The World Snooker Tour announced the 2025-26 season’s major year-end awards on Thursday evening (May 8), with Chinese cueist Zhao Xintong earning the top individual honor.
Zhao Xintong captured four titles during the campaign—the World Grand Prix, Players Championship, Tour Championship, and Riyadh Season Snooker Championship—earning him his first recognition as World Snooker Tour Player of the Year. He also claimed the Media Player of the Year award, voted on by journalists covering the sport throughout the season.
In addition, Zhao was inducted into the Hall of Fame alongside Mark Allen, an honor reserved for legendary figures who have made outstanding contributions to snooker history.
Fellow Chinese player Wu Yize, who won the World Championship this season, received the Fans’ Player of the Year award. Wu impressed audiences with his exciting style and also won the International Championship earlier in the season.
The Breakthrough Player of the Year award went to 23-year-old Chang Bingyu, who reached his first ranking final at the Scottish Open and compiled two maximum 147 breaks in Triple Crown events.
Other major awards saw “Rocket” Ronnie O’Sullivan named Performance of the Year after becoming the first player to fire two 147 breaks in a single session during his Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters semifinal victory over Chris Wakelin.
Jack Lisowski captured the Magical Moment of the Year for his thrilling 9-8 win over Judd Trump in the Northern Ireland Open final, securing his first ranking title.
Polish teenager Su Barczyk, aged just 15, was recognized as Rookie of the Year for his impressive debut season.
