Former Snooker World Champion, Pundit & Television Personality

John Parrott MBE is a former World Snooker Champion, respected broadcaster and one of England’s most accomplished cue sports players. Best known for completing the prestigious World Championship and UK Championship double in 1991, John established himself as one of the finest and most consistent players of his generation. Throughout a distinguished professional career, he won nine ranking titles and remained among the world’s elite for well over a decade. Following his retirement, John successfully transitioned into broadcasting and public speaking, making him a highly sought after keynote and after dinner speaker on leadership, resilience, performing under pressure and sustained success.

John turned professional in 1983 and announced himself on the major stage by defeating Alex Higgins at the 1984 Classic before reaching the semi finals. His steady rise culminated in 1991 when he defeated Jimmy White to win the World Snooker Championship before adding the UK Championship later that same year, becoming one of only a select group of players to complete the double in a single season. Across his career, John won nine ranking tournaments and compiled 221 competitive century breaks while spending 14 consecutive seasons inside the world’s top 16, including 11 seasons ranked within the top six. After retiring from professional competition in 2010, he became a respected television commentator and presenter, covering snooker and horse racing for the BBC while also appearing as a popular television personality.

John’s achievements have earned lasting recognition within the sport. His World Championship victory and nine ranking titles place him among England’s most successful players, while his consistency across more than a decade established him as one of snooker’s leading competitors. Away from the table, he became widely recognised through his role as team captain on A Question of Sport and his expert analysis across BBC television and radio. In 2020, he was appointed MBE for services to snooker and charity, recognising both his sporting success and wider contribution to the community.

Today, John is an engaging keynote speaker whose humour, warmth and storytelling make him a favourite with corporate and sporting audiences. His presentations explore resilience, consistency, decision making under pressure and maintaining elite performance over the long term. Combining fascinating behind the scenes stories from professional snooker with practical business lessons, John delivers memorable keynote speeches, after dinner talks and question and answer sessions that both entertain and inspire.

Why Hire John Parrott?

John Parrott is hired for his outstanding achievements as a World Champion, broadcaster and one of snooker’s most respected personalities. His keynote presentations combine memorable stories from the biggest stages in the sport with practical lessons on resilience, consistency, preparation and performing under pressure. Drawing on decades of elite competition and broadcasting experience, John delivers engaging, humorous and insightful presentations that resonate with audiences from every sector. His professionalism and approachable personality make him an exceptional keynote and after dinner speaker.