Neil Robertson has cemented his place as one of snooker’s all-time greats. Known as “The Thunder From Down Under,” Robertson’s journey is defined by a relentless quest for excellence, fierce honesty about personal struggles, and a willingness to adapt, on the table, at home, and, famously, in the kitchen.
Early Life and Ascent in Snooker
Born February 11, 1982, in Melbourne, Australia, Neil’s path to stardom began at age 11 in his family’s pool club. Encouraged by supportive parents and a younger brother who’d also become a professional cueist, Robertson showed enough promise to quit school at 15 and devote himself to snooker.
By 17, he’d already claimed the Australian under-18 title and, in 2003, the World Under-21 Championship. His early professional years were a grind, but resilience became his calling card; he returned to the main tour for good in 2003–04, making steady progress until his breakthrough.
Neil Robertson: Personal, Family, and Career Highlights
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Neil Alexander Robertson |
| Nickname(s) | The Thunder From Down Under, The Melbourne Machine, The Centurion Neiltime |
| Date of Birth | 11 February 1982 |
| Place of Birth | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Current Residence | Cambridge, England |
| Playing Style | Left-handed, attacking, renowned break-builder |
| Distinctive Trait | Naturally thick, curly blonde hair (often straightened for TV, does not wear a wig) |
| Hobbies/Interests | Follows Chelsea FC (football), Collingwood FC (AFL), passionate about health and plant-based living |
| Diet/Lifestyle | Nearly 100% plant-based/vegan since 2014 |
Family
| Relation | Name & Details |
| Father | Ian Robertson |
| Mother | Alison Hunter |
| Brother | Marc Robertson (also a professional pool player) |
| Spouse | Mille Fjelldal (Norwegian; married August 2021, together since 2008) |
| Children | Alexander Robertson (son, born 2010)- Penelope Robertson (daughter, born 2019) |
| Family Challenges | Wife Mille has faced public struggles with depression; Neil has openly discussed their journey, including his own periods of video gaming addiction and mental health awareness. |
Career Highlights
| Year/Period | Career Milestone/Highlight |
| 1995-1998 | Started playing snooker at 11; national junior champion by 14; left school at 15 to pursue snooker full-time |
| 2003 | Won World Under-21 Championship |
| 2006 | First Australian to win a ranking event (Grand Prix) |
| 2010 | World Snooker Champion (first Australian since Horace Lindrum, and first non-UK winner in the modern era) |
| 2012, 2022 | Won The Masters |
| 2013, 2015, 2020 | Won the UK Championship |
| 2013–2014 | First player in history to score 100+ centuries in a season (finished with 103) |
| 2006–2022 | Won at least one major ranked tournament every year for 16 consecutive seasons |
| Various | Over 25 career ranking titles |
| Ongoing | Over 900 career century breaks and five maximum 147s |
| 2025 | Awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) |
| Miscellaneous | Member of the World Snooker Tour Hall of Fame |
| Controversy/Trivia | Missed 2025 World Open Qualifier due to a date mix-up |
Quick Facts
| Topic | Answer |
| Is his hair real? | Yes, his blonde hair is natural, not a wig. |
| Biggest Achievements | Triple Crown winner, 25+ ranking titles, 900+ centuries, World Champion |
| Plant-Based Diet | Began in 2014 for health and performance reasons; not strictly “militant” vegan |
| Noted Qualities | Resilience, openness about mental health, modelling plant-based athleticism, and global ambassador for snooker |
Career Highlights and Records
- First Australian to win a ranking event (2006 Grand Prix)
- Triple Crown Champion: World Championship (2010), Masters (2012, 2022), UK Championship (2013, 2015, 2020)
- 900+ Career Century Breaks and 5 Maximum 147s, Robertson redefined dominance in break-building, becoming the first ever to notch 100 centuries in a season (2013–14), a feat lauded by legends like Ronnie O’Sullivan.
- More than 25 ranking titles and maintained annual tournament wins from 2006 through 2022.
- Order of Australia Medal (OAM) in 2025 for services to snooker.
