Paul Scholes admits to feeling 'giddy' after watching 'genius' Ronnie O'Sullivan tableside at Crucible

Seven-times world snooker champion O’Sullivan has a worldwide legion of fans, some of which are high-profile celebrities and sportspeople.

A few years ago, O’Sullivan teamed up with childhood friend David Beckham and his production team to film ‘The Edge of Everything’ documentary on Amazon Prime, and two summers ago he was invited to tennis superstar Novak Djokovic’s private box to watch the Serbian history-maker play at Wimbledon.

And the record 41-time ranking event winner has another household name fan in Scholes, who won 11 Premier League and two Champions League titles with United.

Crucible trip is ‘one of the best things’ Scholes has ever done

Talking on the The Good, The Bad & The Football Podcast which is presented by Paddy McGuinness, 51-year-old Scholes - who was capped 61 times for his country between 1997 to 2004 - spoke of his longing ambition to watch snooker’s greatest player of all time perform on the iconic Crucible stage in the World Snooker Championship.

"I wanted to go and do it for years, go and watch Ronnie O'Sullivan at the Crucible” said Scholes, who paid a premium price to get a tableside seat to view ‘The Rocket’ in action.

"I live an hour away (from the Crucible) so on my phone, had a look, see if I buy a ticket - there was one ticket left.

“It's three seats away from Ronnie - I've clicked on it, 450 quid, and I just thought 'F*** it. I'm doing it'. It's something that I've always wanted to do.”

Now regularly seen on TV as a football pundit, Scholes admitted to being a bit confused where to go when he got to the Crucible, but an event worker seemingly realised who he was and gave him a guided tour.

Scholes was invited to the green room where he saw several players and commentators, and into the playing arena itself where he had a photo by the table and when he sat in what was going to be O'Sullivan's chair for the upcoming session.

The English Football and Premier League Hall of Famer was excited by the whole experience, including the tranquillity of the arena when play got underway: "I don't really get excited about much stuff do I? But this was f***ing unbelievable. One of the best things I've ever done.

"Honestly, peace and quiet, I could have sat in that chair for two weeks. I swear to God, I could have watched every single game."

Scholes watched the second session of O’Sullivan’s opening round match against Chinese debutant He Guoqiang. Having built a first session lead of 7-2 from the previous afternoon, the Englishman didn’t spend long wrapping up victory, finishing in style with back-to-back tons.

"He did it in about 45 minutes, got two centuries - absolute genius. It's one of the best things I've ever done in my life, honestly” said a starstruck Scholes.

"At one point I got a bit giddy. Do you know what? I was on a high for about three days after it. I'm still talking about it now, it's one of the best things I've done in my life. Watching a genius at work like that, it's unbelievable.”

The 107-goal United legend wasn’t the only famous sportsperson to go and watch O’Sullivan live at the Crucible this year, as Premier League footballer Milos Kerkez and the UFC’s Paddy ‘the Paddy’ Pimblett were in attendance for the second session of the last 16 ‘Class of 92’ clash between O’Sullivan and Higgins.

O’Sullivan was defeated by Higgins who recovered from five frames down before coming through in a decider.

Earlier this month, speaking on his podcast, former England all-time top goalscorer Wayne Rooney - an ex-teammate of Scholes’ - placed O’Sullivan on top of his list of greatest sporting figures away from the football world.

To view the full draw, results, schedule, and other information from the 2026 World Snooker Championship, visit our tournament information centre here.