Ronnie O’Sullivan is set to make a historic bid this year by aiming to clinch two world titles at the Crucible within a month. The 50-year-old, renowned for his competitiveness, will compete against players on the senior circuit. He aims to secure his record eighth crown in his 34th consecutive World Championship appearance.
Scheduled to debut in the senior tournament in Yorkshire starting on May 6, O’Sullivan’s participation was confirmed by the World Seniors Snooker Tour. The organization highlighted him as the sport’s most commercially successful and captivating figure, headlining the strongest field ever assembled for a World Seniors event.
Joining O’Sullivan at the event will be fellow world champions Mark Williams, Stuart Bingham, and Ken Doherty, along with several other notable players like Jimmy White, Matthew Stevens, and Tony Drago. The tournament is expected to draw significant interest, with Chairman Jason Francis expressing excitement over O’Sullivan’s debut and its potential impact on ticket sales.
Following the 2025 World Championship, the World Snooker Tour relaxed rules allowing professional players aged 45 or older and ranked in the top 64 to compete in the veterans circuit. O’Sullivan, with seven world titles to his name, is aiming to add to his accolades after drawing level with Stephen Hendry’s record in 2022.
Hendry, a former world champion himself, has expressed support for O’Sullivan’s pursuit of an eighth world title, citing his own pride in achieving certain records. O’Sullivan’s potential eighth title win is seen as a testament to his exceptional talent and longevity in the sport.