Ray Reardon Net Worth: From Amateur Prodigy to World Champion

Ray Reardon estimated net worth is approximately $5 million to $10 million. While this figure may seem modest when compared to modern snooker stars like Ronnie O’Sullivan, it’s important to remember that the sport has grown significantly in terms of both popularity and prize money since Reardon’s time. For instance, in 1978, the winner of the World Championship earned just £7,000, while today’s champion takes home a multi-million-pound prize.

Who is Ray Reardon

Raymond Reardon MBE (8 October 1932 – 19 July 2024) was a Welsh professional snooker player who dominated the sport in the 1970s, winning the World Snooker Championship six times and claiming more than a dozen other professional titles. Due to his dark widow’s peak and prominent eye teeth, he was nicknamed “Dracula”.

Ray Reardon Early Life 

Born on October 8, 1932, in Tredegar, Wales, Ray Reardon began playing snooker in his teens. His early career saw him gradually rise through the ranks, but it wasn’t until the 1970s that he truly hit his stride. Reardon won his first World Championship in 1970, and he would go on to win a total of six World titles, making him one of the most successful players in the history of the sport. His consistent success, combined with his sharp tactical play, earned him the nickname “Dracula” due to his ability to “suck the life” out of his opponents’ games.

Ray Reardon Amateur Snooker Career

In 1949, Reardon won the News of the World Amateur title and was awarded an ash cue stick, presented to him by 15-time world snooker champion, Joe Davis. Reardon used this cue for almost 30 years until it came apart shortly after the 1978 World Championship final. He reached the final of the 1949–50 under-19 Junior championship, losing 2–3 to Jack Carney.Reardon first won the Welsh Amateur Championship in 1950, defeating the defending champion John Ford 5–3 in the final,and he retained the title every year until 1955.He reached the final of the 1956 English Amateur Championship, where he led Tommy Gordon 7–3 after the first day, but lost the tip from his cue early on the second day and was defeated 9–11.

Ray Reardon Professional Career

Six Times World Snooker Champion

That victory in 1964 led to an invitation to tour South Africa with Jonathan Barron, which proved so successful that Reardon was offered the opportunity to return and tour again as a professional. He returned there after having resigned from the police force and turned professional in 1967. When he played Jimmy van Rensberg in the South African Challenge, Reardon won the best-of-three matches event 2–1. Reardon’s first appearance at the World Snooker Championship was in 1969 in a quarter-final against Fred Davis in Stoke-on-Trent. The match featured lengthy tactical exchanges between the players, resulting in some of the longest sessions ever recorded in World Championship play. Neither player was ahead by more than two frames until Reardon won the 27th frame to lead 15–12, after which Davis won six frames in a row. The best-of-49-frames match went to a deciding frame, which Davis won. In July 1969, the BBC began broadcasting Pot Black, a competition of one-frame matches which became popular with viewers and enhanced the profile and earning power of the participants. Reardon won the first series by defeating Spencer 88–29 in the one-frame final.

Ray Reardon Retirement & Death

Reardon played his last competitive ranking match in the second round of qualifying for the 1991 World Championship, where he was defeated 5–10 by Jason Prince, losing three frames on the final black. Afterwards, Reardon said that he felt “no bitterness” but that he would not be returning. Aged 58 and having slipped to 127th in the provisional rankings, Reardon halted his playing career, mentioning that he had not entered any tournaments for the following season because the qualifying event dates clashed with his exhibition commitments on the holiday camp circuit, but adding that “even if it were feasible, [he] wouldn’t play” except in invitation or seniors events. He later played in the 2000 World Seniors Masters where he lost his opening one-frame match 46–69 to Miles.He advised Ronnie O’Sullivan on the way to his 2004 World Championship victory, giving him psychological and tactical help.

Reardon died of cancer on 19 July 2024, at the age of 91.Three-time world champion Mark Williams led tributes to his fellow Welshman, describing Reardon as “one of the best sportspeople ever from Wales and the best snooker player.

FAQs

What is Ray Reardon’s net worth?
Ray Reardon’s estimated net worth was between $5 million and $10 million, a modest figure compared to modern snooker players due to the lower prize money during his era.

How many World Snooker Championships did Ray Reardon win?
Reardon won the World Snooker Championship six times, establishing himself as one of the sport’s greatest players.

Why was Ray Reardon called “Dracula”?
He earned the nickname “Dracula” because of his widow’s peak hairstyle and sharp tactical ability to dominate games, metaphorically “sucking the life” out of opponents.

When did Ray Reardon retire?
Reardon retired in 1991 after a career spanning decades.

What role did Ray Reardon play in Ronnie O’Sullivan’s career?
Reardon mentored Ronnie O’Sullivan during his successful 2004 World Championship campaign, providing psychological and tactical advice.

Conclusion

Ray Reardon was a snooker legend whose tactical mastery and consistency set benchmarks for future generations. His six World Championship titles and contribution to the game earned him lasting respect. While his era lacked the financial rewards of today, his impact on snooker remains immeasurable. His passing in 2024 marked the end of an era, leaving behind a rich legacy celebrated by fans and players alike.