The stage is set for the Snooker World Championship 2025 at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, where the best players in the world will compete from April 19 to May 5. This year, the spotlight shines on defending champion Kyren Wilson, who aims to break the infamous Crucible curse, a phenomenon where no player has successfully defended their first title in the 48-year history of the event held at this venue.
As excitement builds, the draw for the first round was the hot topic during Media Day on April 18. Ten Chinese players, including the returning Zhao Xintong, are among the competitors, while three players—Lei Peifan, Daniel Wells, and Zak Surety—will make their championship debuts. The matchups promise to deliver thrilling snooker action, starting with Wilson facing Lei Peifan at 11:00 AM on April 19.
Among the notable first-round pairings, Ronnie O’Sullivan, who confirmed his participation just days before the tournament, will take on Jak Jones, a matchup that many fans are anticipating. O’Sullivan, a seven-time world champion, is seeking his eighth title to secure the record in the modern era of snooker. Other exciting matches include Mark Williams versus Wu Yize and Si Jiahui against David Gilbert.
With the tournament format set to unfold over 17 days, the first round will feature matches played in a best-of-19 frames format. The stakes are high, with a total prize pool of £2,395,000 (approximately €2.79 million), and the winner taking home £500,000.
As the tournament kicks off, predictions are flying in from fans and analysts alike. Hjördis, part of the SnookerPRO team, is torn between her desire for John Higgins to clinch a fifth title before his 50th birthday and her belief that Wilson might break the curse. Lula is backing O’Sullivan, hoping he can surpass Stephen Hendry’s record, while Målin is opting for Judd Trump, who has had a stellar season leading up to the championship.
Ralf believes Higgins has the form to take the title, while Sascha is cautious about O’Sullivan’s ability to maintain consistency. The draw has also sparked discussions about potential upsets, with many fans speculating on who might emerge victorious.
For fans eager to catch the action, Eurosport is the official broadcaster, offering extensive coverage throughout the tournament. Viewers can expect over 140 hours of live snooker, with matches also available for streaming on discovery+. The first day of competition promises to be thrilling, with Wilson and Lei Peifan kicking things off at 11:00 AM, followed by other key matchups throughout the day.
As the tournament progresses, the excitement will only intensify. With the first round set to conclude on April 24, the second round will follow, leading to the quarter-finals at the end of the month. The semi-finals will take place from May 1 to May 3, culminating in the grand final on May 4 and 5, where the new champion will be crowned.
This year’s championship is not just about titles; it’s about breaking barriers and making history. Will Kyren Wilson finally conquer the Crucible curse? Can Ronnie O’Sullivan secure his legacy with an eighth title? Fans around the world are ready to find out as the snooker elite battle for supremacy at the Crucible Theatre.
Stay tuned for all the updates, match results, and in-depth analysis as the Snooker World Championship unfolds!
