The world of snooker is witnessing a story that is rarely seen — a story of talent that is not learned, but carried within from the first steps. Two-year-old Jude Owens from Manchester has entered the history of the Guinness Book of Records as the youngest person ever to perform two demanding snooker tricks, making him one of the youngest double record holders in the history of this prestigious institution. Jude achieved his first feat on October 12 last year, when, at just two years and 302 days old, he successfully performed a pool bank shot — a shot in which the ball bounces off the edge of the table before ending up in the hole. Just five weeks earlier, the boy had already amazed the snooker community by performing a snooker double pot shot, at the age of two years and 261 days, writes The Guardian.
These two achievements made him the youngest person ever to perform both tricks, and also one of the youngest holders of two Guinness records in history.
“It was natural, like he was born with a pool cue in his hands”
Jude’s father Luke Owens recalls the moment he realized his son had an extraordinary, almost instinctive talent. “I think I knew the moment he first put the cue through his fingers. It was completely natural, the way he held it — no training,” Luke said.
Snooker quickly became Jude’s favorite activity in the house, even though the boy was so tall that he could barely reach the table. The family initially made do with improvisation. “We used bar stools so he could get to the table. Now we use a little stool that we used to use when we were cooking,” Luke adds with a smile.
Two records in two years: “How can you top that?”
Luke doesn’t hide his emotions when he talks about his son’s achievements. “Jude has achieved a lot in a very short time. But to achieve not one, but two world records — that’s the pinnacle. Honestly, how can you top that moment in your life?”
Guinness World Records confirmed that for his exploits, Jude was given a special ceremonial exit during the UK Championship in 2025, a privilege reserved for the sport’s biggest names. In addition, Jude also became the youngest famous person to have a sponsorship contract in snooker, thus further confirming his status.
“I started when I was 10, but Jude is more talented than me”
Luke, who started playing snooker at the age of ten, does not hide that his son showed exceptional abilities much earlier. “I started playing at the age of ten, and Jude at the age of two. And honestly, I would say that he has much more natural talent than I do,” he admits. When asked who would win a snooker match between him and his father, Jude had no dilemma. He answered confidently: “Me.”
Little champion with a big heart: obsessed with Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes
Although already a snooker sensation, Jude is still a child in the full sense of the word. His family revealed that he is a huge Manchester United fan and is, as they say, “obsessed with Bruno Fernandes”.
Guinness World Records editor Craig Glenday highlighted how special Jude’s achievement is. “Breaking records has always been everyone’s thing – regardless of age. To see someone so young demonstrate the skill, enthusiasm and determination that they need to achieve is truly remarkable. We are delighted to welcome Jude to the Guinness World Records family,” Glenday said.
The story of Jude Owens is more than just a sporting sensation – it is a reminder that talent is not measured by age, but by passion and natural talent. While most of his peers are still learning their first words, Jude already holds two world records and seems to be just warming up to what is to come.
