A 2-year-old boy from Manchester has become the youngest person in history to achieve two official snooker world records, a feat that defies the physical and mental complexities of the sport and signals a potential new era for the game.
At just 2 years, 261 days old, Jude Owens from Manchester, England, was officially recognized by Guinness World Records as the youngest person to make a snooker double pot. This advanced shot requires potting two balls into two different pockets with a single strike of the cue ball, a task that challenges even seasoned professionals. Jude didn’t stop there; he then went on to become the youngest person to make a pool bank shot—hitting the cue ball off one or more rails before potting a ball—at the age of 2 years, 302 days.
Jude’s journey into the world of snooker began at the age of two and a half. His father, Luke Owens, described the moment it became clear his son possessed a natural gift. “I think I realised once he put the cue through his fingers and it was dead natural the way he did it,” Owens told Guinness World Records. This innate talent is remarkable for a child whose physical stature presents significant challenges when playing on a full-size adult table.
Despite his height, Jude has adapted creatively. “At first it was really difficult. We used to have to use bar stools from anywhere that we went,” Owens explained. The family eventually sourced a specific stool, originally for cooking, which Jude now uses to reach the table and execute his shots, a visual that underscores his determination and skill.
The implications of Jude’s achievements extend far beyond a few viral videos. In a sport known for its cerebral nature and demanding physical technique, his success at such a young age challenges conventional wisdom about development and learning. According to Guinness World Records, Jude has already mastered advanced techniques such as floating bridge shots and using the rest to make pots. This suggests a deep, intuitive understanding of geometry, physics, and ball control that typically takes years to develop.
The impact on the wider snooker community has been immediate and significant. Jude is not just a record-holder; he is the youngest-known person to secure a snooker sponsorship, a testament to the commercial and promotional value his story holds. He has also made a special walk-out appearance at the 2025 UK Snooker Championship, rubbing shoulders with legends of the game. Owens revealed that professionals like Jimmy White, John Parrott, and Kyren Wilson have all met Jude and admired his skills, signaling a broad acceptance and excitement within the sport’s upper echelons.
Looking ahead, the question on everyone’s mind is what this means for the future of snooker. Jude’s confidence is already evident. When asked who would win a match between him and his father, who began playing at age 10, Jude simply stated, “Me!” His father concurs, noting, “He doesn’t beat me at snooker at the moment, but I like to think he would in the next few years easily.” This prediction, once the stuff of fantasy, now seems plausible. The evidence Jude has already compiled suggests a trajectory toward professional competition, potentially making him the youngest professional in the sport’s history.
Beyond the table, Jude remains a typical toddler, with a devoted passion for English Premier League club Manchester United and an obsession with captain Bruno Fernandes. This grounding in mainstream sports culture makes him a relatable figure, bridging the gap between the traditional world of snooker and a new generation of fans. His story has the potential to attract a younger audience to the sport, ensuring its relevance for decades to come.
As Jude Owens continues to develop, his story serves as a powerful reminder of human potential. He has achieved quite a lot in such a short space of time, and the question is no longer if he will become a world champion, but when. With the foundation he has already built, the future of snooker may very well be in the hands of a two-year-old prodigy from Manchester.
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