The popularity of snooker. Are we storming new heights?
The game with a cue has a long history. In 1875, Sir Neville Chamberlain, who was a colonel in the British colonial forces in India, invented a more complex version of billiards. The name was born in a rather amusing way. Once during a game under the new rules, the same Colonel Chamberlain called his opponent, who failed to pot a ball, a "real snooker." At that time, it was a nickname for first-year cadets.
As time went on, the rules underwent changes, and interest in snooker grew. The game's regulations were finally established in 1919, and just eight years later, the first World Championship took place. There were few participants then, but it was just the beginning. Snooker has gone through several eras, overcoming crises and a lack of sponsorship money, and is currently doing quite well. Many countries are actively involved in this sport, and broadcasts attract a decent viewing audience. The Scores24 editorial team invites you on a virtual tour around the globe to find out where snooker is most loved.
Read the latest snooker predictions in the special section of our website.
United Kingdom
Let's start with the pioneers. It was on this island that the game was born, and the British still bear the brunt of the funding. The World Snooker Tour website charges subscription fees in pounds, and the UK hosts more than one ranking tournament. The main one is the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre, and let's not forget the UK Championship, but we won't list all the tournaments. There are quite a few. The well-known giant BBC invests significant funds to ensure high-quality broadcasts.
The popularity of snooker in the UK is entirely understandable. It dates back to the colonial era. The desire to stand out is a trait inherent to aristocrats. There was an attempt to create something for a select group of people, and it seems to have succeeded. The British uphold traditions, and the Crucible still holds less than a thousand seats. Don't be surprised; there's a more mass example – at Wimbledon, they long resisted changing the dress code, insisting on playing exclusively in white.
Europe
The western part of the continent finds it hard to compete with the UK, but snooker has its popularity here too. Every year, a Masters tournament is held in Berlin, attracting the strongest players. Let's not forget about exhibition events, such as the postscript to the 24/25 season in Helsinki, which featured top players from the world rankings.
Snooker will continue in Western Europe, as this part of the continent has the finances, and the mentality fosters interest in the game. In this regard, there is a similarity with the UK, but we probably won't equate them.
Asia
Of course, this mainly concerns China, as this country is trying to catch up with the British in terms of the quality of snooker players. China has a large number of representatives on the tour, and they often advance far in major tournaments. As we know, China does a good job of covering various events, and snooker is no exception. The progress of Ding Junhui, for instance, did not go unnoticed at the time.went unnoticed, other players began to develop following his example.
With the emergence of the first world champion from China, the country will undoubtedly see a new surge of people eager to pick up a cue. Zhao Xintong transformed from an outcast to a hero and idol for a large number of people in just a few months. There is no doubt that snooker will continue to develop in Asia. Team sports are not very strong there, but tactical ones attract the public's attention. Don't forget that in chess, too, in 2023, the champion was also a representative of China.
We should not forget about Iran either. The country has a great interest in snooker and has its own idols. Of course, we are talking about Hossein Vafaei, who is pushing the sport forward in his country. Iran is unlikely to compete with China in terms of infrastructure, but everything takes time.
Lastly, let's talk about Hong Kong. Last season, the World Grand Prix returned to the calendar in this country. Is it necessary to say how much hosting the tournament will affect the growth of the audience? After all, it is one of the world's leading financial centers.
North and South America
Don't expect champions from this continent; here, it's all about leisure and business. Canada and the USA are giants in the service industry. It's no surprise that snooker clubs are opening in these countries, and enthusiasts often gather to find out who among them is stronger, or just to have a good time. This is what makes snooker great – it's a sport, but you don't expend a lot of physical effort. We ask other countries in North America not to be offended for not being mentioned. You understand, right?
In the case of South America, the situation is similar. The desire to relax. Carnivals and parades are an integral part of the culture of Brazilians, who won't miss the chance to try something new. It's not just about living for football, right?
Snooker has huge potential in these markets since pool and billiards were once popular here. So, it's not too late to conquer new heights.
Africa
Egypt, South Africa, and Nigeria have already produced talented players. The popularity of snooker on the continent is linked to the efforts of individuals who are pushing the sport forward. But there are many problems, the main one being the lack of infrastructure, and we won't even consider finances.
What can help? Professional organizations through exhibition matches. Such events could bring financial influx and help organize decent playing conditions.
The modern world is changing rapidly, and attitudes towards Africa have also shifted. The vast continent is finally starting to gain influence on the global stage, and consequently, the potential for sports development could be enormous.
Saudi Arabia
This paragraph is so clear that it might not have been necessary to write it. The sheikhs are excellent at accumulating funds and love exploring new sports. We don't even need to mention football; this topic has already become a staple in our lives. Did you know that the Ronnie O'Sullivan Academy operates in Saudi Arabia? Where the name of one of the best snooker players of our time appears, success is sure to follow.
The past season introduced the first ranking tournament in Riyadh, which boasted an impressive prize fund. We are confident that this event should remain on the calendar, as this direction is very popular. We remind you that the same Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup in 2034. Other sports, of course, are less popular but should not be overlooked.
Conclusion
Snooker has and will continue to have many challenges with popularization. Let's be honest – an intellectual game with a cue in hand is unlikely to ever top various rankings. But there is always room for change, for example, by adopting experiences from larger sports. The presence of exhibition tournaments is an important factor, but unfortunately, there are not many in the calendar, and this needs to be addressed.
And, of course, the issue of spectacle plays a role. The situation in this regard is not the most optimistic. Snooker clearly lags in watchability and has a narrow audience. Perhaps interest in the game would grow if the process of obtaining professional status could be changed. Dreaming is the engine of popularity. If breaking into the elite becomes easier, it will attract additional audiences and uncover new talents.
