World Snooker Championships 2025 Betting Predictions, Tips and Odds

Last updated: 15 April 2025 by Leon Marshall

The anticipation is building for the 2025 Snooker World Championship, the pinnacle of the snooker calendar and highlight of the year for fans worldwide.

From 19th April to the 5th May, the world’s elite players will battle over 17 days at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield for the most prestigious title in the sport and a £500,000 winner’s prize. Explore our analysis of the bookmakers’ favourites, expert snooker predictions and potential outsiders who could lift the coveted trophy.

Judd Trump (7/2)

Judd Trump enters the World Championship installed as the clear favourite at snooker betting sites, typically priced around 7/2 World Snooker Championship odds. This status reflects a season where he has often displayed dominant form, reaching multiple finals and consistently challenging for titles. Known for his potent attacking game, aggressive long-potting, and rapid break-building ability, Trump secured his sole World Championship crown in 2019. His capacity to score heavily makes him a formidable opponent in the long-format matches characteristic of the Crucible.

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However, despite his position as favourite in my snooker predictions, analysis suggests a potential stumbling block in the form of reigning champion Kyren Wilson. Trump has found Wilson a difficult opponent this season, losing significant finals to him at the 2025 Players Championship, Xi’an Grand Prix and the Northern Ireland Open and at the semii-final stage of the 2025 Championship League. While Trump did gain revenge in the UK Championship semi-finals , this burgeoning rivalry adds an extra layer of intrigue. Overcoming Wilson, should they meet, could be crucial for Trump’s quest for a second world title.

Mark Selby (5/1)

Mark Selby, ‘The Jester from Leicester’, is priced jointly as second-favourite at 5/1 at online bookmakers, reflecting his exceptional record at the Crucible. A four-time World Champion, Selby possesses an almost unparalleled combination of tactical acumen, break-building consistency, and mental resilience. His ability to navigate the unique pressures and extended match durations of the World Championship is well-proven, making him a perennial threat.

Selby’s game is built on a foundation of superb safety play combined with the capacity to compile substantial breaks when opportunities arise. He demonstrated excellent form towards the end of the season, notably reaching the final of the Tour Championship with convincing wins. Having won four ranking titles in a single season previously (2016/17), Selby has the pedigree and the current game to suggest he could add a fifth World Championship title to his illustrious career tally.

Kyren Wilson (13/2)

As the defending champion, Kyren Wilson faces the historical challenge known as the “Crucible Curse” – no first-time winner has ever successfully defended their title since the tournament moved to Sheffield in 1977. Despite this historical trend, Wilson is enjoying a strong season, capturing multiple ranking titles, including victories over Judd Trump in high-profile finals. His World Snooker Championship odds of 13/2 reflect both his status as champion and the weight of history.

I would suggest Wilson might be well-equipped to finally break the curse, I cite his excellent form and confidence. Wilson himself has dismissed concerns about the curse, expressing confidence in his ability to handle the 17-day tournament. His proven ability to perform under pressure at the Crucible, combined with his strong head-to-head record against favourite Judd Trump this season , makes him a compelling contender to make history.

Ronnie O’Sullivan (5/1)

Ronnie O’Sullivan, arguably the most recognisable name in snooker, shares second-favourite status at 5/1. A seven-time World Champion, level with Stephen Hendry for the most modern-era titles , O’Sullivan’s natural talent and box-office appeal are undeniable. However, significant question marks hang over his participation and mental state heading into this year’s championship.

O’Sullivan has had a turbulent few months. He withdrew mid-tournament from the Championship League in January after reportedly smashing his cue, subsequently pulling out of the Masters defence and several other ranking events, often stating medical reasons. He has openly discussed feeling “burnt out” and like “damaged goods”, admitting uncertainty about his ability to compete at the highest level currently. While he has stated his intention is to play, a final decision may not be made until just before the tournament starts. Should he compete, his odds reflect his legendary status, but his preparation and mindset remain major unknowns.

