

[@leslievincent20]

What an excellent story, my Mum loved Alex and I can see why.

[@stevenwinton1194]

Alex revolutionised snooker his contribution is still here today and the future absolute genius

[@rabidrabbitshuggers]

His drunken press conference is one of the saddest things I have ever seen. That is a defeated man.

[@howardmckeown7187]

anyone can get drunk, especially in ireland

[@karendegenerous600]

YES. And No. It's so unfortunate, but is it really sad? This was Alex, this is me Alex that millions of people loved. Alex wouldn't have been Alex if he was not drunk some of the time and coming out with the truth, with no holds barred. With his leaving snooker table a very important part of it to light, along with many other degrading parts of establishments and even government at that time, which has progressed until today and will continue. And the question was he really defeated? or did he have the last word in deciding to quit, Snooker losing the fastest, most entertaining player that lived on British soil?. Alex change the game of snooker forever.

[@c_tatsu5525]

GODS DONT LOSE EASY

[@nathanwilliams2152]

In 1990, when that happened, he was breaking. He had lost the love of his life, he was being pursued by the Inland Revenue, his game was disintegrating and he could not cope with it. Hence the Dennis Taylor Incident and the punching of a WPBSA official on his way into the press conference. It was not the beginning of the end for him (that had been and gone by 1990) but that was when the currents really began to catch hold of him and drag him under.

[@garyconyers]

The most important and influential player since Davis. RIP to a great man!!

[@davidmellish3295]

Not since Davis as Alex came first

[@WESSERPARAQUAT]

Respect to Dennis , VERY VERY gracious under the circumstances , gentleman

[@a.lerner8468]

Average "players" practise and practice to achieve competence with aim to wins titles (MONEY), all they care about. Very rarely some are born with gifted talent, they play for the joy and pleasure of sharing their gift with the world... The aforementioned frustrate them because they can see that they are taking from the sport and not giving back... All true geniuses are flawed by their perspicacity leads to disapointment in the rest of us... here was a rare genius to whom playing FOR the people was more important than playing for himself... Snooker would still be resigned to dark, dingy, shady snooker clubs had it not been for the genius that was Alex "hurricane" Higgins... RIP The greatest of them all. He still brings a smile watching his "gift" which he shared for us all... how many others can claim THAT TITLE !

[@MrBEA68]

What a character... another world wasn't it? Back then. With champions like James Hunt and Barry Sheene, and then George Best. He lived up to his nickname, “the hurricane”. What a character. Sad isn't it that they didn't have that ability to look after themselves, none of them, but then again, would they have been there, reached as far if they had had that inner voice to slow down? Rest in peace.

[@d44ge]

Higgins was just independent, very much his own boss.

[@Paulco67]

The George Best of Snooker in so many ways… superb player

[@trisbaker363]

We will never see champions like Alex again, that world is gone.