About Hugo van Houten
Hugo van Houten (Woerden, May 30, 2006) has an inexhaustible passion for snooker. This love for the game began when he was only three years old, picking up a cue for the first time at a pool table on the Greek island of Crete. Since then, he has continuously grown in his game and dedication. At seven, Hugo joined the Utrecht Snooker Association (SU), and not long after, he was allowed to play for the cadets of the Dutch Junior Team. His talent was quickly noticed, and in 2016, he played his first international match at the Under-18 World Snooker Championship in Belgium. Although the results weren't in his favor then, Hugo considers every match a learning experience. Today, Hugo trains at Bonaparte in Zonhoven, Belgium, under the guidance of coach Danny Moermans. He combines this training with sessions at his own club in Vleuten, where he works hard every week on his technique and mental game.
Snooker trip
Hugo now has several national and international tournaments to his name. He competed in the European Under-18 and Under-21 Championships, where he gained valuable experience each time. Despite strong competition from countries like England, Wales, and Ireland, Hugo remains focused on his goal: to keep improving and one day reach the world's top. With an impressive break of 131 in competition and even a 147 in practice, Hugo is now firmly at the top of the Dutch snooker world. As the current number one in the Dutch rankings, he faces the future with confidence, determined to push his boundaries and reach new heights.
EYE ON THE FUTURE
Under the guidance of coach Danny Moermans, who also mentors the successful Luca Brecel, Hugo is working hard to achieve his dreams. The road to the top is long, but Hugo has the passion, talent, and discipline to break into the snooker world. As his coach puts it: "To reach the top, you have to train three hours a day for at least ten years." And that's exactly what Hugo is doing. His journey has only just begun, but the future looks bright for this young snooker sensation.
"Discipline, focus, and enjoyment—that's what draws me to the snooker table every day. Giving up isn't in my vocabulary. I want to learn from the best and keep challenging myself."
HUGO VAN HOUTEN
TIMELINE
Check out the timeline full of photos: tournaments, intensive training sessions, highlights and also the moments in which he learned from his opponents.
Hugo has already shone on national and international stages: participation in the European Championships U18 and U21, impressive breaks (131 competition, even a perfect 147 in training) and now as the current Dutch ranking leader.
Click through, get inspired and follow his path to the world top, because every photo tells part of the story.
HIGHLIGHTS
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2013
Became a member of Snooker Club Utrecht in Vleuten
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2015
- Start of KNBB Ranking Tournaments
- National Junior Championships U21 in Leiden
- Became a member of Jong Oranje
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2016
- First ranking tournament won in Maassluis
- National Junior Championships U14 in Warmond
- International U14 in Essen, Germany
- 1st training with Danny Moermans, Luca Brecel Academy in Belgium.
- World Cup U18 in Mol, Belgium
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2017
- European U18 Championships in Cyprus
- Kika tournament in Leiden
- National U14 Championships in Maassluis
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2018
- Dutch U14 Champion (1st official title)
- European U18 Championship in Bulgaria
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2019
- European U18 Championship in Israel
- European U21 Championship in Israel
- National U18 Championship in Zaandam
- Training of the Dutch Juniors – Joris Maas
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2020
Unfortunately no tournaments due to Covid-19
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2021
Unfortunately no tournaments due to Covid-19
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2022
- Eredivisie debut
- 1st ranking tournament "after" corona
- DMT tournament Belgium
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2023
EC Malta Winner DMT tournament Brugge 2nd place Haags Open Ranking 1st Century Quarterfinal NK Ranking Hilversum Won
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2024
- Ranking Den Haag Gewonnen
- Kwartfinale EK U18 Sarajevo
- Voorronde NK 6 Reds
- Haags Open 2024
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2025
- In competitie van NL meest waardevolle speler (92.6% winstpercentage)
- 2e Op Haags open (derde finale op rij daar waarvan 1 gewonnen, vorig jaar)
- 3e Plaats op de masters in NL
