International Championship: A Decade of Snooker Drama and Rising Stars
The International Championship, a ranking tournament on the World Snooker Tour, has quickly established itself as a significant event in the professional snooker calendar since its inception in 2012. Initially conceived as a way to expand the sport’s reach beyond the United Kingdom, the tournament has showcased some of the game’s most thrilling matches and crowned a series of memorable champions. From its origins in Chengdu, China, to its more recent iterations in Tianjin and Nanjing, the International Championship has become a proving ground for both established stars and emerging talents. The tournament’s prize fund, reaching £825,000 in 2025, underscores its importance within the professional snooker circuit, attracting top players from around the globe.
The tournament’s history, though relatively short, is marked by periods of consistency and disruption. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a three-year cancellation, from 2020 to 2022, but the International Championship returned with renewed vigor in 2023, demonstrating the sport’s resilience and the enduring appeal of this prestigious event. The competition has consistently provided a platform for spectacular play, with players vying not only for the title but also for valuable ranking points that contribute to their position in the World Snooker Tour standings. The event’s location changes reflect the ongoing efforts to broaden the sport’s international footprint and engage fresh audiences.
A Roll Call of Champions: From Trump to Wu
Judd Trump etched his name into the International Championship’s history books as the inaugural champion in 2012, securing his second ranking title. Since then, the tournament has witnessed a diverse range of winners, with only three players – Trump, Mark Selby, and Ding Junhui – managing to lift the trophy on multiple occasions. Selby’s victories in 2016 and 2017 were particularly noteworthy, as he became the first player to successfully defend his title, showcasing his consistency and dominance during that period. His 2016 final victory over Ding Junhui was a commanding performance, ending with a score of 10-1. Ding Junhui, a hugely popular figure in China, claimed the title in 2013 and again in 2024, delighting his home fans. Trump added a second International Championship title to his collection in 2019.
The list of champions highlights the global nature of the sport, with players from England, China, and beyond all claiming victory. Zhang Anda’s triumph in 2023 marked a significant moment for Chinese snooker, while Wu Yize’s win in 2025 further cemented China’s growing presence in the professional game. The tournament has consistently provided a stage for both established stars and rising talents to showcase their skills and compete for one of the most coveted titles in snooker.
The Complete List of International Championship Winners
- 2012: Judd Trump
- 2013: Ding Junhui
- 2014: Ricky Walden
- 2015: John Higgins
- 2016: Mark Selby
- 2017: Mark Selby
- 2018: Mark Allen
- 2019: Judd Trump
- 2023: Zhang Anda
- 2024: Ding Junhui
- 2025: Wu Yize
The Pursuit of Perfection: Maximum Breaks at the International Championship
Beyond the overall tournament victory, achieving a maximum break – a perfect 147 – is considered one of the ultimate achievements in snooker. The International Championship has witnessed several of these rare feats, both during the main tournament and in the qualifying rounds. To date, seven maximum breaks have been recorded in the tournament’s history. These moments of brilliance not only demonstrate exceptional skill and composure but also add to the tournament’s legacy as a showcase for the highest level of snooker.
Kyren Wilson was the first player to record a 147 at the International Championship, achieving the feat in 2017 during a round of 32 match against Martin Gould. Tom Ford followed in 2019, compiling a 147 in a qualifying match against Fraser Patrick. Ryan Day added his name to the list in 2023, achieving a maximum break in qualification against Mink Nutcharut. Zhang Anda, on his way to winning the 2023 title, also recorded a 147 in the final against Tom Ford, adding to the drama of the championship match. Xu Si continued the trend in 2024, scoring a 147 against Ryan Day in the round of 32. The 2025 tournament saw two maximum breaks: Gary Wilson achieved a 147 in qualification against Artemis Zizins, and Zak Surety accomplished the feat in the round of 16 against Aaron Hill.
Maximum Breaks – A Historical Record
| Year | Player | Round | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Kyren Wilson | Round of 32 | Martin Gould |
| 2019 | Tom Ford | Qualifying | Fraser Patrick |
| 2023 | Ryan Day | Qualifying | Mink Nutcharut |
| 2023 | Zhang Anda | Final | Tom Ford |
| 2024 | Xu Si | Round of 32 | Ryan Day |
| 2025 | Gary Wilson | Qualifying | Artemis Zizins |
| 2025 | Zak Surety | Round of 16 | Aaron Hill |
The International Championship continues to evolve, adapting to the changing landscape of professional snooker. Its commitment to showcasing top-level competition and providing a platform for emerging talent ensures its continued relevance within the sport. As the tournament looks to the future, it remains a key event for players and fans alike, offering a unique blend of drama, skill, and international flair. The World Snooker Tour schedule for the 2026 season, including dates and locations for the International Championship, will be released later this year on the official World Snooker Tour website.
The next major event on the World Snooker Tour is the Players Championship, scheduled to begin on February 17th, 2026, in Wolverhampton, England. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see which players can carry their momentum from the International Championship into this prestigious event. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on the International Championship and the future of snooker in the comments below.