Kyren Wilson, a professional snooker player from Kettering, started the World Championship at 12th in the rankings but moved up nine places after defeating Welsh qualifier Jak Jones in the final match. Wilson led 7-0 and 17-11 before finally winning the match, earning himself £500,000 in prize money. This win catapults him to third place in the sport’s standings, behind only Mark Allen and Judd Trump. Wilson lost in the final to Ronnie O’Sullivan in 2020 but returned four years later to secure his lifetime ambition with his sixth ranking title victory.
After his win, Wilson emotionally paid tribute to his family, stating that winning the World Championship was a dream he had since he was six years old. He reflected on his defeat in the 2020 final and how he felt drained, but this time around he felt great and was able to secure the victory. Despite his disappointment, Jak Jones, who was the runner-up in the championship, received a £200,000 cheque and rose 30 places in the rankings to start next season inside the top 16 as the new world No. 14. Although he did not become world champion, Jones had a strong performance throughout the tournament.
Robert Milkins dropped out of the top 16 after being defeated by David Gilbert in the last 16, while four-time world champion John Higgins managed to extend his 29-year run among the elite despite losing to Wilson in the quarter-finals. The 2024/25 snooker season is set to begin on 10 June with the Championship League, followed by the tour heading to China for the Shanghai Masters in July, which will be defended by Ronnie O’Sullivan. Wilson’s previous ranking title victories include the Shanghai Masters in 2015, the Paul Hunter Classic in 2018, the German Masters in 2019, the Championship League in 2020, the European Masters in 2022, and now the World Championship in 2024.
The current world rankings in snooker place Mark Allen at the top with £965,000 in earnings, followed by Judd Trump with £911,000. Kyren Wilson’s victory in the World Championship has positioned him in third place with £851,500. Other notable players in the top 16 rankings include Ronnie O’Sullivan in fifth place, Mark Selby in sixth, and John Higgins in 16th place. Snooker fans can stream top snooker action, including the World Snooker Championship, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app, and Eurosport.com, ensuring they don’t miss any thrilling matches and championship moments.
