The 2025 World Snooker Championship has officially kicked off at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, where the world’s best players are vying for snooker’s most coveted title. This year’s tournament, which runs from April 19 to May 5, promises thrilling matchups as defending champion Kyren Wilson looks to retain his crown against a formidable field of competitors.
Kyren Wilson, the world number two, is the reigning champion after an impressive victory over Jak Jones in last year’s final. He is aiming to become the first player since Mark Selby in 2017 to successfully defend his title. The stakes are high, with a total prize pot of £2.3 million on the line, and the winner set to take home a whopping £500,000.
The tournament began with Round One matches, which are played over a best of 19 frames format. The first day featured several exciting encounters, including Wilson’s match against Lei Peifan, which commenced at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 19. The defending champion had a strong start, leading 6-3 after the first session, which ended at 7 PM.
Other notable matches scheduled for the opening weekend included Neil Robertson taking on Chris Wakelin and Mark Williams facing Wu Yize. Both matches were set to showcase the skills of seasoned players, with Robertson and Williams expected to advance further into the tournament.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see how legends like Ronnie O’Sullivan, who is attempting to secure a record eighth title, will perform. O’Sullivan’s match against Ali Carter is particularly anticipated, given their storied rivalry and the tension that often accompanies their encounters. This match is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, at 2:30 PM.
Mark Allen, another former champion, is also a player to watch as he faces Fan Zhengyi in his opening match on Sunday, April 20. Allen has been in good form this season and is looking to capitalize on that momentum.
The tournament format intensifies as it progresses. After Round One, the second round will shift to a best of 25 frames, allowing for more extended play and strategic depth. The quarter-finals will follow a similar format, and the semi-finals will be contested over 33 frames, culminating in the final, which will be a best of 35 frames.
In addition to the thrilling matches, the tournament also features significant financial incentives for players. Alongside the £500,000 for the champion, the runner-up will receive £200,000, while semi-finalists and quarter-finalists will earn £100,000 and £50,000 respectively. Players eliminated in the last 16 will still walk away with £30,000 each, ensuring that all participants have something to play for.
Kyren Wilson expressed his thoughts on the competition, acknowledging the presence of formidable opponents like O’Sullivan and world number one Judd Trump. “He’s obviously more than capable,” Wilson said about O’Sullivan. “You certainly can’t write that man off.” This sentiment reflects the competitive spirit and respect among the players, as they all aim for the prestigious title.
The World Snooker Championship has a rich history, and this year marks its 49th edition. The Crucible Theatre has been the tournament's home since 1977, and the atmosphere is always electric as fans gather to witness the drama unfold. With the first round matches already underway, viewers can expect nail-biting finishes and potential upsets as the tournament progresses.
As the tournament unfolds, fans can catch all the action live on the BBC and TNT Sports, with coverage available across various platforms, including iPlayer and the talkSPORT app. The first round matches will conclude on Thursday, April 24, after which the excitement will continue into the second round.
Overall, the 2025 World Snooker Championship is shaping up to be an unforgettable event filled with skill, drama, and fierce competition. With top players like Wilson, O’Sullivan, and Trump in the mix, snooker enthusiasts are in for a treat as they watch history unfold at the Crucible Theatre.
