Snooker players are some of the most complete athletes on the planet.
On the physical side, matches regularly last several hours and the players may cover up to 10 miles walking around the table during a game. They also have to do this wearing dress shoes which adds another level of discomfort and pain that most athletes can't comprehend. The explosive strength needed for power shots is akin to any of the most dynamic moves in the NFL or NBA, and the deftness of touch for more subtle plays is comparable perhaps only to that of a master painter.
On top of this, they require the concentration and precision of an elite sniper for every single shot they take, and they need to think several moves ahead like a chess player. There is no margin for error - make a mistake and the frame can be lost. They also require incredible math skills to calculate the number of points available on the table and use that to perform complex risk assessment to decide strategy.
It shouldn't surprise you that this king of sports is so popular in the most cultured country on the planet.