Dumfries man going snooker loopy at the Crucible for world championships

Snooker loopy Paul Jamieson is entertaining the crowds at the Crucible this week.

Lorry driver Paul claims to be the creator of the world’s first snooker mascot, Johnny Potalot.

The 58-year-old from Dumfries visits schools and sports groups dressed as Johnny in a bid to promote the game to the younger generation.

Paul has played the game for more than 40 years and has taken part in major tournaments all over the world including Latvia, America, Bulgaria and Belgium.

He’ll be in Sheffield for 17 days of action at the 2024 World Snooker Championship as Ronnie O’Sullivan attempts to claim a record eighth world title.

Paul said: “I started dressing up as Johnny Potalot in November 2022 to promote the game and everyone loves it, especially the kids.

“I was recently at the German Masters and I’ll be at the Crucible until the tournament ends.

“There’s not another snooker mascot in the world.

“Dressing up as Johnny Potalot is definitely a change from my day job as a lorry driver.”