According to a Xinhua report from London on May 8, the World Snooker Tour has announced the end-of-season awards for the 2025-2026 campaign, with Chinese players dominating the honors. Zhao Xintong was named Player of the Year for the first time and inducted into the Hall of Fame, while Wu Yize received the Fans’ Player of the Year award, highlighting a stellar season for Chinese talent.
Zhao Xintong, the reigning world champion, became the first player to sweep the Players Series titles in a single season, winning the World Grand Prix, Players Championship, and Tour Championship. He also claimed the Riyadh Season Championship and finished the season ranked third in the world. Following in the footsteps of Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan, Zhao became only the third player to surpass £1 million in season prize money. He also led the century break chart with 82 centuries over the campaign.
In addition to the main award, Zhao was voted the Media Player of the Year, a prize decided by journalists covering snooker throughout the season.
Wu Yize was voted Fans’ Player of the Year after a remarkable season that saw him capture both the International Championship and the World Championship. In the Crucible Theatre final, he edged out Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a thrilling decider to cap off his campaign.
Ronnie O’Sullivan was honored with the Performance of the Year award. During the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters semi-final against Chris Wakelin, he became the first player to fire two 147 breaks in a single match, along with two other impressive clearances.
Jack Lisowski claimed the Magical Moment of the Year award for his thrilling 9-8 victory over Judd Trump in the Northern Ireland Open final, securing his first ranking title.
Chang Bingyu, aged 23, was named Breakthrough Player of the Year. He reached his first ranking final at the Scottish Open, compiled two 147 breaks in the Triple Crown events, and finished the season ranked inside the top 50.
Polish teenager Michał Szubarczyk, just 15 years old, was voted Rookie of the Year after an impressive debut season that saw him break into the world’s top 100.
Furthermore, Zhao Xintong and Mark Allen, a 12-time ranking event winner and former world number one, were both inducted into the Hall of Fame, which recognizes legendary players and those who have made outstanding contributions to the sport.
