Nick Pearce, a former professional snooker player, has reignited his passion for the game over 50 years after first picking up a cue. Now 59 and based in Cheltenham, Pearce’s journey in snooker began as a British junior championship finalist and included appearances on Junior Pot Black, where he once faced seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry.
Between 1992 and 2003, Pearce competed on the professional snooker tour, achieving a world ranking peak of 57 and reaching the semi-finals of the 1996 International Open. His career highlights feature memorable victories over top players, including Ronnie O’Sullivan at the Grand Prix. However, a loss of form and a back injury eventually led to him losing his professional tour card.
Beyond snooker, Pearce’s diverse career path has taken him into fashion modeling and acting, with a notable role in the television series Doctor Who. He also helped run Gloucester’s Westgate club alongside his late father, John, mentoring future professionals like Robert Milkins and Jack Lisowski.
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After a long hiatus from competitive play, Pearce’s motivation to return to snooker was sparked by the passing of his parents. While clearing out their home, finding old trophies and clippings felt like a call back to the sport. He swiftly won the Over-55s English title in 2024 but struggled to find regular playing venues. Then, a timely phone call from an old friend, Andy Dix, led to the building of a dedicated snooker room near Pearce’s home.
Since gaining access to this facility, Pearce has practiced intensively—up to five hours a day—and coached Dix, who recently notched his first century break. The renewed support and environment motivated Pearce to reclaim the English Over-55s title in 2026.
Looking ahead, Pearce will captain England at the Home Internationals in Leeds and compete in the first-ever European Over-55s Championship in Sofia, Bulgaria. Recognizing the financial challenges of competing at this level, especially while balancing responsibilities as a carer for his teenage son, Pearce has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his aspirations.
Pearce remains open to ambitious goals, including a possible return to professional snooker through Q School, despite nearing 60. With a mindset rooted in determination and continual improvement, he is eager to take on this new chapter, embodying the spirit that has driven him throughout his snooker career.