Snooker chiefs have issued an update on the Crucible ahead of the 2025 World Championship. The iconic Sheffield theatre has hosted the sport’s premier event since 1977 but could lose the tournament in 2027 when its current contract with the World Snooker Tour expires. Last year, Matchroom president Barry Hearn said he was considering taking the tournament abroad, with Saudi Arabia mentioned as a potential venue. However, the tournament is expected to remain in the UK beyond 2027. It remains to be seen whether it stays at the Crucible, moves to another venue in Sheffield, or decamps to another city. Opinion appears to be split over whether the Worlds should remain at the Crucible, which has fewer than 1,000 seats. Those in favour of moving the showpiece insist the sport has outgrown the venue. Its defenders see the Crucible’s intimacy and legendary relationship with snooker as unique selling points. Crucible fans will be encouraged by the ongoing talks between the WST and Sheffield City Council, with the bodies releasing a joint-statement on the current state of play. It read: “Sheffield loves snooker. Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Theatres and World Snooker Tour have been working together, along with the BBC and partners across the city, to make the 2025 World Championship the best yet. We can’t wait to welcome the snooker world back to Sheffield this month. “Sheffield City Council and World Snooker Tour are longstanding partners. Over the last 12 months we have had constructive conversations, with Sheffield Theatres, national Government, and key partners, about the World Snooker Championship beyond 2027. “Due to the sensitive and commercial nature of these ongoing discussions, no announcement on the future of the Championship will be made by Sheffield City Council, Sheffield Theatres or World Snooker Tour during this year’s event. When we can share more information with the millions of snooker fans around the world, and with the people of Sheffield, we will provide an update." With qualifying at Sheffield's English Institute of Sport already underway, the main tournament begins on Saturday, April 19. Kyren Wilson will attempt to break the ‘Crucible curse’, which has seen not a single first-team winner defend the title.