**Mark Williams Secures Impressive Boost to Fortune After Historic World Championship Run**
Mark Williams, one of snooker’s most enduring figures, has seen his already substantial net worth given a sizeable lift following his remarkable run to the final of the World Snooker Championship. The 50-year-old Welshman made history at this year’s tournament in Sheffield, becoming the oldest-ever player to reach the final at the iconic Crucible Theatre.
Despite ultimately falling 18-12 to China’s Zhao Xintong, who not only became the first Asian player but also the first amateur to lift the trophy, Williams’ journey through the tournament was nothing short of inspirational. Zhao’s decisive victory secured him a record £500,000 winner’s cheque, but Williams’ efforts were not without their own financial reward: the Welshman pocketed a not inconsiderable £200,000 as runner-up.
Prior to this latest triumph, reports from Casino.org estimated Williams’ net worth at around £7.1 million. With the injection of his prize money from Sheffield, his overall fortune has seen a noticeable enhancement, cementing his legacy as one of Britain’s most financially successful snooker stars.
However, as is so often the case in elite sport, the full sum of Williams’ earnings will not all make it directly to his bank account. Ever candid about the realities of life as a professional player, Williams has previously joked about the split: following a similar payday at the 2024 Saudi Arabia Masters, he quipped, “£100,000 goes to her [his wife, Joanne] and £100,000 goes to the tax man.” This wry observation perhaps says as much about Williams’ relatable perspective as it does about the high stakes of the sporting world.
After the intense final session in Sheffield, Williams chose to wind down in a suitably celebratory fashion. The Cwm-born star was spotted at the Crucible’s bar with friends, enjoying pints of Guinness and what appeared to be vodka shots. Never one to shy away from the limelight, he was even pictured in a playful pose with new champion Zhao Xintong, pretending to land a mock punch as Zhao held his newly acquired trophy. These scenes captured the brotherly camaraderie and good humour often found amongst snooker professionals.
Looking ahead, Williams now faces a significant decision regarding his health. The veteran potter has publicly expressed concern over upcoming lens replacement surgery, a medical step he feels reluctant to take, despite issues with his eyesight. His anxiety is not unfounded—former professional Anthony Hamilton famously attributed his own career struggles to the same procedure, warning of its impact under the bright lights of televised play.
Reflecting on his predicament last week, Williams commented, “I have been reading up and talking to people who have had it done and, to be honest, it is putting me off a bit. A couple of people I have spoken to, especially Anthony Hamilton at length, have said it is no good under the lights and it has ruined his career.” His words underline the difficult choices that come with a long career at the top of the sport, where even minor medical interventions can become career-defining.
For now, Williams’ legendary status in the world of snooker remains secure, both in sporting achievement and financial terms. His latest World Championship performance has strengthened his legacy and renewed interest in his ongoing career. The Welsh icon’s journey, fuelled by resilience and good-natured wit, continues to inspire fans and fellow competitors alike.
Whether or not he opts for surgery, Mark Williams’ story is a reminder of the complexities and real-life choices facing ageing athletes. As his focus shifts to future health decisions, the snooker world will watch with interest—and almost certainly with admiration.