The Sheriff Hangs Up His Badge: Anthony Hamilton Retires After 34 Epic Years in Snooker
Anthony Hamilton has officially retired from professional snooker, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 34-year journey on the World Snooker Tour (WST). His run, which began in 1991, came to an end following a loss to Germany’s Umut Dikme during the second event of the 2025 Q School in Leicester.
Known affectionately as “The Sheriff of Pottingham,” Hamilton’s career saw him reach several ranking event finals and break into the world’s top 16, cementing his status as one of the sport’s enduring figures. Despite his achievements, Hamilton admitted that the latter stages of his career had become a grind.
In an interview with Metro, he reflected on the emotions of his final match: “It felt strange playing there, knowing these could be your last couple of matches. I felt weird. But I’m not going to miss it because the last few years have not been that enjoyable.”
Hamilton described an unusual relationship with the game—one where detachment, not obsession, brought out his best performances. “When I was at my best, I never really thought about snooker,” he said. “I was more interested in everything else in life.”
Now 53, Hamilton says he has rediscovered his love for the game as a fan rather than a competitor. “I’m back to watching it and loving it again. I’m excited to see what’s next.”
Hamilton retires not just as a seasoned pro but as a character who left a distinct mark on the sport.
