“My life has become more fun, but little has changed,” Luca Brecel said with dignity.

The number of friends, supporters, and sympathizers at their world champion Luca Brecel’s memorial celebration was around 500. Expenses were high when the Maasmechelen municipality celebrated the world snooker champion.

On Sunday afternoon, there was a nice festival vibe at Koninginne Park. There was beer on tap at the counters, while restaurants offered ice cream, fries, arrosticini, and nachos. Stef Wijnants, a sports writer, conducted the podium ceremony under a beautiful springtime sun.

Before the crowd could wildly applaud their hero, a number of compilation videos were screened, and Wijnants spoke with nearly all of the people who helped Luca Brecel win his maiden world championship. The entire show was initially “very emotional” for mother Mirella and father Carlo, who talked extensively. However, Brecel’s former coach Chris Henry, English snooker journalist Hector Nuns, world champion Marnik Geukens of Het Belang van Limburg, and Brecel’s business partner Lode Colson, who helped fund his early career, had also made the trip to Maasmechelen to offer their congratulations. Numerous athletes and BVs congratulated each other in a video message that was.

When a brilliant red Ferrari 488 pulled up close to the podium, it revealed the world champion’s coming. Shortly after, Luca Brecel accepted the cheers and gifts with his girlfriend Laura by his sides. From a container of the local beer Kompel to a little chocolate snooker table. “To get wasted as hell,” Mayor Raf Terwingen grinned. Luca Brecel’s admission in the interview that he had consumed his drink following the match against Mark Williams is being discussed. A quote that the tabloids, particularly in England, enthusiastically seized onto. Just before the wedding, Brecel stated in an interview with this publication, “I would rather they leave my family alone. I don’t care what they write about me.”

He also mentioned in the same chat that his fiancée Laura is to blame for his world title. “I’m positive that she helped me become the world champion. I was depressed a few months back, but I had no idea why. Even though I had everything I could possibly want, I wasn’t happy. I was told by one of my teammates, “Luca, you need a girlfriend.” I met Laura a little while later, and I felt better right away. Thus, she did really have a significant part.

picture with admirers
From the podium, Mayor Raf Terwingen declared that the entire city council is in favor of giving the snooker champion honorary citizenship. A tournée générale, fountains of pyrotechnics, and golden strings in the air signaled the conclusion of the ritual.

Maasmechelen, Netherlands’ 9-year-old Tine Thorez was among the happiest spectators on the celebration grounds. “Luca is my hero. Since it was growing late, my parents forbade me from watching his finals. I used my tablet to surreptitiously watch the final in bed. He won, and I was overjoyed. I went to his house the day after he won, but he wasn’t there. Through his father Carlo, I did obtain an autographed photo, which made me extremely delighted. I talked about Luca on the first day of classes following the World Cup, and I did well.

In a unique photo booth, fans may snap a snapshot with Luca.
Luca Brecel stands in front of a green key, cue and fans. This produces a picture collage that gives the impression that the picture was taken in The Crucible during the World Cup. A lovely memento for the attendees.
The celebration is finished by cover band Level Six, including vocalist Katherine Avgoustakis, while Luca Brecel signs autographs and poses for photos with guests.