Snooker in Review: Zhao Reigns Supreme as Masters 2026 Looms
SHEFFIELD, 17 January 2026 – The snooker world is in a brief period of reflection and anticipation. With no professional matches scheduled for today, attention turns to the legacy of the 2025 season, crowned by Zhao Xintong’s maiden World Championship victory at the Crucible, and the imminent start of the prestigious Masters at Alexandra Palace next week.
2025: A Season of New Champions
The 2024/25 campaign will be remembered for the coronation of a new world champion. China’s Zhao Xintong, showcasing his prodigious talent, secured his first World Snooker Championship title in May 2025. He defeated a field of giants at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, claiming the sport’s top prize of £500,000 from a total prize fund of £2.395 million. His victory underscored the continued rise of Chinese snooker on the global stage.
Earlier in the season, the veteran John Higgins claimed the Tour Championship title in Manchester, defeating Mark Selby 10-8 in a high-quality final. The win marked Higgins’s 33rd career ranking title and demonstrated the enduring class of the famed ‘Class of 92’.
2025 World Snooker Championship: Key Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Champion | Zhao Xintong (China) |
| Runner-up | Judd Trump (England) |
| Dates | 19 April – 5 May 2025 |
| Venue | Crucible Theatre, Sheffield |
| Winner’s Prize | £500,000 |
| Total Prize Fund | £2,395,000 |
| Sponsor | Halo Service Solutions |
Focus Shifts to Alexandra Palace
The snooker calendar now moves swiftly on to the second Triple Crown event of the 2025/26 season: the Johnstone’s Paint Masters. The tournament begins at Alexandra Palace in London on 11 January 2026. One of the standout first-round fixtures sees the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan, currently ranked world number 5, take on the formidable Neil Robertson. Their match is scheduled for the evening of 14 January 2026.
O’Sullivan, the record seven-time world champion, will be looking to add a ninth Masters title to his unparalleled collection, while Robertson will be aiming to start his year with a statement victory. The clash promises to be a highlight of the tournament’s opening rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2025 World Snooker Championship?
China’s Zhao Xintong won the 2025 World Snooker Championship, defeating Judd Trump in the final. It was his first world title.
What is the next major snooker tournament?
The next major event is the Johnstone’s Paint Masters, which begins at Alexandra Palace in London on 11 January 2026. It is one of snooker’s three prestigious Triple Crown events.
When is Ronnie O’Sullivan playing next?
Ronnie O’Sullivan is scheduled to play Neil Robertson in the first round of the 2026 Masters on the evening of 14 January 2026.
How much did the 2025 World Champion win?
Zhao Xintong received £500,000 for winning the 2025 World Snooker Championship. The total prize fund for the event was £2,395,000.