Ronnie O’Sullivan has reportedly earned around £3million more than his snooker rivals, despite his latest setback at the World Championship. The Rocket failed to retain his crown after being knocked out in the quarter-final by Luca Brecel, losing 13-10.
According to data compiled by OLBG, O’Sullivan has amassed just over £13m in career prize money, the bulk coming from his joint-record seven World Championship triumphs. That is more than £3m ahead of the next best-paid player, John Higgins, who has earned just shy of £9.5m.
Stephen Hendry, who shares the record for most World Championship wins with O’Sullivan, is third on the list with approximately £8.8m. Mark Selby and Mark Williams complete the top five, each with around £7.2m in earnings.
Following his defeat to Brecel, O’Sullivan hinted at an uncertain future in the sport. Speaking to Eurosport, he said: “I’m not really that disappointed… I love the lifestyle, I love my life, I love everything I do with snooker.” He added that he has lost at the Crucible 24 times and won seven, and that sometimes the other player just plays better.
