Snooker World Championship: Crucible's Future Uncertain as Hearn Calls for Upgrades

The Crucible's future as host of the Snooker World Championship is uncertain, with Barry Hearn calling for upgrades to the venue. Get the latest updates.

The Crucible Theatre in Sheffield has been the iconic venue for the Snooker World Championships since 1977. However, according to Barry Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport, the venue's days as host may be numbered.

Hearn believes the Crucible is “no longer fit for purpose,” raising concerns about the future of the tournament at this historic venue. The Crucible has been the backdrop for some of the greatest moments in snooker history, but its continued suitability for the sport's biggest event is now in question.

World Snooker Championship's Future at Crucible Hangs in Balance

Matchroom's contract to host the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield is set to expire in two years, prompting crucial negotiations. Barry Hearn, a key figure in the negotiations, expressed the World Snooker Tour's desire to stay at the iconic venue, but emphasized that improvements are necessary. “It's black and white: we love the Crucible, we love Sheffield, but the Crucible and Sheffield have got to love us,” Hearn said.

Hearn highlighted the need for the Crucible to upgrade its facilities, citing the venue's 980-capacity as a major concern. “The facilities where the Crucible is are no longer fit for purpose, that's the key issue,” he stated, warning that without improvements, the event's future at the Crucible could be at risk. Hearn stressed that the financial aspects of the hosting contract must be reconsidered to ensure the tournament's long-term viability.

Barry Hearn believes snooker needs to adapt to changing times, citing the success of darts events that draw large crowds and offer substantial prize money. “The Crucible's been a big part of my life and a big part of snooker's life,” Hearn said, “But it has to move with the times and someone, whether it's the government or Sheffield, have to come up with a way of showing us that they're going to treat us with respect and give us the type of facilities we require.”

Hearn emphasizes that upgrading facilities is essential, noting the Crucible's limited capacity can't meet demand. With growing interest in snooker from countries like China and Saudi Arabia, Hearn suggests the sport may need to explore alternative venues to thrive. “It's as simple as that. It's not complicated,” he said, highlighting the need for modern facilities to support the sport's growth.

“Maybe we should take this worldwide. Maybe it should be one year in Beijing, one year in Saudi and one year in Sheffield. We have to move with the times,” Hearn said.

“I'm concerned with increasing the prize money as we have done with darts. Snooker needs to be more commercially viable.

Barry Hearn wants to see improvements to the Sheffield venue for the World Snooker Championship to stay in Sheffield in the long-term 💷 pic.twitter.com/V2VRCIqDul

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 25, 2025

“The contract period ends in 2027 and we need a decision soon. I'm too old to do brinkmanship. I need 3,000 people per session, otherwise I'm letting down a lot of people and we lose their support. We want to stay in Sheffield, so show me the way.

“If not, I can justify a rotation that takes the World Snooker Championship on the road and makes it what it is, a world championship not just a championship for Sheffield.”

The World Snooker Tour, Sheffield City Council, and Sheffield Theatres have jointly stated that no announcement will be made about the future of the Snooker World Championship at the Crucible during this year's event. Citing the ”sensitive and commercial nature” of ongoing discussions, the parties have chosen to keep details under wraps for now.