I used to practise snooker while working in a pub and pouring punters terrible pints of lager, now I’m world champion
KYREN WILSON has enjoyed a meteoric rise from pulling pints to becoming snooker world champion.
The 32-year-old claimed the title at The Crucible earlier this month after beating Jak Jones 18-14 in the final.
Wilson also defeated Dominic Dale, Joe O’Connor, John Higgins and David Gilbert on his path to glory, with the World Snooker Championship his sixth ranking title win overall.
And, after his heroics in Sheffield, Wilson returned to Barratts Sports Bar in Northampton, where he used to practice in between shifts behind the bar.
Wilson gave a talk to patrons in which he apologised for “pouring all your terrible pints of lager”.
He added: “The club really helped me, helped me get back on my feet, it was good to do the practice sessions before the bar shifts and after the bar shifts.”
Wilson celebrated his world championship win in familiar settings – throwing a boozy afterparty after scooping the £500,000 jackpot.
During his emotional post-match speech Wilson dedicated his victory to his family.
Wilson said: “I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was six years old. I’ve got my six-year-old and nine-year-old here with me.
“Hopefully, it inspires the next generation that it don’t matter how many times you get knocked down it’s about how many times you keep getting back up.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
“Me and my family have had to work very hard for this moment, we’ve had a tough couple of s*** years.
“My dad’s there, my mum’s there – can you turn your flashlight off mum, please?!
“Lifting that beautiful Silver Lady in front of all my family, all of my friends, everyone that means the world to me.
“Everyone that’s helped me on this incredible journey. Listen, it means the absolute world to me.
“It still hasn’t sunk in… it probably will after another ten Peronis!”
Inside Luca Brecel's mad year since winning £500k
By Rob Maul
IF YOU became a world champion of your sport and pocketed £500,000 prize money, how exactly would you celebrate?
Maybe buy a nice car. Treat the missus. Go on a lavish holiday perhaps.
Well, Luca Brecel has done all of that and more – put simply, he’s had the time of his life over these past 12 months.
The Belgian Bullet was crowned King of Sheffield in May 2023 in remarkable fashion, despite no practice and having never won a match at the venue on previous visits.
Brecel immediately splash £250,000, half of his World Champs earnings, on a stunning red Ferrari 488 – which he admits he NEVER drives.
He has since lived the high life, exploring the globe with his girlfriend Laura, piling on the pounds with some fine dining and hangout out with an Arsenal star.
He even lost his Crucible-winning cue.
Find out more about Brecel’s incredible year…