Born in Anstey, Leicester in March of 1954, snooker was introduced into Willie's life from a young age. When his brother Malcolm asked for a 6ft x 3ft snooker table for Christmas, in true brotherly style, Willie started playing the game at every opportunity, quickly becoming obsessed. As he perfected his game, his parents were supportive of his passion; his mother bought him his first snooker cue when Willie turned 14, a cue he continued to use, with adaptations, throughout his entire career.
Honing his skills as a junior player, Thorne became national under-16 champion at both snooker and English billiards in 1970. Since then, Willie's snooker playing career became a certainty. In a career spanning three decades, Willie can now boast holding a total of 14 tournament victories worldwide.
"The Great WT", as he is affectionately known, was a regular in the Top 16 World Ranking players for well over a decade and is one of the top record breakers for the highest number of 147 breaks in the history of snooker (190), earning him his recognisable nickname "Mr Maximum". Willie has definitely established himself as one of the greatest characters of snooker for over 25 years.
For more information, call Champions (UK) plc on 08453 313031. Alternatively, get in touch online by following the link below.
'Mr. Maximum' is well known as a TV Celebrity with numerous appearances including Big Break, Noel's House Party, Question of Sport, They Think Its All Over, Through the Keyhole and his 2005 appearance on BBC 1's extremely popular celebrity dancing competition, Strictly Come Dancing. Willie is now a TV and radio commentator for all major snooker championships on networks such as Sky Sports, ITV and the BBC, which all maintain his household name.
Due to Willie's vast experience of TV appearances and presenting, combined with his instantly recognisable features, Mr Maximum has established himself as one of the UK's leading after dinner speakers, auctioneers, hosts, presenters and MC's.
Willie Thorne has few peers in British sport. Top class performers in any sporting discipline are a rare breed but few have the ability to be truly entertaining and hold an audience. A scarce commodity indeed which has ensured Willie is one of the nation's most popular sporting celebrities and one of the most popular speakers at events.
Now available through Champions (UK) plc for bookings, Willie brings his expertise, humorous personality and charisma to numerous occasions, entertaining guests throughout many events.
For more information, call Champions (UK) plc on 08453 313031. Alternatively, get in touch online by following the link below.
