John Higgins Net Worth 2026: How Much is the ‘Wizard of Wishaw’ Worth?
On a cold January evening at Alexandra Palace, John Higgins once again proved why he remains a titan of the baize. Walking away with £140,000 as the runner-up of the 2026 Masters, the Scotsman demonstrated that even after three decades on the tour, his earning power is as potent as ever.
For snooker fans and financial observers alike, the “Wizard of Wishaw” presents a fascinating case study in longevity. Unlike modern players who might flash in the pan for a season or two, Higgins has maintained an elite income stream since turning professional in 1992. But how much of that prize money has been retained, and what does his financial portfolio look like today?
This analysis breaks down John Higgins’ net worth as of January 2026, dissecting his recent £830,000+ season, his £10 million career earnings milestone, and the diversified assets that secure his future beyond the green table.
What is John Higgins’ Net Worth in 2026?
As of January 2026, John Higgins has an estimated net worth of approximately £8.8 million.
This figure is distinct from his total career winnings. While he has banked over £10.5 million in official tournament prize money, net worth calculations must account for the substantial costs of a 33-year career. Taxes, management fees, travel expenses, and lifestyle costs significantly reduce the “gross” figure. However, smart investments in property and consistent exhibition fees have allowed him to retain a vast portion of his wealth.
Estimated Net Worth vs. Total Career Prize Money
It is crucial to understand the difference between what Higgins has won and what he owns.
- Total Official Prize Money: £10,540,000+ (Verified by WST Official Money List]
- Estimated Net Worth: £8,800,000
- Annual Earnings (2025/26 Season): £836,850 (projected)
The “Class of ’92″—comprising Higgins, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and Mark Williams, has seen prize money inflate drastically over the decades. When Higgins won his first World Championship in 1998, the top prize was £220,000. Today, that same title is worth £500,000. Higgins has successfully bridged these two eras, earning substantial sums in both the “tobacco sponsorship” days and the modern Barry Hearn era.
Recent Earnings: The 2025/26 Snooker Season Impact
The 2025/2026 season has been a financial renaissance for the Scot. After a period where critics questioned his ability to close out matches, he silenced doubters with significant wins.
The table below details his confirmed earnings from major events over the last 12 months, highlighting why his net worth has seen a sharp uptick recently.
| Tournament | Result | Prize Money (£) | Date |
| The Masters 2026 | Runner-up | £140,000 | Jan 2026 |
| Tour Championship 2025 | Winner | £150,000 | Apr 2025 |
| World Open 2025 | Winner | £170,000 | Mar 2025 |
| World Championship 2025 | Quarter-Final | £50,000 | May 2025 |
| Total Major Impact | £510,000 |
(Source: Data cross-referenced via CueTracker and World Snooker Tour reports)
This recent influx of over half a million pounds in just four major appearances proves that Higgins is not merely “hanging on” to his tour card, he remains a premier earner in the sport.
Career Prize Money Breakdown: From Wishaw to the World Stage
John Higgins’ wealth is built on a foundation of consistency that few in the history of sport can match. Ranking third on the all-time list of ranking event winners (33 titles), his career earnings are a testament to his durability.
Triple Crown Dominance: World, UK, and Masters Titles
The “Triple Crown” events, The World Championship, UK Championship, and The Masters, are the holy grail of snooker, both for prestige and purse size. Higgins has won 9 Triple Crown titles, a feat that forms the backbone of his financial success.
The World Championship (Crucible Theatre):
Higgins is a four-time World Champion (1998, 2007, 2009, 2011).
- 1998 Win: £220,000
- 2011 Win: £250,000
- Runner-up finishes: He famously reached three consecutive finals between 2017 and 2019. While he lost all three, the consolation was lucrative, netting him £200,000 for each final appearance. This £600,000 injection over three years kept his earnings sky-high even without lifting the trophy.
The UK Championship & The Masters:
His success at the UK Championship (3 wins) and the Masters (2 wins) adds another layer to his wealth. Even his recent 2026 Masters run to the final added £140,000 to his ledger.
Expert Insight: Many fans overlook the “guaranteed” income of top-16 players. By consistently remaining in the top 16 of the world rankings for nearly 30 years, Higgins avoids the unpaid qualifying rounds that lower-ranked players endure. He is seeded directly into the lucrative TV stages, guaranteeing a minimum payout just for showing up.
Century Milestone Bonus: The Value of 1,055+ Tons
On January 18, 2026, statistics verified that Higgins had surpassed 1,055 career centuries. While there is no direct “per century” payout from the WST, this metric is vital for his exhibition value.
Being one of only two active players (alongside O’Sullivan) with over 1,000 centuries allows Higgins to command premium appearance fees. Clubs and promoters in the UK and China pay specifically to see these heavy scorers. Furthermore, the High Break Prize at tournaments, often ranging from £5,000 to £15,000, adds up. Over a 30-year career, accumulating hundreds of high-break bonuses has likely added an estimated £300,000 to £500,000 to his total gross earnings.
Beyond the Baize: John Higgins’ Business Interests and Assets
Smart athletes know that prize money can dry up, but assets generate equity. John Higgins has always maintained a low profile regarding his private life, but public records provide insight into how he manages his wealth.