Snooker World Championship 2025 – The Outsiders

Beyond the established top four, the depth of talent in modern snooker means several players possess the potential to cause upsets and challenge for the title. The gruelling nature of the World Championship often allows players outside the absolute elite to build momentum.

I cannot write an article about snooker without pointing towards the growing strength of Chinese snooker. The question of when the first Chinese player will lift the World Championship trophy looms large. Several contenders are highly ranked and capable of making a deep run, including Si Jiahui (world number 13), Xiao Guodong (world number 14), Wu Yize (world number 22), Zhang Anda (world number 12), and the established former finalist Ding Junhui (world number 10). The sheer number of high-calibre Chinese players competing near the top of the game increases the statistical probability of a breakthrough major victory.

A particularly fascinating outsider, highlighted by expert commentary, is Zhao Xintong. Once ranked in the top ten and hailed by Ronnie O’Sullivan as a potential great , Zhao is returning after a 20-month ban related to a betting scandal. He secured his return to the professional tour by dominating the amateur Q Tour and has shown flashes of his brilliant, attacking style in the World Championship qualifiers, compiling huge breaks. While potentially lacking match sharpness after his lay-off, his raw talent is undeniable. Priced around 16/1 to 25/1 , Zhao represents a high-risk, high-reward proposition; if he rediscovers his best form quickly, his natural ability makes him a dangerous floater in the draw.

Other established names like John Higgins (recent Tour Championship winner), Mark Allen, Neil Robertson (Triple Crown winner), and Mark Williams are also capable of challenging on their day, highlighting the competitive depth of this year’s field. This depth suggests that even the highest seeds could face difficult matches early on, potentially opening the door for value bets further down the market.

The stage is set for another enthralling World Snooker Championship at the Crucible. While Trump leads the betting, the form of Wilson, the pedigree of Selby, the enigma of O’Sullivan, and the potential of numerous outsiders promise a captivating and potentially unpredictable tournament.

How to Watch the 2025 Snooker World Championship

Fans eager to follow every moment from the Crucible Theatre won’t miss a thing, as the BBC is providing comprehensive coverage, broadcasting every single shot of the tournament.

This extensive viewing is available across multiple platforms: BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, and the BBC iPlayer streaming service. To complement the live action, a nightly highlights show, ‘Snooker Extra’, will be broadcast on BBC Two and iPlayer, perfect for catching up on the day’s key events.

Additionally, consistent updates and reports will be accessible via BBC Radio 5 Live and through the BBC Sport website and app.

The BBC has unveiled a star-studded lineup for its coverage of the 2025 World Snooker Championship, ensuring fans are well-served with expert insight. Hazel Irvine leads the presentation team, alongside Seema Jaswal and Rishi Persad. Analysis and commentary will come from an impressive roster of snooker legends including Steve Davis, Stephen Hendry, John Parrott, Ken Doherty, Dennis Taylor, and John Virgo. Current players, such as Shaun Murphy, are also expected to feature prominently in the coverage, bringing insights directly from the modern game.

Alongside the prestige, there’s significant prize money at stake, with a total fund of £2,395,000. The winner will walk away with a handsome £500,000, while the runner-up secures £200,000. Substantial prizes are awarded down the rankings, and specific bonuses add extra excitement. A £15,000 prize is on offer for the highest break made during the entire championship (including qualifiers).

Achieving a maximum 147 break during the main event at the Crucible earns an additional £40,000 bonus (or £10,000 if made in qualifying), on top of potentially claiming the highest break prize.

Furthermore, a special £147,000 bonus is available to any player managing two maximum breaks across the season’s three Triple Crown events.

It could prove costly for sponsors as it has already been paid out.

Jackson Page recently became the first player to achieve two 147s in the same match, securing the £147,000 Triple Crown bonus. He accomplished this impressive feat during his 10-2 victory over Allan Taylor in the World Championship qualifying round in Sheffield.