Luca Brecel is making headlines again after kicking off his 2025 World Snooker Championship with a win. The 30-year-old, who clinched the world title in 2023 and pocketed £500,000, has admitted he spent his fortune on his lavish lifestyle, including a fleet of supercars, and is no longer a millionaire.
That said, in true flamboyant Brecel style, he’s arriving in Sheffield in ultimate luxury – aboard a private jet. After heading back to his native Belgium following his 10-7 opening round victory over Ryan Day on Wednesday, he took to Instagram to announce how he’d be returning to the UK, and even invited any willing Belgian snooker fans to join him. “I’ve got a private jet booked to Sheffield tomorrow at 15:00, anyone from Belgium wants to join? DM me,” he posted on Friday.
Brecel’s 2023 Crucible triumph was nothing short of spectacular. Defeating snooker giants like Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Selby, he became the first world champion from mainland Europe.
His fearless, attacking play and incredible comebacks, including an 11-frame rally against Si Jiahui, captivated fans. But off the table, Brecel’s spending habits have been just as bold. After his victory, he splashed out on a Ferrari 488, a BMW M4, a Range Rover Sport, and a Porsche Taycan for his girlfriend, Laura Vanoverberghe.
“I bought two more cars this week, so I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire,” Brecel admitted last year, revealing the purchases were a deliberate move to recreate the hunger he felt early in his career.
This extravagant lifestyle hasn’t come without consequences. Brecel’s form dipped dramatically after his world title triumph, with a first-round exit at the 2024 Championship and a slide to No. 58 in the world rankings, which put him at risk of losing his professional tour card.
Critics, including snooker legend Stephen Hendry, have questioned his focus. “I honestly don’t know what he is doing with his career,” the Scot admitted.
However, Brecel remains unfazed, even likening himself to football icon Ronaldinho for his entertaining, carefree approach. “I just like playing the game,” he told Midnite. “I’ve not really thought about winning a second world title. I’m not that interested in it.”
Saying that, he’s started the 2025 tournament well, and begins his second round clash with Ding Jinhui on Saturday, looking to seal his place in the quarter-finals. He’s also embraced a healthier lifestyle recently, shedding over a stone through diet and exercise. “I feel like now the sky’s the limit,” he said.
The snooker world will be watching to see if he can channel his 2023 magic. Win or lose, the Belgian Bullet is determined to do it his way – fast, flashy, and fearless.
Whether he’s soaring in on a private jet or potting impossible shots, one thing’s certain: Luca Brecel knows how to keep the Crucible crowd talking.
