By Elliott West
Introduction
Rob Walker has become a firm favourite of the snooker production team in recent years. A man who towers above the audience and someone that is a sponge for statistics and facts. Walker warms up the crowd before the cameras start to roll, gives them the keywords in his introduction speech when they should start applauding and picks out birthdays and interesting stories in his research so that he can feed them into his trademark audible trail. A master of his craft, Walker works front of house and commentates on multiple sports.
Career
Rob Walker was born in 1975 in Oxford and was educated at Abingdon School and the University of Exeter. When a space became available for a Master of Ceremonies at major snooker tournaments, Rob jumped at the chance and has since carved out his own style of presentation, a verbal dynamo, who enthuses his audience and prepares them for the entrance of the players and a feast of snooker. Walker who has the same energy as another commentator who shares his surname, the late motor racing expert, Murray, has even come out with his own catchphrase “Let’s get the boys on the baize” and was accredited with dubbing some of the snooker players with their nicknames. These include ‘The Magician’ for Shaun Murphy, ‘The Force’ for Peter Ebdon and ‘The Thunder from Down Under’ for Neil Robertson.
Walker also works behind the scenes, having produced some epic post-match interviews with players, in the midst of elation of victory or the sheer lows of defeat, asking the right questions and drawing out the exact mindset of the individual. Rob has also been working on a number of World Seniors events as an MC and commentator, interviewing Dennis Taylor at the Crucible when he made his shock announcement after his match with Barry Pinches that the match would be the last time he played competitively.
Aside from snooker, Rob has worked in the production team for bowls, darts, volleyball, the London Marathon and Great North Run, the Boat Race and for the Olympics and Paralympics. Rob has so many strings to his bow and manages to fine-tune them all. A man of many words and an orator extraordinaire.
Like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Rob liked nothing more than a long and energetic run. Perhaps this helps him to get ready for his working day and helps produce the gift he exudes. Braving the elements, Walker will run in sunshine or lashing rain, just to get his daily exercise.
Summary
Rob Walker is a rare talent and one that the British public have warmly embraced. Casting his stamp on everything he works on, you would be a very wealthy man if you could capture his talent, box it and sell it. A man of all seasons, Rob is a delight to watch in action and someone who has his finger on the pulse of sport. A giant who will rule the roost for many years to come.
