Mark Allen’s 147 Break Wins Spectator £25,000 at World Championship

In a thrilling turn of events at the 2025 World Snooker Championship, Mark Allen achieved the rare feat of a maximum 147 break, earning a fortunate audience member an astonishing £25,000 ($33,000) in the process. The championship, held at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England, has a unique tradition where a random spectator is selected each session to receive the substantial cash prize if a player manages to compile a perfect break.

Brian Nicholls, the lucky fan chosen for this session, found himself in an unusual situation as he was seated on the opposite side of the arena from where Allen was playing. Nicholls had to watch the historic moment unfold on one of the screens inside the Crucible, as the two tables are separated by a partition. Television cameras captured Nicholls celebrating enthusiastically after the 39-year-old Northern Irish player potted the final black, securing the 15th maximum break ever recorded at the prestigious venue.

Interestingly, the prize money won by Nicholls surpasses the amount awarded to first-round losers at the tournament, who receive £20,000 ($26,600) each. As for Mark Allen, his incredible achievement is set to earn him nearly $60,000 in recognition of his skill and precision on the snooker table.

According to the BBC, the broadcaster of the event, Brian Nicholls was a first-time visitor to the Crucible, having been gifted the ticket by his son to celebrate his 75th birthday. The unexpected windfall undoubtedly made the experience even more memorable for the lucky spectator.

The maximum break, consisting of 15 reds, each followed by 15 blacks, and then all the colors, is a testament to a player’s mastery of the game. It requires immense concentration, accuracy, and nerves of steel to execute flawlessly under the intense pressure of the world championship stage.

Key Takeaways:

1. Mark Allen achieved a rare 147 break at the 2025 World Snooker Championship.
2. A random audience member, Brian Nicholls, won £25,000 ($33,000) as a result of Allen’s perfect break.
3. Nicholls had to watch the moment on a screen due to being seated on the opposite side of the arena.
4. The prize money won by Nicholls exceeds that awarded to first-round losers at the tournament.
5. Mark Allen is set to receive nearly $60,000 for his remarkable achievement.
6. The maximum break is a testament to a player’s skill, concentration, and ability to perform under pressure.