The Champion of Champions is one of the most thrilling and prestigious events on the snooker calendar, bringing together the past year’s champions for an all-star showdown.
Since it began in 2013, it has grown into a must-watch tournament, packed with unforgettable moments and jaw-dropping performances.
Here are five fun and quirky facts that will get you excited for the upcoming edition of this snooker spectacle.
- The Rocket’s Record
Ronnie O’Sullivan, aka “The Rocket,” has an incredible track record at the Champion of Champions. He’s won the title four times (2013, 2014, 2018, and 2022), more than any other player in the tournament’s history. Known for his fast-paced play and unpredictable style, O’Sullivan has often left his opponents (and fans) stunned with his precision and flair.
At his first Champion of Champions win in 2013, O’Sullivan set the stage by defeating Stuart Bingham with a final score of 10-8. His popularity at this event is so immense that, when he’s in the lineup, you won’t want to miss it.
- The Fastest Century Breaks in Champion of Champions History
The Champion of Champions has seen some lightning-fast century breaks (100+ points in one visit), especially from players known for their speedy style. In 2019, Judd Trump made a century break in under five minutes—one of the fastest in the tournament’s history! Trump, often called “The Ace in the Pack,” is known for his aggressive, fast-paced style, and he didn’t disappoint.
Another fun fact: O’Sullivan holds multiple records for the fastest century breaks in snooker history and has brought that speed to the Champion of Champions stage more than once. His quickest break here came in just over five minutes, leaving the crowd stunned by his skill and relentless speed.
- Winner Takes All: The Unique Champion Pool
Unlike ranking tournaments that allow all players to enter, the Champion of Champions is strictly invite-only. Only champions from the past year’s major snooker events qualify to play, which means that every competitor here is already a winner. This elite field is what gives the tournament its unique edge and keeps the stakes incredibly high.
If there aren’t enough champions to fill all the tournament slots, wildcards are added to balance out the numbers, often leading to surprise performances from players fans didn’t expect to see!
- Nail-Biting Deciders
The Champion of Champions is famous for its nail-biting deciders. Over the years, fans have witnessed some of the tensest match finishes in snooker. For instance, Neil Robertson’s 2019 victory over Trump went down to the wire, with Robertson narrowly winning 10-9 in the final frame. It’s these close calls that make the tournament such an adrenaline-packed experience for fans and players alike.
The 2019 spectacle set a new benchmark for the number of deciding frames in a Champion of Champions tournament, and it’s still considered one of the best snooker matches ever played.
- The £150,000 Prize
The Champion of Champions may be a non-ranking event, but that doesn’t mean players leave empty-handed. The winner walks away with £150,000, one of the biggest prize pools for a non-ranking event in snooker. This hefty sum makes the tournament not only prestigious but also highly lucrative for those who make it to the top.
Let’s get the offers on the baize!
We’ve gone snooker loopy by giving you a 20% odds boost to add to your outright bet for the tournament and we’re also offering you a cash back refund if any of your match selections are beaten in a final frame decider throughout the week.