He entered the world championship for the first time in 1947 but lost in the qualifying round, coincidentally to Albert Brown whom he had beaten to win the English amateur title the previous year. There was no real success in the next few years with his best being semi-final appearances in 1949, 1951 and in the 1953 and 1954 Professional Match-Play Championship which had temporarily replaced the world championship. He lost to Fred Davis in the 1955 and 1956 final and eventually won the event in 1957. There were no championships for the next few years but when the World title was revived on 1964 it was on a challenge basis. Between 1964 and 1968, Pulman successfully defended his title seven times before it reverted to knock-out format in 1969.

By this time some good young players were arriving on the scene and John struggled to stay with them. He did reach the final in 1970 only to lose to Ray Reardon. His last appearance at the Crucible was in 1980 when he lost in the first round.

He retired in 1982 following an accident but continued to be involved in the game as a TV commentator. John always had a ready wit. Once when being introduced to an audience, the MC said "He wasn't world champion for eleven years for nothing". "Next to nothing", retorted John, referring to the lack of money around when he was at his best.

John died on Christmas Day 1998 after breaking his hip falling down stairs.

Achievements:

(* Between 1952 & 1957 the official world championship was not contested but the World Professional Match-Play Championship, held during those years following a dispute with the governing body, is generally regarded as the world championship by most followers of the game)