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The 2026 Snooker World Championship takes place at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield from 18th April to 4th May 2026 € and this year's tournament is one of the most intriguing in years. Defending champion Zhao Xintong arrives in brilliant form, having won back-to-back ranking titles in February. But can he break the famous Crucible Curse?
Check the William Hill tab above for the latest outright odds, or read our full 2026 betting guide below before you place your bet.
The Crucible Curse: The biggest story of 2026
No first-time world champion has ever successfully defended their title at the Crucible. Not once, in 50 years. Luca Brecel couldn't do it in 2024. Kyren Wilson couldn't do it in 2025. Now it's Zhao Xintong's turn to try and make history. The curse has beaten every single first-time winner since the tournament moved to Sheffield in 1977.
Can Zhao break it?
The case for yes: Zhao is in the form of his life. He won the World Grand Prix and the Players Championship back-to-back in February 2026, becoming only the fourth player in snooker history to win his first five ranking finals. His 100% record in finals is extraordinary. He hits the ball as cleanly as anyone on tour.
The case against: history is overwhelming. And Judd Trump € the world number one € has been gunning for this title since his 2019 win and looks more dangerous than ever.
Judd Trump € Favourite (approx. 7/2€4/1)
World number one. Multiple ranking titles this season. Aggressive, spectacular potter who thrives at the Crucible. Only won it once (2019) but has threatened every year since. Many believe this is his best chance in years.
Zhao Xintong € Defending Champion (approx. 13/2)
The Cyclone. China's first world champion. Unbeaten in finals. In red-hot form coming into Sheffield. The biggest question in snooker: can he beat the curse that has claimed every first-time winner for nearly 50 years?
Ronnie O'Sullivan € Second Favourite (approx. 5/1)
The Rocket. Seven-time world champion, joint record holder with Stephen Hendry. Has openly said his last ambition is to win an eighth title € he called it "eight, eight, eight." Injury and mental health concerns surrounded his season but he remains box office and dangerous. His 34th consecutive Crucible appearance.
Mark Selby € Second Favourite (approx. 5/1)
The Jester from Leicester. Four-time world champion. The most tactically complete player in the game. Reached the Tour Championship final in convincing style. If you want value and reliability, Selby is your man.
Kyren Wilson € Each-way Value (approx. 10/1)
Fell victim to the Crucible Curse in 2025 with a first-round exit as defending champion. Had an excellent season otherwise, winning the Xi'an Grand Prix and Northern Ireland Open and reaching the 2025 Masters final. Angry and motivated coming into 2026 € could be dangerous.
Tip 1: Consider each-way bets
With five genuine contenders, the Worlds reward each-way thinking. A place on Selby or Wilson at 10/1 could pay well if they reach the final.
Tip 2: Watch the draw
The draw is made on 16th April € the day before qualifying ends. Half the bracket at the Crucible is always easier than the other. Check who lands where before betting outright.
Tip 3: Frame handicap markets
First-round matches are best of 19. Betting on a dominant seed to win -3 or -4 frames against a qualifier can offer better value than the outright market.
Tip 4: Century break specials
Bookmakers offer markets on total centuries made during the tournament. The record is 109. In 2026, with a strong draw of high-break players, over 80 centuries is realistic. Check the specials sections at your bookmaker.
Not sure who to put your money on? Answer 5 quick questions and we'll tell you which player suits your betting style.
Recent Champions:
2025 € Zhao Xintong (beat Mark Williams 18€12)
2024 € Kyren Wilson (beat Jak Jones 18€14)
2023 € Luca Brecel (beat Mark Selby 18€15)
2022 € Ronnie O'Sullivan (beat Judd Trump 18€13)
2021 € Mark Selby (beat Shaun Murphy 18€15)
2020 € Ronnie O'Sullivan (beat Kyren Wilson 18€8)
2019 € Judd Trump (beat John Higgins 18€9)
2018 € Mark Williams (beat John Higgins 18€16)
2017 € Mark Selby (beat Ding Junhui 18€15)
2016 € Mark Selby (beat Ding Junhui 18€14)
2015 € Stuart Bingham (beat Shaun Murphy 18€15)
2014 € Mark Selby (beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 18€14)
2013 € Ronnie O'Sullivan (beat Barry Hawkins 18€11)
2012 € Ronnie O'Sullivan (beat Ali Carter 18€11)
The World Snooker Championship is snooker's most prestigious event and has been held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield every year since 1977 € making 2026 the 50th consecutive year at the iconic venue. The Crucible holds just 980 spectators and creates an atmosphere unlike any other sporting arena in the world.
The tournament runs for 17 days across April and May, with the final played over a best-of-35 frames € the winner needs 18 frames to lift the trophy. First-round matches are best-of-19, second round and quarter-finals are best-of-25, and the semi-finals are best-of-33. Endurance, tactical skill and mental strength matter as much as raw potting ability at the Crucible.
The prize fund for 2026 is expected to remain at £2.395 million, with the winner taking home £500,000 € the biggest cheque in snooker.
Wondering what other sports events are happening this month? Check out FreeBetsLad's Sports Betting Calendar for the full schedule of upcoming events and the latest odds.
18 only. Please gamble responsibly. Odds are indicative and subject to change € always check your bookmaker for the latest prices before placing a bet. GambleAware.co.uk