World Snooker Championship Final 2026: Prize money, Sunday schedule, trophy, format, how to watch
It’s the penultimate day of snooker action in Sheffield.
First held in 1927, the World Snooker Championship is the longest-running and most prestigious tournament in professional snooker, with a prize fund of nearly £2.4 million.
Last year saw Zhao Xintong crowned the king of the snooker world after defeating three-time champion Mark Williams 18–12 in the final.
This year’s tournament got underway on Saturday, April 18, and has now reached the final stage.
Scotland’s John Higgins had a superb tournament, reaching the last four thanks to dramatic comeback wins against Ali Carter, Robbie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson - only to lose 17-15 to 2005 champion Shaun Murphy yesterday.
In the second semi-final Wu Yize edged past Mark Allen 17-16 in a nailbiting match that was nip and tuck all the way.
Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening at the Crucible today, Sunday, May .3
When is the 2026 World Snooker Championship?
The tournament itself takes place from Saturday, April 18, to Monday, May 4 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.
What’s the prize money at the 2026 World Snooker Championship?
A total of £2.395 million in money is up for grabs at the World Snooker Championship, with the money allocated as follows:
- Winner: £500,000
- Runner-up: £200,000
- Semi-finalists: £100,000
- Quarter-finalists: £50,000
- Last 16: £30,000
- Last 32: £20,000
- Last 48: £15,000
- Last 80: £10,000
- Last 112: £5,000
- Highest break: £15,000
What trophy is presented at the World Snooker Championships?
The instantly-recognisable World Championship trophy dates back to 1926 when it was bought by pioneering player Joe David for just £19.
It’s made of silver, weighs 46.5 troy ounces, and is topped by the figure of a Greek shepherdess - not a snooker player, as some people presume.
Who is playing today at the World Snooker Championship?
Here’s how the final will get underway on Sunday, May 3.
1pm
- Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize (first session)
7pm
- Shaun Murphy v Wu Yize (second session)
When will the World Snooker Championship 2026 final finish?
The final will be played to a finish in two final sessions at 1pm and 7pm on Monday, May 4.
What is the format of the Snooker World Championship?
All first-round matches are the best of 19 frames (first to 10 frames) played over two session.
Second-round matches and the quarter-finals are the best of 25 frames (first to 13 frames), played over three sessions.
The semi-finals are the best of 33 frames (first to 17 frames) played over four sessions.
The final is the best of 35 frames (first to 18 frames) played over four sessions.
Who is favourite to win the World Snooker Championship 2026?
Wu Yize is the bookies’ favourite, with odds of 5/4, while Shaun Murphy is a 2/1 shot.
How can I watch the World Snooker Championship 2026?
As ever, full coverage of all matches will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC Two, and streamed on the Red Button and the BBC iPlayer,
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