The Snooker World Championship represents the pinnacle of the sport each year as it concludes the major season and is by far the biggest prize on offer.
The competition sees the greatest players meet on the most demanding stage. There are more games en route to the final than any other snooker event and the games themselves are also played in a lengthier format.
There is simply no greater test of endurance and consistency than what the World Snooker Championship offers. In 2024, the typical 17 days of action are set to unfold again and several remarkable headlines could emerge based on the eventual winner.
Back-to-back glory for Luca Brecel
Luca Brecel shocked the snooker world by winning the championship in 2023 and this year he has the chance to go back-to-back. The World Snooker Championship 2024 betting markets offer the Belgian as a +1600 outsider to retain his title.
However, the multiple-time world champion veterans are seen to have a greater chance of glory in the odds for snooker this year with Ronnie O’Sullivan leading the way in the betting markets at +300.
Brecel achieved a remarkable underdog run last year though and he could use that as a blueprint to make even greater history by beating the biggest names again in 2024.
The Belgian’s road to the final was extraordinary as he knocked out snooker greats O’Sullivan and Mark Williams in convincing fashion. After he reached the final he also sparked a huge surprise in getting the better of four-time winner Mark Selby.
There is no greater challenge in snooker than facing the quality and unique aura of a legendary player. Brecel has that experience in abundance and while he is not the favorite, the potential for back-to-back success should not be ruled out this year.
Eighth world title for O’Sullivan
O’Sullivan is unsurprisingly the favorite to win the World Championships in 2024 and that would mark his eighth success at the highest level.
If the Englishman is to win the tournament again this year then he will become the joint-second most successful player in its history alongside his compatriots Fred Davis and John Pulman.
He would also establish himself as the undisputed greatest player in the modern era as he would move beyond Scotsman Stephen Hendry in terms of world titles.
An eighth O’Sullivan world title is perhaps the most likely outcome this year although anything can happen on the sport’s toughest platform of all.
Career resurrection for Selby
Selby is a player that has built a remarkable legacy in the sport with four world titles to his name already. However, after losing in the final to Brecel last year he has struggled for consistency ever since, and he has even been vocal about considering retirement.
There is personal doubt surrounding whether Selby’s peak playing days can be resurrected however becoming the world champion would extinguish that narrative. Selby is offered at +750 to win the World Championships which means it is well within the realms of possibility.
A fifth success at Crucible Theatre would ensure that a genuine great does not retire from the sport soon and it could even be a catalyst for Selby to win more before he eventually departs from the professional game.
Ultimately, O’Sullivan may be expected to win his eighth title this year as his remarkable level is still showing no signs of declining. However, last year’s winner Brecel, and four-time winner Selby are also bidding for glory and their potential successes would be incredibly meaningful too.