Major honours
Northern Ireland has produced only two champions, yet left the biggest cultural mark in the sport's history with them. Alex Higgins became world champion at 22 in his very first professional season in 1972, then the youngest champion on record, and the tearful scene ten years later, after his second title in 1982, calling his wife and infant daughter to the table, became this sport's most replayed image. Nicknamed the Hurricane for his speed, improvised play and frequent controversies, he is credited with turning snooker from clubroom entertainment into a public spectacle. Dennis Taylor beat six-time champion Steve Davis 18-17 on the last black past midnight in the 1985 World Championship final, producing what remains British broadcasting's highest-rated moment, watched by an estimated 18.5 million people. Mark Allen and Jordan Brown have since carried the country's name at the Triple Crown events.
Record comparison
Bars are scaled to the strongest team in this list.
Club legends
Rivalry
The 1985 final between Dennis Taylor and England's Steve Davis is still cited as this sport's most iconic moment, a shared memory for fans of both countries alike.