Barry Hearn suggests World Championship could rotate around the world as Crucible future remains uncertain

Barry Hearn, the chairman of World Snooker, has sparked speculation about the future of the World Championship by suggesting that the prestigious tournament could be taken around the world on a rotation basis. The current deal for the event at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield is set to expire in 2027, leading to discussions about potential new venues.

Some of the sport’s biggest stars, including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Hossein Vafaei, and Ali Carter, have expressed their desire for the World Snooker Tour to explore opportunities abroad, with Saudi Arabia and China being mentioned as potential locations. Hearn acknowledged the growing interest in sports investment from countries like Saudi Arabia and emphasized the importance of competing for prize money to satisfy the players’ demands.

While Hearn remains open to the idea of keeping the World Championship at its traditional home in Sheffield, he emphasized that financial considerations will play a significant role in the decision-making process. The chairman highlighted the need for a larger venue to accommodate the growing demand for tickets and expressed his desire for Sheffield to demonstrate its commitment to hosting the event.

Ultimately, Hearn stressed the importance of collaboration and support from all parties involved in order to secure the future of the World Championship. As discussions continue and speculation mounts, fans and players alike will be eagerly awaiting updates on the potential changes to one of snooker’s most prestigious tournaments. Stay tuned for more developments on this evolving story.