## Zhao Xintong Crowned Snooker World Champion Amid Predictions of Record Earnings
Zhao Xintong’s recent triumph at the World Snooker Championship has transformed him into a household name in China, and there is now speculation he could one day become the sport’s highest earner. The 28-year-old Chinese talent clinched his first world title by overcoming the experienced Mark Williams, beating the Welshman 18-12 in a riveting final at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. That road to victory included a dominant semi-final win against the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan, a player widely regarded as one of snooker’s all-time greats.
This win sees Zhao pocket a staggering £500,000 in prize money, bringing his overall career winnings to just over £1.3m. With his popularity surging across China—an audience estimated at 150 million tuned in to watch the championship—industry experts now suggest Zhao’s earning power could eclipse even the sport’s most well-established stars.
The significance of Zhao’s victory is underscored by his recent past. Only last September, Zhao made his comeback to the professional circuit after serving a 20-month ban. His suspension stemmed from charges of match manipulation and gambling-related offences between 2019 and 2022. Notably, he was cleared of intentionally fixing any of his own matches, but he accepted responsibility for the other breaches and served the minimum penalty. Upon his return, Zhao wasted no time reminding fans of his immense talent, swiftly making his mark upon the Q Tour before this remarkable World Championship win.
Snooker insiders see Zhao’s future as intertwined with the sport’s booming popularity in China. Chairman of the sport’s governing body, the WPBSA, Jason Ferguson, voiced confidence in Zhao’s commercial prospects. “Zhao could become the most financially successful snooker player in history,” Ferguson predicted. For him, the scale of the Chinese market and burgeoning interest in snooker presents a unique and unprecedented opportunity for both player and sport.
Ferguson elaborated, “This is a defining moment for snooker. The vast interest from Chinese fans and the tidal wave of corporate sponsorship possibilities mean there’s almost limitless growth ahead. Having a Chinese world champion will only accelerate the sport’s already impressive expansion in Asia.”
While Zhao’s half-a-million-pound windfall from the World Championship propels him up the career earnings rankings, he currently still sits 50th amongst the sport’s all-time prize money leaders. This relatively modest position results in part from his interrupted career and lengthy ban. In stark contrast, current leader Ronnie O’Sullivan, with a professional career stretching back to 1992, has amassed an astonishing £14.73m in prize money. O’Sullivan continues to set records and maintains his status at the pinnacle of snooker’s financial hierarchy.
Close behind O’Sullivan is John Higgins, whose earnings have reached £10.53m, thanks to a career filled with consistency and longevity. Judd Trump follows with £9.28m, bolstered by 30 ranking titles and five prestigious Triple Crown victories. Other notable names in the top ten include Stephen Hendry, Mark Selby, Mark Williams, Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy, Mark Allen, and Steve Davis, with all boasting multi-million-pound hauls over storied careers.
As the sport continues its evolution, the Chinese market’s impact—propelled by a superstar like Zhao Xintong—could become a pivotal force. Should he continue his winning ways, appearances, and endorsements, Zhao may indeed challenge these all-time earning records, redefining what is possible for future generations of snooker players.
For now, the snooker world watches closely as Zhao Xintong basks in the glory of his historic Crucible win, with a nation celebrating and an industry bracing for potentially seismic changes. His compelling story of redemption, talent and newfound hero status promises to keep snooker in the global spotlight for years to come.