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Snooker legend Jimmy White has weighed in on the debate regarding the sport's greatest ever player. The 63-year-old veteran, who recently took on Ken Doherty in an exhibition match before the Masters final, has seen it all during his illustrious career.

'The Whirlwind', who turned pro back in 1980 and has bagged 10 ranking titles, was asked to pick his top five players of all time. His list features some familiar names from his career, including rivals he faced in major finals.

Via the Express, White's dream team includes Ronnie O'Sullivan, Stephen Hendry, Steve Davis, Mark Selby and Judd Trump - with two of those names being opponents he battled against in World Championship finals. The six-time world finalist, who memorably clashed with Davis in 1984 and Hendry on four separate occasions, clearly knows quality when he sees it.

When it comes to the ultimate number one spot, White has previously made his feelings crystal clear. Speaking to Eurosport in 2023, he said: "Ronnie O'Sullivan [is] for sure the GOAT, greatest of all time.

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"Seven world titles, seven UK titles, seven Masters titles, more than 1,200 centuries so far in his career. Why he's so good is because he makes the game look so easy. That is why Ronnie O'Sullivan is the greatest of all time."

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O'Sullivan has now clinched eight Masters and UK Championships, yet he still shares the World Championship record with Hendry. White, who lost to Hendry in four world finals, is well acquainted with the Scotsman's skill.

During a Eurosport broadcast, White said of Hendry: "I should have won at least two of them. The other two, he completely outplayed me. A great champion, five-time Masters champion on the trot. He got into his own bubble and nothing fazed him."

Despite Hendry denying him a coveted world title four times, White still regards six-time champion Davis as his most formidable opponent. Sharing his thoughts on Eurosport, he said: "For me, the hardest player in my career to beat. Fantastic player, fantastic long potter, fantastic temperament, great under pressure. I will put Steve Davis high up, as he is one of the greatest of all time."

Selby secured his fourth world title in 2021 and White expressed admiration for his game during the 2024 Welsh Open. Speaking on TNT Sports, White said: "He's as hard as nails. He's a nice fella, he shakes everybody's hand when he's playing them, he's a total gentleman. But make no mistake, he is ruthless on the snooker table.

"He's probably the toughest...I thought growing up with Steve Davis, seeing how tactical he was...[Selby's] took the tactical side to a different level. He can tie people up in knots but he enjoys to get in and score."

White has also heaped praise on current world No. 1 Trump in the recent past. 'The 'Whirlwind' was full of admiration for the youngest player on his list, following Trump's victory at the 2024 UK Championship.

"Make no mistake about it, [he is one of the best ever]," White said. "We always talk about how he was just about potting balls, playing naughty snooker. What he's done, he's rounded his game, he's got great safety play. He's a great shot-maker, great shot selection at the right time."

White continued: "He is Judd Trump, and once again, he produced under pressure - and that's why he's champion. An incredible snooker player."

Midnite, who sponsored the 2026 Masters, unveiled the Midnite Shuttle ahead of last week’s final, transporting fans from Alexandra Palace Station to the main entrance, saving them the arduous walk up the hill.

Driven by Ken Doherty, fans gained access by showing the Midnite app on their mobile devices. Jimmy White was speaking following his exhibition match vs Ken Doherty at the Midnite Lounge, a luxury area open to all fans who attended the Masters.