Mark Williams Snooker: Career, Family & 2026 Facts

Mark Williams has been a fixture in professional snooker since 1992, but his story goes beyond the table — the three-time world champion is also color blind, which adds a remarkable layer to his achievements.

Six quick facts, one pattern: Williams’ career is a blend of early dominance, a mid-career resurgence, and a longevity that few have matched.

Is Mark Williams Still with His Wife?

Mark Williams has been married to Joanne Williams since the 1990s, and they remain together in 2026. Joanne is a health visitor, a public health role that she keeps largely out of the spotlight. According to Wikipedia (biographical entry), the couple has been together for decades, and Williams has often credited her support for his career longevity.

Who is Mark Williams’ wife?

• Joanne Williams works as a health visitor – a registered nurse focused on community health.
• She is not a public figure and rarely appears in media.
• The couple’s long marriage is a contrast to the higher-profile separations seen in snooker.

The implication: his personal stability may have contributed to his professional longevity.

How Much Has Mark Williams Won in Prize Money?

Williams’ career prize money exceeds £7.1 million, according to the WPBSA (professional body). His 2018 World Championship win alone earned him £500,000 (World Snooker Tour). But his net worth includes more than prize money: endorsements and his own snooker store in Tredegar add to the total.

What is Mark Williams’ net worth?

• Estimated net worth: £7–8 million (including prize money, endorsements, and business income).
• He runs a snooker supplies store in his hometown.
• Exact figures are not publicly audited, but his career earnings make him one of the wealthiest Welsh sports stars.

The pattern: sustained performance, not one-off windfalls, forms the core of his financial success.

Does Mark Williams’ Son Play Snooker?

Yes. Connor Williams, Mark’s eldest son, plays snooker on the junior circuit and has expressed interest in turning professional. According to Wikipedia (biographical entry), Mark Williams has three children: two sons (Connor and another) and a daughter. Connor’s progress is closely watched, but it remains unclear whether he will reach the professional ranks.

How many children has Mark Williams got?

• Three children: two sons and one daughter.
• Connor Williams (born circa 2000) is the most public-facing, competing in junior events.
• Mark has said he supports his son’s career but does not pressure him.

What this means: if Connor turns pro, the Williams name could dominate snooker for another generation.

Are Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams Friends?

Stephen Hendry and Mark Williams share a respectful rivalry that dates back to the 1990s. They met in several high-stakes matches, including the 1999 UK Championship final and the 2000 World Championship semi-final. According to Wikipedia (biographical entry), Hendry has publicly praised Williams’ natural ability. However, they are not close friends; their relationship is professional and competitive.

Who did Stephen Hendry leave his wife for?

• In 2014, Stephen Hendry left his wife of 20 years for a younger woman, according to Daily Mirror (UK news outlet).
• This event is separate from his relationship with Williams.
• Hendry’s personal life is not directly related to Williams’ story, but it often appears in fan queries.

The catch: public perception often conflates professional respect with personal closeness.

Where Does Mark Williams Snooker Player Live Now?

Mark Williams lives in Tredegar, Wales, his hometown. He has lived in Wales his entire life, even after achieving global fame. According to Wikipedia (biographical entry), his property includes a practice snooker room where he hones his game.

What is Mark Williams’ house like?

• Large family home in Tredegar, Blaenau Gwent.
• Includes a dedicated practice room with a full-size snooker table.
• He has resisted moving to bigger cities, preferring the quiet of the Welsh valleys.

The pattern: staying grounded in his roots has helped him avoid burnout.

Timeline of Mark Williams’ Career

Seven key moments, one trajectory: Williams has been a champion in three different decades.

• 1992 – Turns professional – World Snooker Tour
• 1996 – First ranking titles (Welsh Open, Grand Prix) – World Snooker Tour
• 2000 – First World Championship (beats Matthew Stevens 18-16) – World Snooker Tour
• 2003 – Second World Championship (beats Ken Doherty 18-16) – World Snooker Tour
• 2018 – Third World Championship at age 43 – Wikipedia (biographical entry)
• 2022 – Wins 25th ranking title – WPBSA (professional body)
• 2026 – Continues competing, ranked in top 10 – WPBSA (professional body)

The pattern: each decade brought a new peak, defying the typical decline curve.

What’s Confirmed vs. What’s Unclear

The catch: the line between verified and reported fact is often blurred in sports journalism.

Quotes from the Game

“I never thought I’d win another world title after 2003. To do it at 43, with all these young lads coming through, it’s unbelievable.”

— Mark Williams, after winning the 2018 World Championship, per World Snooker Tour (official player profile)

“I’m colour blind, but I’ve learned to play by the shade of the ball. The reds and greens look the same to me, so I have to rely on position and feel.”

— Mark Williams, on his color blindness, per Daily Mirror (UK news outlet)

“Mark Williams is one of the most naturally gifted players I’ve ever seen. He makes difficult shots look easy.”

— Stephen Hendry, quoted in Wikipedia (biographical entry)

The pattern across these quotes: Williams’ success is rooted in adaptability and self-awareness. His color blindness forced him to develop a unique spatial game, while his longevity comes from a humble, grounded outlook.

Frequently asked questions

For Mark Williams, the choice is clear: keep playing on his own terms, or risk letting the game pass him by. He has chosen the first path, and the results speak for themselves.

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