**Luca Brecel: From World Snooker Champion to Spent Fortune – A Cautionary Tale**
Luca Brecel’s journey from World Snooker Championship glory to relinquishing his millionaire status has captured the curiosity of the sporting world. The Belgian snooker star, celebrated for his victory at the Crucible in 2023, became an overnight sensation after beating Mark Selby 18–15 and claiming the prestigious trophy. Brecel’s triumph was historic, marking him the first continental European player to hold the title. However, his storyline extends beyond the green baize – touching on themes of lavish spending, public criticism, and personal fulfilment.
After clinching the World Championship, Brecel pocketed £500,000 – a life-changing sum by any standard. His winnings briefly elevated him into the ranks of millionaires. Yet, within months, Brecel’s newfound fortune had all but vanished. The reason was his penchant for high-end cars, with the snooker prodigy splurging on a fleet worth nearly all of his prize money. The largest share was reportedly devoted to a Ferrari 488, purchased for over £250,000. Brecel also added a Range Rover costing upwards of £80,000 and a Porsche Taycan GT – a gift for his girlfriend Laura Vanoverberghe – valued around £111,000.
By the time Brecel added up the receipts, he realised his millionaire status was purely fleeting. As he candidly remarked before his next title defence: “I bought two more cars this week, so I went from a millionaire to a non-millionaire.” This admission, made with a smile, reflects Brecel’s carefree approach to life and success. Interestingly, despite this impressive car collection, he acknowledges he rarely has time behind the wheel. “I got a couple of cars with my winnings. I got a Ferrari and a couple of others. Just to enjoy myself. I don’t really drive it that often. I’m not really home that much,” he shared in an interview.
Brecel’s exuberant lifestyle and spending have drawn mixed reactions from the snooker community. Some fans admire his authenticity and celebratory spirit, while others have expressed concern. Perhaps most outspoken was snooker legend Stephen Hendry, who publicly questioned Brecel’s career focus and motivation. “I honestly don’t know what he’s doing with his career. I haven’t got a clue. I see him a lot on Instagram – he’s riding his bike all over the place, going out to dinners with his girlfriend. He seems to be having a lovely time,” said Hendry. For many, these comments echo a generational clash in attitudes towards fame and fortune.
Despite the sceptics, Brecel maintained a positive outlook heading into this year’s World Snooker Championship, where he reached the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Judd Trump. His appearance at the Crucible was marked by the arrival in a private jet – another gesture that made headlines and fuelled public discussion about his priorities. Still, for all the attention on his off-table antics, Brecel insists his life is relatively ordinary apart from the high-spec vehicles. “To be honest, I live quite a simple life, apart from the cars maybe,” he noted. “I just love being at home when I have the chance. Walk the dog, watch television, play a few games. It may not look like that, but it is.”
Brecel’s earnings from this year’s tournament, estimated at around £50,000 for reaching the last eight, were a fraction of his previous haul. However, he appeared content, displaying little remorse for his brief spell as a millionaire. He has stated repeatedly that he values happiness and simplicity over wealth, a sentiment that may resonate with fans who see sport as more than simply a route to riches.
His story also serves as a modern cautionary tale about the temptations of sudden wealth and the expectations placed on young athletes in the limelight. For some, Brecel’s choices illustrate the importance of enjoying hard-earned rewards, while for others, they represent a missed opportunity to build a lasting legacy both financially and professionally.
As Brecel reflects on his championship win and its aftermath, he stands as a figure both celebrated and debated. His remarkable achievements on the snooker table will not be forgotten – but equally, neither will the lesson his story offers about the fleeting nature of fame and fortune, and the challenge of finding balance in a world that watches every move.
With up-and-coming stars like Zhao Xintong learning from the experiences of their predecessors, Brecel’s tale will likely serve as a reference point for future champions – a reminder that how one spends their winnings can shape their legacy just as much as how they are earned.