2025 World Snooker Championship Preview: Dates, Players, Prize Money
The 2025 World Snooker Championship is set to captivate fans as the world's top players converge on the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from April 19 to May 5. This prestigious tournament, boasting a prize fund of £2,395,000, will see defending champion Kyren Wilson aim to retain his title against a field of formidable contenders.
To secure a spot in the main event, players must either rank within the top 16 of the 'Race to the Crucible' standings or navigate through a rigorous 128-player qualification tournament held from April 7-16. Among the elite already guaranteed a place are luminaries such as Judd Trump, Mark Selby, and the enigmatic Ronnie O'Sullivan, whose participation remains uncertain due to recent tournament absences.
As the only Scottish player currently in the top 16, John Higgins will carry the hopes of his nation, while compatriot Stephen Maguire faces the challenge of qualifying after finishing 26th in the rankings last year.
The tournament format promises intense battles, with first-round matches spanning 19 frames over two sessions, escalating to best-of-35 frames across four sessions in the final. Throughout the event's storied history, only 14 maximum 147 breaks have been recorded, with Ronnie O'Sullivan and Stephen Hendry each achieving the feat thrice.
For those unable to witness the drama unfold live, the BBC will provide comprehensive coverage across its platforms, ensuring fans can follow every cue ball's journey.
As the anticipation builds, bookmakers have installed Judd Trump as the early favorite at 7/2, closely followed by Ronnie O'Sullivan and Kyren Wilson at 7/1. However, with a field brimming with talent and a trophy steeped in history waiting to be lifted, the 2025 World Snooker Championship promises to be a spectacle of skill, nerves, and sporting theatre.
Key Takeaways:
- The 2025 World Snooker Championship will be held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from April 19 to May 5.
- The tournament boasts a prize fund of £2,395,000, with the winner receiving £500,000.
- Top 16 players in the 'Race to the Crucible' standings qualify automatically, while the remaining 16 spots are determined through a qualification tournament.
- Kyren Wilson will defend his title against a field of top contenders, including Judd Trump, Mark Selby, and potentially Ronnie O'Sullivan.
- John Higgins is the only Scottish player currently in the top 16, while Stephen Maguire faces the challenge of qualifying.
- The tournament format consists of increasingly longer matches, culminating in a best-of-35 frames final.
- Throughout the event's history, only 14 maximum 147 breaks have been recorded.
- The BBC will provide comprehensive coverage of the tournament across its platforms.
- Bookmakers have installed Judd Trump as the early favorite, followed closely by Ronnie O'Sullivan and Kyren Wilson.
