Experienced snooker star Barry Hawkins believes the World Championships have become too big for the Crucible and has raised concerns about the venue's long-term suitability.

The Sheffield venue, which opened in 1971, is arguably as synonymous with the sport of snooker as Wembley is with football.

Barry Hawkins has shared his thoughts on whether the Snooker World Championship should still be played at the Crucible | Getty Images

placeholder image — Barry Hawkins has shared his thoughts on whether the Snooker World Championship should still be played at the Crucible | Getty Images

It’s been the home of the World Championship for the last 49 years and that shows no signs of changing after organisers won the rights to keep the historic tournament at the Crucible for another 19 years after agreeing an extension which runs until ‘at least 2045.’

This news was met with huge optimism by many in Sheffield, including former professional Steve Harrison, who expressed his delight at the news that the venue was staying at the theatre of dreams. However, Hawkins, who has been a professional since 1996, doesn’t share this viewpoint.

He says that while he’s very happy that the sport is staying in Sheffield, he’s unsure whether the Crucible is still fit for purpose.

“I was one of the people that thought it needed a bigger and better venue,” explained Hawkins.

“The tournament is too big for it, we can outsell that tournament three, four times over, I think.”

The Crucible currently has a capacity of 980 seats in total, making the demand for tickets to see the World Championship very competitive.

Work to expand the Grade II listed venue by a further 500 seats is set to start in 2028 and be ready for the 2030 contest. However, Hawkins doesn’t feel the expansion plans are anywhere near enough to host a tournament of this magnitude.

He added: “Do I think 500 seats is going to be enough? I don’t think it will to be honest with you. I wanted it to stay in Sheffield, but a bigger and better venue, we’ll see.”

Hawkins has competed in almost every World Championship since turning professional with the exception of 2023 when he failed to qualify and while he remains hopeful of featuring in the revamped venue, he admits time may not be on his side.

“Hopefully one day I get to play in that new venue, but I mean time’s ticking for me,” he joked.

“They say it’s going to take a year to be refurbished, but you know what this country’s like, it could take five years, so I’ll probably be dusted by then.”