Property Portfolio and Company Directorships
Unlike some of his peers who may splash cash on fleets of supercars, Higgins has taken a more conservative, traditional route to wealth preservation: property and limited companies.
According to filings with Companies House, Higgins has been associated with entities such as John Higgins (Snooker) Limited. These structures are commonly used by sports professionals to handle “image rights” and endorsement income tax-efficiently. Instead of paying income tax on every tournament check immediately, the revenue is funneled into the company, where it can be invested or drawn as dividends.
He resides in a substantial gated property in Bothwell, an affluent suburb of Glasgow often home to footballers and business leaders. The value of property in this area has appreciated significantly since he purchased his home, adding a solid “brick and mortar” layer to his net worth.
Sponsorships and Endorsement Deals
Higgins has never been the “flashy” marketer that Ronnie O’Sullivan is, but he is a corporate dream: reliable, professional, and drama-free.
- Patch Sponsorships: Throughout the 2025/26 season, Higgins’ waistcoat has featured logos from various betting and logistics partners. These “patch deals” can range from £10,000 to £50,000 per tournament depending on TV exposure. Reaching the final of the Masters 2026, with millions watching on the BBC and Eurosport, would have triggered significant bonus clauses in these contracts.
- Equipment: His association with cue manufacturers and chalk brands provides a steady, passive royalty stream. As a revered technician of the game, equipment endorsed by Higgins carries weight with amateur players.
How Does Higgins’ Wealth Compare to the “Class of ’92”?
To understand the scale of John Higgins’ net worth, we must contextualize it against his lifelong rivals. The “Class of ’92” has monopolized the sport’s money for three decades.
Higgins vs. Ronnie O’Sullivan vs. Mark Williams
| Player | Est. Net Worth | Career Prize Money | Business Focus |
| Ronnie O’Sullivan | £14m – £16m | £14m+ | Global Brand, Publishing, Academies |
| John Higgins | £8.8m | £10.5m+ | Property, Local Investments |
| Mark Williams | £6m – £7m | £7.8m+ | Snooker Club Ownership, Exhibitions |
(Estimates based on 2026 market data and historical earnings)
While O’Sullivan leads the pack due to his global celebrity status and higher volume of Triple Crown wins, Higgins sits comfortably in second place. He has earned significantly more than Mark Williams, largely due to his four World Titles compared to Williams’ three, and a higher consistency in reaching finals during the lucrative 2010-2020 era.
The Future of the Wizard: Retirement and Exhibition Income
Is the 2026 season the beginning of the end for John Higgins? He has hinted at retirement frequently over the last two years, citing the mental fatigue of the tour. However, his financial future looks secure regardless of when he hangs up his cue.
Is the 2026 Season His Last Big Payday?
Even if Higgins stops competing in ranking tournaments, his income will not hit zero. In fact, he may enter a “semi-retirement” phase that is even more profitable per hour played.
The Asian Exhibition Circuit has exploded in value. In China, legends like Higgins are treated with reverence. An exhibition tour in cities like Shanghai or Beijing can command fees of £15,000 to £20,000 per night for a series of friendly frames and autograph signings.
For a player of his stature, playing 20 nights of exhibitions a year could yield £300,000 to £400,000 annually—matching a top-10 ranking performance without the stress of qualifying matches or rigorous practice schedules.
Conclusion
John Higgins stands as one of the most financially successful athletes in British sport history. His estimated net worth of £8.8 million in 2026 is the result of relentless consistency, four World Championships, and a refusal to fade away.
His performance at the 2026 Masters, pocketing £140,000 at the age of 50, proves that his earning window is far from closed. While he may not have the global merchandising empire of Ronnie O’Sullivan, Higgins has maximized his on-table earnings and protected his wealth through astute local investments.
As the 2025/26 season heads toward the World Championship at the Crucible, every frame Higgins wins adds to a legacy that is as rich in pounds sterling as it is in silverware.
FAQs
How much did John Higgins win at the 2026 Masters?
John Higgins won £140,000 for finishing as the runner-up at the 2026 Masters. He was defeated in the final but secured the substantial second-place prize.
What is John Higgins’ total career prize money?
As of January 2026, John Higgins’ official total career prize money exceeds £10.5 million, placing him third on the all-time list behind Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Is John Higgins richer than Ronnie O’Sullivan?
No. Ronnie O’Sullivan has a higher estimated net worth (approx. £15m) due to higher career winnings and more extensive global sponsorship deals. However, Higgins is the second-highest earner from their era.
How many ranking titles has John Higgins won?
Higgins has won 31 ranking titles. He also holds prestigious invitational titles, including two Masters crowns.
Does John Higgins own any businesses in Scotland?
Yes. Higgins has invested in property and manages his earnings through limited companies registered in Scotland. He has previously been involved in snooker club ventures and property development near his home in Motherwell/Bothwell.
How many 147 breaks has John Higgins made?
John Higgins has made 13 maximum breaks (147s) in professional competition, the second-highest number in history, trailing only Ronnie O’Sullivan.
Who is John Higgins’ wife and does she help manage his wealth?
John Higgins is married to Denise Higgins. They have been together since before his professional career began. While she tends to stay out of the media spotlight, she has been a constant support throughout his career, helping to manage the logistics of his travel and family life, which is integral to his sustained success.
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