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)
9. John Higgins - 20/1
He's a four-time world champion and has reached the last eight in all of the last four seasons. He's chasing his first World Championship since 2011. | Getty Images
10. Mark Williams - 25/1
The Welsh Potting Machine is a three-time world champion but an outside bet with the bookies despite reaching last year's final. | Getty Images
11. Mark Allen - 28/1
Northern Irishmen Mark Allen is a two-time semi-finalist at the World Championship, with the most recent coming in 2023. | Getty Images
12. Barry Hawkins - 33/1
Barry Hawkins, who finished as runner-up in 2013, is a four-time semi-finalist. | Getty Images