As the Crucible gets ready to host a landmark 50th renewal, we’re taking a look at the World Snooker Championship 2026 odds to see who is in contention for green baize glory this year.
There have been some shock recent winners, so anything could happen again in Sheffield, but here are our six leading challengers, ranked in reverse order:
Odds
World Snooker Championship Odds 2026
Horse | Odds | Chance |
|---|---|---|
Zhao Xintong | 2/1 | 33.3% |
Ronnie O'Sullivan | 5/1 | 16.67% |
Judd Trump | 5/1 | 16.67% |
Mark Selby | 8/1 | 11.1% |
Kyren Wilson | 12/1 | 7.7% |
Shaun Murphy | 14/1 | 6.7% |
Wu Yize | 14/1 | 6.7% |
John Higgins | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Neil Robertson | 20/1 | 4.8% |
Bar | 25/1 | 3.8% |
*Odds are correct at the time of writing, but subject to change.
Tips
World Snooker Championship Tips
6. Wu Yize
6. WU YIZE @ 14/1
This has been a breakout season for the 22-year-old, who landed the International Championship in his native China and has more recently reached semi-finals at the Masters , the Welsh Open and the World Open.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has been suitably impressed, stating: “I think Wu Yize is going to be world number one, I’d give him three years, definitely going to be world champion very, very soon, phenomenal player. A lot of people liken him to Paul Hunter , but I think he’s more like a modern-day Steve Davis .”
5. Kyren Wilson
5. KYREN WILSON @ 12/1
The Warrior lifted the trophy two years ago, was runner-up in 2020 and has reached two other semi-finals, so it is safe to say the Kettering potter is comfortable playing at the Crucible .
Last season brought four more ranking tournament triumphs, while January’s Masters success, when seeing off John Higgins 10-6 in an attritional decider, was a timely boost following a quiet campaign this term.
4, Mark Selby
4. MARK SELBY @ 8/1
With four world titles and 25 ranking tournament wins to his name, The Jester has belied his nickname by establishing himself as one of the most determined and talented all-round players in history, particularly suited to longer formats.
This season’s UK Championship success was his 10th Triple Crown victory and has been backed up by a couple of lesser wins at his local Leicester Arena , which perhaps highlights how 42-year-old Selby is at his best when he doesn’t have to travel too far from home these days.
3. Judd Trump
3. JUDD TRUMP @ 5/1
Only O’Sullivan , Stephen Hendry and John Higgins can boast more ranking tournament triumphs than the 31 Trump has managed, with the 2019 World Championship featured in that list, when he rattled off seven centuries in an outstanding final win.
The 36-year-old appears to have timed his run well this term with a series of rock-solid results since the turn of the year, claiming the German Masters , reaching the Tour Championship final and making the last four at the Players Championship and the World Open.
2. Ronnie O'Sullivan
2. RONNIE O’SULLIVAN @ 5/1
As usual these days, the Rocket arrives at the Crucible with lots of question marks hanging over him following a moderate campaign blighted by absences and withdrawals.
However, he shrugged off a worse season to reach the semis 12 months ago, and the seven-time world champion simply comes alive in Sheffield , so a recent runner-up effort at the World Open , where he compiled an unprecedented 153 break, augurs well, and the omens are also good – with O’Sullivan entering the 50th renewal at this venue at the age of 50!
1. Zhao Xintong
1. ZHAO XINTONG @ 2/1
The Cyclone has to overcome the ‘ Crucible curse’ , which refers to no first-time winner successfully defending his title here, but he has already broken new ground as the first Chinese player to become world champion when crushing O’Sullivan 17-7 in the semis before beating Mark Williams 18-12, and could not be in better form this year.
Over the past couple of months, he has secured a trio of ranking titles in Hong Kong , Telford and Manchester , highlighting that all settings come alike to this incredible natural talent, noted for his long potting and slick break building.
Best Bets
World Snooker Championship Best Bets
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*Prices are subject to fluctuation
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