Snooker officials anticipate a stronger turnout for the second annual Champions Dinner, scheduled just before the World Championship begins on Saturday. Qualifying rounds wrapped up on Wednesday evening, setting the stage for the main event at the Crucible Theatre.
Last Year’s Gathering
The event draws inspiration from the prestigious Champions Dinner at the Masters golf tournament. In its debut last year, 11 of the 20 living world champions gathered in Sheffield. Attendees included the oldest champion, Cliff Thorburn, who traveled from Canada, and defending champion Kyren Wilson, who selected the menu. Others present were Dennis Taylor, Steve Davis, John Parrott, Stephen Hendry, Ken Doherty, Peter Ebdon, Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson, and Stuart Bingham. Each received a commemorative world champion jacket.
Notable absences included seven-time champion Ronnie O’Sullivan and three-time Crucible winner Mark Williams. John Higgins cited family commitments, while Judd Trump sat out due to illness.
Unique Menu Structure
The dinner featured ‘frames’ instead of courses. The first offered prawn cocktail or mushroom soup with truffle oil. The second frame included slow-cooked beef in red wine jus with potatoes, vegetables, and Yorkshire pudding, or a vegetarian spiced chickpea and vegetable stew with rice. Dessert choices were sticky toffee pudding or cheesecake, followed by a cheeseboard.
Participants raised a toast to departed legends, including Ray Reardon and Terry Griffiths, both of whom passed away in 2024.
Expectations for 2026
Defending champion Zhao Xintong holds the honor of choosing this year’s menu, provided he attends. Kyren Wilson will miss the event, as his wife undergoes major surgery that day. He also skips the memorial service for the late John Virgo, held earlier Thursday.
Wilson stated: “That was always my plan to go and see that and pay my respects. But I need to be there for my wife. And unfortunately, I can’t make the World Champions dinner because of that. So, again, frustrating, but it’s something we need to do as a family. It’s [Sophie’s health issues] not resolved, but it’s just part and parcel of life. You’ve got to get on with it. I think Sophie’s is more frustrated that she can’t get up into the Champions Lounge at the Crucible and make the most of the Prosecco!”
Wilson plans to compete in the tournament. Seeded players, including him, await first-round draw details on Thursday morning.
