Snooker fans can watch the tournament, which takes place from April 15 to May 1, on a large screen outside The Crucible. Ronnie O’Sullivan, who will be defending his world title, has also opened a pop-up shop full of snooker memorabilia on Chapel Walk.
Here, we have delved into our archives to bring you this selection of pictures taken at the championship in days gone by.
Can you spot yourself or someone you know in the crowds?
Can you spot yourself or someone you know in the crowds?
![Willie Thorne competing in the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield in April 1983](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjI4ZGY4MmFjLTViYzktNDI2Yi05MTUyLTVmMWNjOGRmMGJiMTpjMWE1MjgyNi0wOWQyLTQ3MDEtOTI2OS1jYmJjYTE1NWVmZDU=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
9. Crowd favourite
Willie Thorne competing in the World Snooker Championship at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield in April 1983 Photo: Adrian Murrell
![Joe Johnson becomes World Snooker Champion in 1986](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjdmMTljYWExLWEwNjktNDc1ZC05ZTE0LWMxOTNkM2EwNGQzZjpiZDc4NzE1ZS1lZGYxLTQ1MTktOTUwYy02MDlhMzM2NzVkN2E=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
![Fans on their feet as Neil Robertson celebrates beating Martin Gould on April 24, 2010](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjMwMmUxNzMzLWIyNzYtNGM3Ni1iMDAyLTlmMjNkZjNkOWU1MDpkYTM5ODA2MS1iM2JhLTQ4MzgtYTg0OC0zYjIxYmU2NWViYzA=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
11. Neil's victory
Fans on their feet as Neil Robertson celebrates beating Martin Gould on April 24, 2010 Photo: Gareth Copley/PA Wire
![Snooker fans watching the action on screens located in Tudor Square and the Winter Gardens, Sheffield last year](https://www.thestar.co.uk/webimg/b25lY21zOjIyOWI3OTI5LTkzZDgtNDU5MS1hMzUwLTQ3NDNmZmM3YmRmNDoxMzhiOGE0OC04ZmI4LTQ1NzItYTBjYi02NDQyM2ZkOGNjMTQ=.jpg?crop=3:2&width=800)
12. Snooker on screen
Snooker fans watching the action on screens located in Tudor Square and the Winter Gardens, Sheffield last year Photo: Steve Ellis