His attacking, left-handed style, cool temperament in tense moments, and trademark finishing power make him a daunting opponent. Known as much for his consistency as his dramatic comebacks, Robertson has inspired a new generation of international snooker hopefuls.
Personality, Lifestyle, and Family
Neil puts his Family First, Despite Fame and Pressures. His union with his wife Mille Fjelldal has faced struggles such as a long-distance relationship, a public bout with depression, marriage in 2021, and a son named Alexander and a daughter named Penelope have been the cornerstone of his off-table life.
He lives in Cambridge, England, and is a household name, but has been open about the challenges that tested his strength. He’s been open about his mental health, his video game addiction, and the difficulty of being a top athlete while looking after oneself and the family.
Embracing a Plant-Based Diet
Neil Robertson revealed that a personal change made back in 2014 was that he went almost 100 per cent plant-based (in effect, vegan). After getting some counsel from fellow pro Peter Ebdon, Neil made this switch in order to feel healthier and get the most out of his career. Moreover, as he goes on to reveal, Neil has since noticed greater energy, sharper focus and overall wellbeing. Smoothies, juices, and inventive meal planning have been part of his routine ever since. He has won major tournaments since.
He’s quick to clarify he’s not ‘militant’ about every detail, shoes, strange travelling issues, but he never eats animal products and is careful around event catering so as not to let the team down. This has led many fans and fellow stars to take a look at their own diets.
Unique Quirks and Public Perception
- Hair Rumour: Neil Robertson does not wear a wig. His thick, naturally curly blonde hair is often straightened for TV, sparking fun speculation among fans, but this is all part of his distinctive style.
- Fan of Football: Follows Chelsea FC and is a diehard supporter of Collingwood in Australian rules.
- Nicknames: “The Thunder From Down Under,” “The Melbourne Machine,” “The Centurion Neiltime.”
Challenges, Controversies, and Resilience
Robertson’s openness extends to controversy; he has almost a clean record. The World Open 2025 qualifier mix-up was a wildly publicised non-appearance that was taken in good humour by all. His honesty about mental health (his and his wife’s) and the discipline needed to overcome video gaming has helped him to become more relatable and respectable.
Legacy and Broader Impact
Neil Robertson is the only player not born in the UK to complete snooker’s Triple Crown and is one of the most influential players in the sport’s history. He is not just all these things; he is also an ambassador for plant-based athleticism and a vocal advocate for mental health. He is someone who has succeeded massively in an arena dominated by the UK.
Neil Robertson FAQs (with Wig Detail & More)
1. Does Neil Robertson wear a wig?
No, Neil Robertson’s hair is real. He has naturally thick, curly blonde hair, which he often straightens for tournaments. Although rumours and jokes swirl online, there’s no wig involved.
What inspired Neil Robertson to go plant-based? Is he fully vegan?
Becoming plant-based was inspired by a desire for better health and career longevity, plus advice from fellow pro Peter Ebdon. He avoids all animal products in his diet, though he admits to rare challenges regarding vegan shoes and travel catering. He prefers the term “dietary vegan” or “plant-based” rather than strictly “vegan”.
What are Robertson’s career highlights?
- First Australian to win a ranking snooker event
- Triple Crown winner (World Championship, Masters, UK Championship)
- Over 25 ranking titles
- First ever to record 100 centuries in a season
- Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
How many children does Neil Robertson have, and who is his wife?
He’s married to Norwegian Mille Fjelldal (since 2021), with whom he shares two children: Alexander (born 2010) and Penelope (born 2019).
What adversities has Neil faced, and how did he overcome them?
Neil has openly battled through family mental health challenges, his own struggles with video gaming, and high-profile career disappointments (including missed matches and shock defeats). He remains admired for his honesty, resilience, and capacity for reinvention.
Where does Neil Robertson currently live and train?
He lives in Cambridge, England, and trains at WT’s Snooker and Sporting Club.
Can you describe his playing style and signature strengths?
He is a left-handed, attacking, break-building expert, famous for century runs, composure in tight finishes, and a relentless will to win.