The 2025 World Snooker Championship is set to return in style, bringing the finest cue sports talent on the planet back to the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England. As the most prestigious tournament in the snooker calendar, the World Championship is the defining event of the season — where legends are made, and careers are changed forever.

Organized by World Snooker Tour (WST), this historic tournament is the final ranking event of the 2024–25 season, and will once again feature the top 32 players in the world battling it out for glory, fame, and a record-breaking prize pool.

When is the 2025 World Snooker Championship?

The 2025 Snooker World Championship is expected to take place from April 19 to May 5, 2025, with 17 days of high-pressure, world-class competition. The final traditionally falls over the May Day Bank Holiday in the UK, providing fans with an exciting long weekend of snooker drama.

The tournament includes:

• A qualifying stage in early April, where lower-ranked professionals and rising stars fight for the final 16 spots.

• The main draw of 32 players: the top 16 seeded players and 16 qualifiers.

Where is the World Championship Played?

The tournament is held at the legendary Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, which has hosted the World Snooker Championship every year since 1977. With its intimate atmosphere and rich history, the Crucible is synonymous with the sport itself.

The venue’s tight surroundings and intense crowd presence create a unique environment unmatched by any other snooker tournament.

Who Are the Players to Watch in 2025?

As always, the big question heading into the 2025 World Snooker Championship is: Who will lift the trophy?

Key contenders may include:

• Ronnie O’Sullivan – the most successful and charismatic player in snooker history, always a fan favorite.

• Judd Trump – known for his attacking flair and strategic mastery.

• Mark Selby – four-time world champion and one of the toughest match players ever.

• Luca Brecel – the 2023 world champion and a rising force in the sport.

• Neil Robertson, Mark Allen, Shaun Murphy, and other elite contenders.

Young stars like Zhang Anda, Si Jiahui, and Jackson Page could also cause major upsets, continuing the trend of emerging talent shaking up the top tier.

Tournament Format and Prize Money

The World Snooker Championship is known for its marathon matches and mentally demanding structure:

• First Round: Best of 19 frames

• Second Round & Quarterfinals: Best of 25 frames

• Semifinals: Best of 33 frames

• Final: Best of 35 frames over two days

The prize fund for 2025 is expected to be over £2.5 million, with the winner taking home £500,000 or more. It remains the richest and most prestigious tournament on the snooker calendar.

Where to Watch the 2025 World Championship

Snooker fans can enjoy live coverage and extensive highlights via:

• BBC Sport (UK)

• Eurosport and Discovery+ (Europe)

• Matchroom Live, Zhibo TV, and other international broadcasters

Streaming options and daily clips will also be available on social platforms and the World Snooker Tour YouTube channel.

Why the World Championship Matters

Winning at the Crucible is every snooker player’s dream. It’s not just about prize money — it’s about legacy, pressure, and the unique mental endurance required to win over 17 grueling days.

Many of the sport’s greatest moments have come in Sheffield, from Stephen Hendry’s domination to Ronnie’s genius, and nail-biting finals like Trump vs. Higgins or Selby vs. Ding. The 2025 edition promises to add more unforgettable chapters to snooker history.

Conclusion

The 2025 World Snooker Championship will once again bring the sport’s finest players, most passionate fans, and biggest moments to the forefront of global attention. Whether you’re a lifelong follower or a casual viewer, the Crucible in 2025 is the place where magic happens, and the snooker world holds its breath.

Stay tuned for drama, tension, brilliance — and one ultimate champion.