In 2020, Marcel became the youngest man to referee the final of the World Championship, when he took charge at the Crucible at the age of 30. He also became the first German to officiate the final. Marcel made his breakthrough during the 2014/15 season, taking charge of the finals of the German Masters and Welsh Open.
Lives: Berlin
Highest break: I do not really play snooker at all, but I am quite good at American Pool. My highest run in 9-ball is 5 racks in a row and best run in straight pool is 70.
Qualified as a referee: I started to work for World Snooker in 2010 but my career on a local level started 2008 – time is flying!
First Pro event: The PTC in Bruges
Most memorable match: The day when I completed the Triple Crown collection as a referee was by far the most memorable moment for me so far. To do one of those finals is a high privilege in itself, but to do all three is something that not many referees can archive throughout their career.
Most embarrassing moment: I think every miscount is embarrassing because it is noticeable and it just shows a lack of concentration. Once I miscounted when it came down to a re-spotted black and I started to get the balls out of the pocket. After another glance at the scoreboard I luckily realised.
If you weren’t a referee what would you do? Even when I am not at snooker tournaments, you will find me officiating Nine Ball Pool events.
Which is the toughest rule to apply? I would think most of my colleagues agree when I say the simultaneous hit. I’ve had a few situations where it was just impossible to spot. Even with the replay it’s hard to judge sometimes – and we do not have this out there.
What do you carry in your pocket? Just one ball marker in one pocket for measuring the spots or for cleaning balls. And in the other one I have also got an Australian coin in my pocket. There is nothing else you need, although I do have a spare ball marker attached to my triangle.
Where do you get your gloves? I buy them online once a year. It really depends on what kind of quality they are, but they do last for at least two or three seasons.
Interests: Away from snooker I play a lot of American Pool, obviously depending on how much time I spend at home. Being away from home so much these days, I also just enjoy every single moment that I can spend with my close ones. Whenever I find a bit of time for myself, I play a good game on the PlayStation. While at a tournament, I also like to grab a book and trying to relax.