Graeme Dott is not a new name in the snooker world. He has been a strong presence in the snooker for nearly three decades. Moreover, the athlete has also won several championship titles, including World Championship.
However, the sportsman's journey hasn't been smooth, and he faced many obstacles. Once a world number two, his performance fluctuated rapidly due to depression. Furthermore, the mental trauma also nearly caused him to give up his career.
But what could have been the reason behind the dark period of Dott's life? Let's find out in this biography.
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Graeme Dott Had An Early Start In Snooker
The snooker pro was born on May 12, 1977, in Larkhall, Glasgow, Scotland. He was introduced to snooker from a young age and began practicing soon after.
However, the young guy's ambition was often ridiculed by the people around him. For instance, his school teacher scoffed after hearing his dream of becoming a professional snooker player. Nonetheless, the experience gave him the drive to prove them wrong.
Graeme Dott was aspiring to become a professional snooker player from a young age. Photo Source: Social Media.
Likewise, Graeme Dott's father and mother must have also supported his persuasion of snooker. Both probably could have enrolled him at a good snooker club to receive training.
The snooker player was more focused on snooker than academics. So, he left school before the exams to choose the sport.
Dott Began His Professional Career
As an amateur, Graeme won U.K. Under-19 and Scottish Amateur Championship consecutively in 1992 and 1993. His good results landed him an opportunity to turn professional in 1994.
The professional snooker player's first ranking final came at the 1999 Scottish Open. However, he didn't gain much recognition until reaching the top sixteen in 2001.
Dott finally got his breakthrough after winning the 2006 World Snooker Championship. He defeated Neil Robertson, Ronnie O'Sullivan, and Peter Ebdon in the final stages to grab his first title.
The champ claimed his second title by beating Jamie Cope at the 2007 China Open. He also reached his career-high ranking of number two the same year.
Graeme Dott has won two ranking titles in his professional career. Photo Source: Social Media.
Sadly, Graeme suffered depression in late 2007, which badly affected his performance. As a result, he lost fifteen professional matches in a row and dropped from his initial ranking.
Eventually, the snooker pro recovered from his illness and returned to the snooker. He has since become a runner-up in World Snooker Championship, German Masters, Snooker Shoot Out, World Grand Prix, etc.
Graeme Dott Net Worth And Earnings
Despite suffering from mental trauma, Dott worked hard to return to the snooker. His passion for the snooker has earned him respect from other competitors.
Graeme Dott's net worth benefits primarily from his professional snooker career. His income comes from his tournament money, endorsement deals, and sponsorships.
Some of his prize money in the 2019-20 season are tabulated below:
| Tournament | Prize Money |
| 2020 World Championship | $19,933.05 (£15,000) |
| 2020 World Grand Prix | $53,154.8 (£40,000) |
| 2020 German Masters | $26,577.4 (£20,000) |
| 2019 International Championship | $28,570.7 (£21,500) |
The snooker pro also earned $15,946.44 (£12,000) at the 2021 U.K. Championship. In addition, he still has upcoming matches at the Scottish Open, German Masters, and European Masters, which would add to his tournament money.
According to WST and WPBSA, Graeme's career earnings amount to $207,968.15 (£156,500). But, Snooker Database shows the massive growth in his total earnings to $2,350,748.44 (£1,768,983).
Hence, Graeme Dott's net worth must be a notable figure from his pro career.
What Was The Cause Behind Dott's Depression?
Aforementioned, the sportsman had an early beginning to his snooker career. He trained under his late mentor, Alex Lambie, at his local snooker club from twelve.
Dott's coach, Alex, was like his second-father, who nurtured him to be a professional snooker pro. The latter also worked as his manager after he turned pro.
Sadly, the athlete's manager was diagnosed with terminal kidney cancer in January 2006. Still, the latter arrived in the world championship final, which urged him to grab his first title.
Graeme Dott's late mentor, Alex Lambie, trained him from a young age and later worked as his manager. Photo Source: Social Media.
After Lambie's passing in December 2006, Graeme fell under a trance. Then came his losing streak and finally depression diagnosis.
Thankfully, the snooker personality overcame his illness with the help of his therapists and family members.
Graeme Dott Is Married To His Childhood Sweetheart
Those familiar with the Scottish player would have undoubtedly heard of his partner. He often shows his gratitude to her for her patience and support.
Graeme Dott's wife, Elaine Dott, is the daughter of his late manager, Alex Lambie. Both first met each other while Graeme was training under his late father-in-law.
The couple only began dating after Elaine turned sixteen. Both received blessings from Lambie and married six years later in 2003.
The duo's fairytale marriage nearly fell apart after Dott's depression. But the couple used their trust and connection to maintain their marital life. Moreover, Graeme's wife, Elaine, played a massive role in his depression recovery. She advised him to go to the therapist and never left his side.
Graeme Dott's wife, Elaine Dott, is his childhood sweetheart who supported him from the beginning. Photo Source: Social Media.
Graeme's partner once came into the limelight for having a weight loss. She had decided to change her diet and lifestyle after facing ridicule from her colleague.
Dott Is A Father Of Two
Alongside getting a supportive wife, the snooker star is a father of two adorable kids. His son, Lewis Dott, was born in 2004, and his daughter, Lucy Dott, in 2008.
Before Lucy, Dott's spouse, Elaine, was pregnant with another child. Sadly she had a cancer scare and later suffered a miscarriage.
The snooker pro hasn't much exposed his kids to the media. Nonetheless, they must be proud of his snooker achievements. Hopefully, we might see them more in the future.
Trivia And Facts
- Graeme is nicknamed The Pocket Dynamo.
- He has published an autobiography, Frame of Mind.
