Judd Trump claims World Snooker Championship should go abroad as Britain has 'had it long enough'

Ed Griffiths
Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:59:57 +0000

Judd Trump has backed Berlin's Tempodrom as the ideal location for the 2029 World Snooker Championship whilst Sheffield's Crucible Theatre undergoes renovation work.

The world number one believes German supporters have earned the right to host snooker's premier event during the venue's temporary closure.

Trump said: "I think the Tempodrom in Germany deserves it more than anywhere else. I think the German fans have been excellent for snooker."

The 36-year-old highlighted the success of the German Masters, which has been staged at the Berlin arena since 2011, as evidence the facility could accommodate the championship format.

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He added: "The German Masters is an amazing tournament, but I think the World Championship in that venue would be perfect if it's just one or two tables."

Should the championship remain on home soil during the Crucible's hiatus, Trump suggested the O2 Arena as a suitable alternative venue.

The Bristol-born player expressed the view that British audiences have enjoyed exclusive access to the tournament for long enough, particularly given its guaranteed return to Sheffield.

He explained: "I think the UK has had it long enough and it's going to go back, so I don't see a reason why it should stay. If it was to stay somewhere in the UK, maybe the O2 Arena, somewhere like that."

His stance contrasts with that of 1985 champion Dennis Taylor, who recently urged organisers to keep the competition within Britain.

Trump welcomed the recently announced 19-year agreement between the World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council, which secures the championship's future at the Crucible until 2045.

The deal will see the venue expanded to accommodate approximately 500 additional spectators.

Trump said: "It's great news. It's great that it's such a long-term deal."

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He added: "Nobody needs to worry, it's probably safe now until the end of my career."

The five-time Triple Crown winner noted the arrangement brings welcome certainty after years of speculation about the tournament's home.

Trump said: "It's good for snooker to have something set. Recently, every few years we've been worrying whether they're going to extend it, or if it's going to go.

"But it puts all of that to bed now, and I think everyone is happy with the decision."

Trump faces Shaun Murphy in the Tour Championship quarter-finals today, having ended a six-year losing streak in the competition with his 10-8 victory over Mark Allen on Monday.

The current world number one claimed his sole World Championship title in 2019, defeating John Higgins 18-9 in the final at the Crucible.

That triumph forms part of an impressive haul of five Triple Crown titles for the 36-year-old, cementing his status as one of the sport's leading figures.

His quarter-final clash with fellow Englishman Murphy represents another opportunity to add to his trophy collection this season.