The snooker world is in mourning following the death of legendary player and broadcaster John Virgo at age 79. His passing leaves a massive void in the sport he championed for over 50years as both a top-tier professional and a beloved commentator.

It has been confirmed that the iconic "Voice of Snooker" died from a ruptured aorta. The medical emergency occurred unexpectedly at his home in Spain, where he had been living for several years, leading to his sudden and tragic passing earlier this week.

During his final hours, Virgo reportedly woke up at 2.30am in significant pain before being rushed to the hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, the severity of the aortic issue was too great, and he passed away shortly after arrival with his family nearby.

Virgo chose to leave the UK in 2020 to move to the Costa del Sol. He sought the warmer Mediterranean climate primarily to help manage the chronic pain resulting from a long-term neck injury that had plagued him throughout his later years in England.

His wife, Rosie Ries, described him as the "love of my life" in a tear-jerking tribute following his death. She expressed total shock at the loss, noting they were just days away from celebrating their 16th wedding anniversary.

His greatest professional triumph was winning the UK Championship in 1979. He famously overcame a two-frame penalty for arriving late to defeat Terry Griffiths in the final, though the match was never televised due to a BBC technicians' strike at the time.

For over 30 years, Virgo was the premier BBC commentator, famous for his catchphrase, "Where's the cue ball going?" His energetic style and expert analysis made him a household name, and he remained active in the booth until just weeks before his death.

Beyond the table, he gained massive fame co-hosting the hit show Big Break alongside Jim Davidson. The program combined snooker trick shots with a game show format, attracting millions of viewers and making Virgo one of the most recognisable faces in British entertainment.

Fellow legends like Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry expressed their shock at the news. O'Sullivan praised him as a "mate for life," while Hendry noted that nobody else could recreate the excitement of a snooker match quite like Virgo did.

Fittingly, Virgo's final moments on air took place during the 2026 Masters final in January. He worked in the commentary box just seventeen days before his passing, ensuring he spent his last professional days involved in the sport he truly loved.