At 51, Mark Williams is still going deep in ranking events. In September 2026 he reached the English Open final in Brentwood, the oldest player to contest a ranking final in England since 1986, before Ali Carter came from 5–3 down to win 9–6. A year earlier Williams had become snooker's oldest ranking-event winner.
Three world titles, a Triple Crown season and a famously relaxed outlook: here's the Welsh Potting Machine's story, plus our snooker collection.
Mark Williams Fact File
| Full name | Mark James Williams |
| Date of birth | 21 March 1975 (age 51) |
| Place of birth | Cwm, near Ebbw Vale, Wales |
| Event | Professional snooker |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Current status | Active professional, world No. 8 (September 2026) |
| Turned professional | 1992 |
| Nickname | The Welsh Potting Machine |
Career History
| Event | Titles | Years |
|---|---|---|
| World Championship | 3 | 2000, 2003, 2018 |
| UK Championship | 2 | 1999, 2002 |
| The Masters | 2 | 1998, 2003 |
| All ranking titles | 27 | 1996–2025 |
Ranking titles exclude minor-ranking and invitational events. He has also made more than 700 competitive century breaks and three maximums.
Early Years in the Valleys
Williams grew up in Cwm, a mining village near Ebbw Vale, and showed a natural cueing talent from a young age. He turned professional in 1992 and won his first ranking title at the 1996 Welsh Open.
In 1998 he beat Stephen Hendry 10–9 in a dramatic Masters final decided on a re-spotted black, announcing himself as a genuine contender.
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World Champion and the Triple Crown
Williams won the UK Championship in 1999 and the World Championship in 2000, beating fellow Welshman Matthew Stevens 18–16, and became world number one. In 2002–03 he did something only a handful of players have managed: he won the UK Championship, the Masters and the World Championship in the same season, beating Ken Doherty 18–16 in the Crucible final.
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2018: The Naked Press Conference
After a dip in form, Williams rebuilt his game and returned to the Crucible final in 2018, beating John Higgins 18–16 at the age of 43. He had promised to do his post-match press conference naked if he won, and kept his word, with only a towel for modesty.
Layer up for the Crucible in our Mark Williams Men's Hoodie.
Breaking Records in His Fifties
In 2025, at 50, Williams became the oldest player to reach a World Championship final, losing to Zhao Xintong. That October he thrashed Shaun Murphy 10–3 to win the Xi'an Grand Prix and break Ray Reardon's record as the oldest ranking-event winner. He is the first player to win professional titles in his teens, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.
Honours
Triple Crown
- World Champion: 2000, 2003, 2018
- UK Champion: 1999, 2002
- Masters Champion: 1998, 2003
Records
- Triple Crown in a single season: 2002–03
- Oldest ranking-event winner: 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix, aged 50
- Oldest World Championship finalist: 2025
- Maximum break at the Crucible: 2005
Other Honours
- World number one: 2000–02, 2003–04, 2011
- MBE: 2004
Away From the Game
Williams is known for his laid-back humour and lively social media presence, which have made him one of the most popular players on the tour. He was awarded an MBE in the 2004 Birthday Honours and has won more than £8 million in prize money across a professional career that began in 1992.
FAQs
How old is Mark Williams?
Mark Williams was born on 21 March 1975, so he is 51 years old.
Where was Mark Williams born?
He was born in Cwm, near Ebbw Vale, in South Wales.
How many world titles has Mark Williams won?
Three: 2000, 2003 and 2018, each time winning the final 18–16.
Has Mark Williams won the Triple Crown?
Yes. He won the UK Championship, Masters and World Championship in the 2002–03 season.
Who is the oldest snooker ranking-event winner?
Mark Williams, who won the 2025 Xi'an Grand Prix aged 50 years and 206 days, breaking Ray Reardon's record.
Did Mark Williams do a press conference naked?
Yes. After winning the 2018 World Championship he honoured a promise to hold his press conference naked, wearing only a towel.
Shop the Mark Williams Collection
Rack 'em up with our Mark Williams range.
Browse more cue legends in our snooker collection. Want your own name on the back instead? Try our custom name hoodie.
Part of our Player Profiles series. Read next: John Higgins Career Story and Ronnie O'Sullivan Career Story.
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