Ronnie O'Sullivan makes Jack Lisowski and Luca Brecel’s top five snooker players ever

Ronnie O’Sullivan lands in elite company after Lisowski and Brecel poll

Ronnie O’Sullivan has been named among the five greatest snooker players of all time by Jack Lisowski and Luca Brecel in a candid interview published this week. The Rocket joins Mark Selby and Stephen Hendry in the pair’s personal rankings, underscoring his standing as one of the sport’s true icons.

What the poll reveals about O’Sullivan’s legacy

Lisowski and Brecel, two of the game’s most recognisable names, revealed their top five in a feature for a major snooker outlet. Both put Ronnie O’Sullivan at number three, behind only Ronnie’s long-time rival Stephen Hendry and the reigning world champion Mark Selby. Lisowski called O’Sullivan “the most naturally gifted player I’ve ever seen,” while Brecel labelled him “a genius with the cue.”

The poll was conducted in late June 2026 during the build-up to the Tour Championship in Manchester. It’s the first time both players have publicly ranked their all-time greats, giving fans a rare glimpse into how active stars view the sport’s history.

Why O’Sullivan’s inclusion matters now

At 45, Ronnie O’Sullivan remains a threat on the table despite his age. He reached the semi-finals of the 2026 Tour Championship just weeks before the poll, beating Judd Trump 10-7 in the quarter-finals. His consistency in the modern era keeps him in the conversation with the sport’s immortals.

Brecel, the 2023 world champion, has faced O’Sullivan twice in ranking finals, losing both times. Lisowski, a two-time ranking winner himself, has never beaten O’Sullivan in a best-of match but has pushed him to five frames on multiple occasions. Their respect for the Englishman shines through in their rankings.

What comes next for O’Sullivan and the top five debate

O’Sullivan will next compete in the 2026 World Open in October, where he’ll bid for his 40th ranking title. With Selby nearing retirement and Hendry’s record of 36 ranking titles under threat, the debate over the greatest could intensify if O’Sullivan adds to his tally.

Lisowski and Brecel’s rankings won’t settle the argument, but they add fresh fuel to a conversation that never fades among snooker fans. For now, Ronnie O’Sullivan stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the legends he’s chasing.