The biggest event on Sheffield's sporting calendar returns this week as the greatest snooker stars from all over the world once again battle it out for World Championship glory.
Defending champion Zhao Xintong comes into the competition in excellent form after emphatic wins over Judd Trump and John Higgins in the Tour Championship. He’ll be full of confidence heading into this one, but will be wary of falling victim to what’s commonly referred to as the Crucible Curse, with no first time winner ever successfully defending their crown in Sheffield.
We’ve already seen plenty of shocks on Judgement Day such as 2023 winner Luca Brecel failing to qualify for the tournament. However, most of the other big names are still around, including many of the usual suspects for the title such as seven-winner Ronnie O’Sullivan, four-time winner Mark Selby and 2024 champion Kyren Wilson.
With all that in mind, we take a look at the 16 pre-tournament favourites and their chances of success, according to the bookmakers at Sky Bet. (Odds correct as of Thursday 16 April)
1. Zhao Xintong - 2/1
Defending champion Zhao Xintong is the bookmakers favourite to win successive World Championship titles | Getty Images
2. Judd Trump - 5/1
Judd Trump was last named world champion in 2019 but has proven throughout his career that he can mix it with the very best | Getty Images
3. Ronnie O'Sullivan - 13/2
Seven-time winner Ronnie O'Sullivan is regarded by many as the greatest of all time. He last won the World Championship in 2022 by beating Judd Trump in the final. | AFP via Getty Images
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4. Mark Selby - 8/1
Four-time winner Mark Selby is targeting a first World Championship triumph since 2021. He dominated the late 2010s and is still regarded as one of the frontrunners. | Getty Images