Zhao Xintong has etched his name into the history books by capturing the 2025 World Snooker Championship title with a sensational 18–12 triumph over three-time champion Mark Williams at Sheffield’s legendary Crucible Theatre.

At just 28 years old, Zhao becomes:

• The first-ever Asian winner of snooker’s most prestigious tournament
• The first amateur player to lift the iconic trophy
• Only the third non-UK player to win the championship since 1997

Record-Breaking Victory

Zhao’s victory not only secures him a monumental £500,000 prize but also propels him into the sport’s top 16 world rankings.

His composed and fearless performance throughout the two-session final left the crowd at the Crucible in awe, with commentators hailing it as one of the most significant moments in modern snooker history.

Snooker’s New Global Star

With his historic win, Zhao Xintong’s triumph is expected to ignite a new wave of interest in snooker across Asia and globally, further expanding the sport’s international reach.

Fans, players, and legends of the game have flooded social media with congratulations, recognising Zhao’s landmark achievement for the sport.