The game of billiards originated in the 15th century. However, snooker is a younger invention. The game was first introduced in England in the late 19th century after it had been commenced by British army officers.

Snooker competitions date back to the early 20th century when Joe Davis, undoubtedly the best snooker player of the time, made a large contribution to establishing the first professional snooker world championship, and won its main prize. He continued to win all subsequent world championships until 1946. The prize that he donated many years ago is still presented to the world champion of snooker.

Modern Snooker

Modern snooker is immensely popular in the United Kingdom, next merely to soccer among television viewers. The governing body of the professional game of snooker is the Association of World Professional Snooker and Billiards, established in 1968 and based in Bristol, England.
The amateur game of snooker is governed by the International Snooker and Billiards Federation

Snooker Competitions
The most significant competition in professional snooker sport is the Embassy Snooker World Championship, held once a year since 1927 (excluding years from 1958 to 1963). Since 1977, the event has been consistently held in Sheffield, England at the Crucible Theatre.

However, owing to the fact that tobacco companies can no longer sponsor sporting events following 2005, the Embassy World Championship will be sponsored by other industries. This will result in World Championships change its regular venue in the nearest future.

The group of snooker competitions that come next in significance are the ranking competitions. Players in these snooker competitions are awarded world ranking points. Players with top rankings are granted qualification for subsequent year's competitions, an advantageous draw in snooker tournaments and invitations to invitational competitions.

Third in line of most prestigious snooker competitions are the invitational championships, to which the largest part of the top-ranked snooker players are invited. The most significant event in this line is Snooker the Masters.

Most notable players

Ronnie O'Sullivan, England ? winner of two Snooker World Championships; holds the record for fastest 147 break ever televised.

Stephen Hendry, Scotland -- winner of seven Snooker World Championships.

John Higgins, Scotland ? winner of one Snooker World Championship.

Mark Williams, Wales ? winner of two Snooker World Championships.

Steve Davis, England ? winner of six Snooker World Championships.

Joe Davis, England ? winner of fifteen Snooker World Championships.

Jimmy White, England -- runner-up in six Snooker World Championships

Alex Higgins, Northern Ireland ? winner of two Snooker World Championships.

Other remarkable players: Peter Ebdon (England), Ken Doherty (Republic of Ireland), John Pulman (England), Ray Reardon (Wales), John Spencer (England), Dennis Taylor (Northern Ireland), Cliff Thorburn (Canada).