Snooker has evolved from its British/Indian origins into a global sport enjoyed by millions. Here we take a closer look at how snooker has grown internationally, from India to the UK and eventually most corners of the world.
India – Where It All Began
While we can call snooker British, India is actually the birthplace of the modern game, created by British Army officers in the 19th century. Today, many people in India still play and watch snooker, especially in big cities where there are clubs and schools that facilitate the game.
People in India enjoy snooker both as something to play for fun and to watch on TV. Cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi have active snooker communities with regular tournaments and leagues. Some Indian players even compete against the best players in the world, and a few have become quite successful internationally.
United Kingdom – The Heart of Snooker
Still, the United Kingdom remains the epicentre of professional snooker. Big tournaments like the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield have a long history and still attract many fans. Further, British players like Ronnie O’Sullivan, Mark Selby, and Judd Trump are famous around the world, which helps keep snooker popular both in Britain and beyond.
But it’s not just about professional players. Many Brits play snooker at local clubs and in smaller leagues just for fun. Snooker has been part of British culture for so long, and it seems this popularity won’t fade anytime soon.
Expanding Interest Across Europe
From the UK, snooker has spread to many other European countries. For example, big countries like Belgium, France, and Germany have people playing snooker both for fun and as professionals. The European Tour has provided a platform for emerging talents to showcase their skills, and snooker is also played at big sporting events like the European Games, making it more mainstream across Europe.
Norway
In Norway, we can see an example of a European country where snooker has grown into a niche sport with a dedicated following. Despite its modest size, Norway’s snooker community is active, with clubs and tournaments fostering local talent. Players like Kurt Maflin have brought more attention to the sport through success in large tournaments.
For many Norwegians, the sport’s appeal is bolstered by the availability of betting sites Norway where fans can further engage with the game through placing bets, just like they have already done on football, other sports and casino games for years. Thanks to the access to international betting sites, Norwegians and fans in other countries can bet on a broad range of events and competitions, which further grows the popularity of modern snooker.
Australia
Australia has developed a robust snooker culture since the sport’s early introduction during the British colonial period. The country has produced some really good players – including Neil Robertson, who is currently ranked as one of the world’s best and biggest snooker stars. Robertson’s success has made more young Australians want to play snooker, opening up opportunities for a new generation in the future.
Australia has good facilities for snooker with clubs and competitions in different regions. Australians don’t just play snooker, though. Many also enjoy pool and other similar games, resulting in a whole community of people who enjoy cue sports.
China
China has become incredibly important in modern snooker. The Chinese government has spent big sums building snooker facilities and academies to train new players, which has resulted in several star players. Among others, Ding Junhui first helped make snooker popular in China, before Zhao Xintong made history in 2025 by becoming the first Chinese player to win the World Championship.
The sport’s popularity in China is further evidenced by the substantial viewership of major tournaments. When Zhao won the World Championship, about 150 million people in China watched it. In fact, China now accounts for over 50% of snooker’s global television audience.
Thailand
Alongside China, Thailand has emerged as one of Asia’s strongest snooker nations, producing talented players who compete at the highest levels. The country also has good training facilities and academies that help develop talented players who can compete with the best in the world.
Several Thai players have achieved notable success in international competitions, and the country regularly hosts professional tournaments. Also here, the sport enjoys significant popularity among local audiences, with major tournaments receiving both substantial television coverage and live attendance.
Brazil
In South Africa, Brazil represents the strongest snooker nation. Here, players like Igor Figueiredo have achieved remarkable success on the international stage. Figueiredo won the 2025 Pan American Open Snooker Championship and has since become a well-known figure in the region and internationally.
Brazil truly got to show how good the country is at the 2025 Pan American Championship when all four players who reached the semi-finals were Brazilian. This success has made snooker more popular across Latin America and shows that the sport can grow in places where it wasn’t traditionally played.
Egypt
In Africa, Egypt has become a leading force in snooker, producing talented players who compete internationally. Mahmoud El Hareedy made history in 2025 by winning the All-Africa Snooker Championship. This victory earned him the right to play professionally for two years.
In general, snooker has grown a lot across Africa. Among others, the 2025 All-Africa Championship had 50 players from different African countries. Egypt has also broken barriers in the sport when Gantan El-Askary became the first woman to represent Egypt in international snooker championships.
The Middle East
The Middle East is putting more money into snooker. Alongside many other projects, Saudi Arabia has started to bring world-class snooker tournaments to their country. There are plans to host major events, including the first Saudi Snooker Masters with over $2.5 million in prize money.
These developments give snooker new opportunities to grow in the Middle East, as the long-term plans focus on helping local players develop and getting young people interested in the sport. Overall, the region’s investment in sports and entertainment is creating new chances for snooker and other sports to expand both locally and globally.
Conclusion
Snooker’s journey from its British origins to global recognition demonstrates the sport’s universal appeal and adaptability. While the UK remains the traditional heart of professional snooker, the game’s expansion into markets like China, Australia, and beyond shows its global interest and potential. With major investments in new markets like Saudi Arabia, snooker keeps growing as a sport that people all around the world can enjoy.