**Mark Allen Urges Snooker Authorities to Rethink Prize Distribution for Benefit of Lower-Ranked Players**
In a move that has ignited debate within the snooker community, Northern Irish professional Mark Allen has called upon World Snooker Tour (WST) officials to reconsider their approach to rewarding players, particularly in regard to the lucrative “century of centuries” initiative. His proposal advocates for fairer distribution of prize money across the professional ranks, highlighting concerns over increasing rewards for the sport’s top earners while those struggling further down the order often miss out.
The “century of centuries” scheme, introduced by the WST for the 2024/25 season, offers an eye-watering £100,000 prize to the first competitor who records 100 century breaks in a single season. The incentive, designed to spur excitement and reward prolific break-building, was first claimed this year by the reigning world number one, Judd Trump. Trump’s milestone, achieved at the Crucible Theatre, ensured the significant bonus found its way into the hands of an already highly successful player.
However, Mark Allen has questioned whether directing such vast sums towards the elite truly reflects the needs of the wider professional snooker circuit. “Why not take the £100,000 and run a side event during one of the Players Series tournaments for those not qualified?” Allen commented on social media, as reported by the Daily Express. “I think there’s loads on offer for the top players as it is.”
Allen’s remarks have garnered widespread support from both sports journalists and fans alike. Phil Haigh, a noted snooker commentator, acknowledged that the current format may unintentionally reinforce an already existing financial gulf within the sport, suggesting that the ongoing incentive could eventually become little more than “a ‘Can Judd Trump Buy Himself Another Car?’ campaign,” rather than truly motivating broader excellence in the game.
The issue exposing deeper structural challenges in snooker’s financial model has been a point of discussion for some time. While top-ranked stars like Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and Allen himself enjoy substantial sponsorship and prize money, many professionals face difficulty maintaining viable careers amidst rising costs and inconsistent income. Allen’s suggestion seeks to bridge this divide by giving lesser-known players a tangible chance at meaningful rewards.
To appreciate the context of Allen’s concerns, it is noteworthy that recording 100 centuries in a season is a rare achievement. Before Judd Trump’s recent success, only Neil Robertson, back in 2013/14, had reached the elusive milestone, followed by Trump again in 2019/20. For the 2024/25 season, Trump has already registered a remarkable 107 centuries, with his nearest challenger, Mark Selby, trailing on 73. This stark difference underlines that these large bonuses are, in practice, realistically within reach only for a select few.
Support for Allen’s stance has been particularly strong among those aware of the challenges faced by players outside the top echelons. Social media responses to his comments have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans echoing sentiments that the mass of supporters are less invested in which star pockets the bonus than they are in the broader health of the sport. “Well said Mark, couldn’t agree more,” commented one fan, while another highlighted that, “Among fans, nobody cares about whether Judd, Ronnie, yourself or whoever wins this cash. It’s a sideshow.”
Allen’s reputation as a player who is not only supremely talented but also thoughtful and grounded has only been enhanced by his willingness to advocate for inclusivity. Despite his own success—having earned a £45,000 bonus for a maximum break at the 2025 World Championship—he continues to campaign for measures that foster greater parity across the professional game.
The broader implications of Allen’s challenge are not lost on snooker observers. For the sport to thrive and attract new talent, its structure must support both its stars and its up-and-comers. The spotlight is now firmly on the WST to weigh the suggestions and determine whether a shift towards greater equity is not only possible, but necessary for the ongoing growth and integrity of professional snooker.
Whether the governing body will respond to Allen’s call remains to be seen, but his proposal has undoubtedly sparked a timely conversation about what constitutes fairness and sustainability at the heart of the sport. As the snooker world looks ahead to the next season, questions over the distribution of wealth and the best path forward remain a significant talking point.