The World Snooker Championship may temporarily relocate to Germany in 2029 while Sheffield's Crucible Theatre undergoes a £45 million redevelopment. The iconic venue, which has hosted every World Championship since 1977, will gain 500 extra seats, bringing total capacity to 1,500, and will remain the tournament's home until at least 2045.
Barry Hearn, president of Matchroom Sport and head of the World Snooker Tour, confirmed on Monday that Berlin's Tempodrom – current venue for the German Masters – is a leading candidate for the one- or two-year move. “If we went abroad, if I had to choose, I'd say Germany,” Hearn said, citing similar time zones to the UK.
Hearn emphasised his preference to keep the championship in Britain but acknowledged commercial pressures. “I believe the UK is the home of snooker... I'm very loath, subject to commerciality, to move it anywhere else,” he said, adding that the BBC, which holds broadcasting rights for Triple Crown events until 2032, would have significant influence over the decision.
The temporary relocation arises because the Crucible's redevelopment cannot take place while the tournament is staged there. Other UK venues, including Alexandra Palace, are also under consideration. Hearn noted that the aim is to limit the move to just one year, though two years remain possible.
