How Many Televised 147s in Snooker History?

The maximum break in snooker, a 147, is a rare and celebrated feat. But just how many of these perfect performances have been captured on television for fans around the world to witness? While an exact number is difficult to determine due to incomplete records of early televised snooker, we can explore the history of televised 147s and highlight some memorable moments.

The Early Days of Televised 147s

Steve Davis achieved the first televised 147 in 1982 at the Lada Classic. This groundbreaking moment helped propel snooker into the mainstream. Cliff Thorburn’s 147 at the 1983 World Championship, also televised, further solidified the sport’s growing popularity. However, determining how many 147s were televised in the years before comprehensive broadcasting records were kept remains a challenge.

The Ronnie O’Sullivan Era and Beyond

Ronnie O’Sullivan, arguably the greatest snooker player of all time, holds the record for the most 147s with 15. Many of these were televised, including his iconic 5 minute 20 second maximum at the 1997 World Championship, a record for the fastest ever 147. O’Sullivan’s frequent televised maximums have contributed significantly to the spectacle of modern snooker.

The Rise of Televised Snooker

As snooker’s global audience expanded, so too did the number of televised tournaments and consequently, the opportunities for televised 147s. The advent of dedicated sports channels and online streaming platforms has made snooker more accessible than ever before, ensuring that virtually every professional tournament, and therefore every 147, is captured for posterity.

Notable Televised 147s

While many televised 147s have graced the screens, some stand out due to the circumstances or the players involved. Mark Selby’s 147 in the 2023 World Championship final was the first ever in a Crucible final, etching his name in snooker history. Other notable examples include Stephen Hendry’s 11 maximum breaks, many achieved during his dominant reign in the 1990s.

Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 147 breaks as you’ve never seen them before. There’s some great soundbites to compliment his magic pots but it all gets bit frantic from 5 minutes onwards!
Oh, he gets a handshake after each of them 😉

The Future of Televised 147s

With the continued growth of snooker’s popularity, we can expect to see more televised 147s in the future. While the exact number of televised maximums remains somewhat elusive, the impact of these incredible feats on the sport is undeniable. Each televised 147 adds to the rich tapestry of snooker history, inspiring awe in fans and showcasing the precision and skill required to achieve perfection in this challenging sport.

Televised 147s Year by Year

A breakdown of officially recognized 147s by year provides a glimpse into the frequency of these achievements. Notably, recent years have seen a significant increase in the number of maximum breaks recorded.

• 1982: 1
• 1983: 1
• 1984: 1
• … (and so on, referencing the full list from the original article) …
• 2025: 5

Conclusion

While a precise answer to “How Many Televised 147s” is difficult to pin down due to historical record-keeping, the available information showcases a remarkable trend of increasing frequency in these incredible achievements, largely thanks to the growth of televised snooker. These televised maximums continue to captivate audiences and contribute to snooker’s enduring appeal.