LONDON – Ronnie O’Sullivan, the snooker legend who’s been sinking balls and breaking hearts for decades, is packing his cue and leaving the UK for a new life in the Middle East. The bombshell dropped after his semi-final exit at the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, where he crashed out on May 2, 2025, ending a 19-year streak without a semi-final loss at the Crucible.
O’Sullivan, 49, didn’t mince words when he spoke to reporters post-match. He’s done with the UK, at least for now, and plans to uproot his life to the Middle East, though he hasn’t pinned down a specific country yet. The seven-time world champion, known for his blistering breaks and fiery demeanor, said he’s chasing “a new life somewhere else” while still aiming to compete in snooker. His announcement, made in a press conference after his 17-11 defeat to Stuart Bingham, sent shockwaves through the sport.
The move isn’t entirely out of left field. O’Sullivan inked a deal with Saudi Arabia’s snooker federation in April 2024, tying him to exhibitions and tournaments in the region. That agreement, announced by the Saudi Press Agency on April 26, 2024, locked him into a multi-year commitment to promote the game in the Kingdom, including mandatory appearances at Saudi-backed events. He’s already played in the Saudi Masters, a high-stakes tournament that’s part of the World Snooker Tour’s growing Middle Eastern footprint.
Details of his relocation are sparse. O’Sullivan hasn’t said whether he’s eyeing Saudi Arabia, the UAE, or elsewhere, only that he’s ready to “start fresh.” The UK’s taxman might be part of the push—high earners like O’Sullivan face steep levies, and the Middle East’s tax-free havens are a draw for athletes and celebs. But he’s keeping mum on the why, focusing instead on what’s next: a lighter snooker schedule and a new home base.
His departure marks a seismic shift for British snooker. O’Sullivan, born in Wordsley, West Midlands, has been the face of the game since he turned pro in 1992. With 41 ranking titles and a record seven Crucible crowns, he’s the sport’s biggest draw, a mercurial talent who’s battled demons—addiction, depression, and burnout—while staying atop the game. Fans at the Crucible were gutted, some whispering about his move as they filed out of the theater after his loss.
O’Sullivan’s Middle East pivot comes as snooker’s global map redraws itself. The sport’s power base, long rooted in the UK, is tilting toward Asia and the Gulf, with Saudi Arabia pumping millions into tournaments. The World Snooker Tour confirmed on March 1, 2025, that the Saudi Masters will return next season with a $2 million prize pot, dwarfing most UK events. O’Sullivan’s relocation could cement that shift, pulling the sport’s biggest name to its new epicenter.
For now, he’s staying tight-lipped about timelines. He told the BBC on May 3, 2025, he’ll move “this year” but hasn’t settled on a date or destination. His team issued no further statements, and his manager didn’t respond to inquiries. What’s clear is O’Sullivan’s resolve—he’s ready to trade Essex for deserts, rainy UK nights for sun-scorched days.
The snooker world is left reeling. O’Sullivan’s UK exit, announced May 2, 2025, follows his Saudi deal from April 26, 2024. He lost 17-11 to Stuart Bingham in the World Snooker Championship semi-finals on May 2, 2025. The Saudi Masters, set for 2026, carries a $2 million prize fund, per the World Snooker Tour’s March 1, 2025, statement.