Kyren Wilson has admitted he would accept reduced prize money if it guaranteed the World Championship remained at the Crucible. The future of snooker’s showpiece event is in the balance, with the Sheffield venue’s hosting agreement set to conclude in 2027.
Matchroom supremo Barry Hearn, who effectively controls the World Snooker Tour (WST), is contemplating relocating the championship to a larger, more contemporary facility. Hearn has contended that the Crucible, which has fewer than 1,000 seats, no longer meets modern requirements. Concerns have emerged that the tournament might relocate to Saudi Arabia, which now stages two lucrative events, although that is thought to be unlikely in the near future. That prospect wouldn’t satisfy most snooker followers, who have highlighted the lack of atmosphere and sparse crowds in Saudi.
Wilson, who claimed the 2024 world title, has expressed his position unequivocally by stating he would willingly accept halved prize money to preserve the tournament at the legendary South Yorkshire theatre.
Speaking to TNT Sports during the ongoing Northern Ireland Open, he said: “It’s a really difficult one. I’ve played out in Saudi recently. I think it’s a fantastic area to go and play snooker, but you just can’t replicate the Crucible.
“I would honestly rather have half the prize money and stay at the Crucible, that’s how much I enjoy it there. But I want the game to grow. I can see if it goes elsewhere, everybody else is going to have to up their game.
“I can see the benefits for the sport, but also I love having the family there, the crowds from the UK coming and supporting. In an ideal world, just make the Crucible bigger.”
The World Championship boasts a prize fund of just under £2.4million, with the champion claiming £500,000 and the runner-up receiving £200,000. Hearn, who has conducted encouraging discussions with Sheffield City Council, hasn’t dismissed the possibility of the tournament remaining at the Crucible but is keen to see it enlarged and updated.
WST chairman Steve Dawson recently spoke about the Crucible’s future as a snooker venue, indicating a final verdict could be reached before the end of the year. He said: “We’re talking with Sheffield and we’re having constructive conversations. Hopefully we’ll have something to share in December but these things take a long time.”
He added: “I think we’ll have more information by the end of the year but it’s a very complex issue.”
On the baize, Wilson progressed to the second round in Belfast with a 4-3 triumph over Oliver Lines. World No.1 Judd Trump also advanced to round two after defeating Jackson Page 4-2.