Kyren Wilson claimed the Alex Higgins trophy for a second time on Sunday night, with players, spectators and World Snooker Tour officials giving the venue and city rave reviews

Belfast’s Waterfront Hall is emerging as a leading contender to host the World Snooker Championship in 2029 while the sport’s traditional home, Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, undergoes a major redevelopment.

The Crucible is scheduled for an extensive renovation and expansion following the 2028 championship, with work expected to take up to 18 months.

The project will force snooker’s showpiece event to relocate temporarily, despite an agreement to keep the tournament in Sheffield until 2045.

Belfast has gained momentum as a potential host, with the Waterfront Hall attracting support from players and figures within the sport during the Northern Ireland Open.

On Sunday night Kyren Wilson claimed the Alex Higgins trophy for a second time, with players, spectators and World Snooker Tour officials giving the venue and city rave reviews.

The venue’s compact yet striking auditorium, which places spectators close to the tables, is seen as a potential match for the atmosphere associated with the Crucible. Its backstage facilities, fan experience and hospitality offering have also been praised by World Snooker Tour officials.

Players including Ronnie O’Sullivan, Jack Lisowski, Aaron Hill and Jordan Brown have backed the Belfast venue as a possible location for the championship.

The city also has an established relationship with the World Snooker Tour, with Belfast contracted to host tour events through at least 2029. The Northern Ireland Open has helped reinforce its credentials as a major stop on the professional circuit.

However, Belfast faces competition from other established snooker venues, including Alexandra Palace in London, the Barbican in York, Manchester Central and Llandudno in Wales.

O’Sullivan has also expressed support for Llandudno as an alternative venue, while three-time Crucible champion Mark Williams has backed the huge Sheffield Arena, arguing that keeping the tournament in Sheffield preserves the "spiritual home" of the event.

The 2029 championship’s temporary home has yet to be officially confirmed.