World Snooker Championship

Publication date: 11 July 2025

The World Snooker Championship stands as the premier snooker event globally. Each year, it brings together the best players to compete for the prestigious World Championship title. This tournament, which has been held since 1927, marks the culmination of the professional snooker season.

Official Website

2026 World Snooker Championship

The 2026 World Snooker Championship will likely return to its traditional venue — the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. Exact dates are not confirmed yet. Following the usual schedule, the tournament should run from mid-April to early May. Matches usually begin in the third week of April. The final is held during the May bank holiday weekend.

Key Favorites and Participants

Thirty-two of the world’s best players will compete. The top 16 qualify directly by ranking. Another 16 secure spots through the qualifying rounds. Matches follow a knockout format. Players face off in the first round, quarter-finals, and semi-finals. The final is a best-of-35-frames match.

Favorites for 2026 include Ronnie O’Sullivan, if he doesn’t retire, and Judd Trump. Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, and Luca Brecel are strong contenders too. The next generation also draws attention. Kyren Wilson, Yan Bingtao, and Zhao Xintong have strong hopes. Competition is fierce. Every year, underdogs surprise the favorites.

Championship History

The World Snooker Championship boasts a rich history dating back to 1927. Since 1977, the tournament has been held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. Thus, this venue has become a symbol of snooker and a place where legends are made.

The Uniqueness of the Championship

What sets the Championship apart is its unique format. Matches are played over long distances, demanding both skill and stamina from the players. Consequently, winning this tournament is considered the pinnacle of a professional snooker player’s career.

The Biggest Bet in Championship History

Information about the largest bets in the history of the World Snooker Championship is not always publicly available. Nevertheless, major betting companies are known to offer significant prizes and bonuses to spectators and snooker fans during the tournament.

Championship Results over the Last 3 Years

2027 World Snooker Championship

The 2027 World Snooker Championship will also be held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. The exact dates of the tournament will be announced at a later date. However, it is traditionally held between mid-April and early May.

Keep an eye on the dates of championships and other events in our Sporting Events Calendar.