Judd Trump Keen for World Championship to Leave UK During Crucible Revamp and Names Ideal Venue

2019 World Snooker Champion Judd Trump opened his account at the 2026 Tour Championship with an impressive 10-8 win over tricky customer Mark Allen in the first round.

For the world number one, it marked a rare positive result in a tournament that has not been kind to him in recent years. In fact, the last time Trump had won a match at the Tour Championship was back in 2020. It also represented his first victory at Manchester Central since the event moved there in 2024.

Trump admitted he has long struggled to produce his best snooker at the venue, though he is still searching for a clear explanation.

“I struggle in this venue, I’ve always struggled and I don't know why. It was the first time I’ve played half decent here, so maybe I’ve turned a corner now,” Trump told SportsBoom.co.uk in an exclusive post-match interview. 

“There’s no real reason, I just already have one eye on the World Championship at this point, so maybe I’m not concentrating as hard on this tournament. Any kind of result here is just a bonus for me.”

Crucible Future Secured

With his focus already drifting towards Sheffield, Trump also shared his thoughts on the recent announcement that the World Championship will remain at the Crucible Theatre following a new long-term agreement between World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council.

The deal ensures the sport’s biggest event will stay in Sheffield until at least 2045, with an option to extend to 2050. Plans are also in place for a major £45m redevelopment of the venue, including the potential addition of up to 500 seats in an ‘in the round’ format, along with improved spectator facilities.

“It’s great news. It’s great that it’s such a long-term deal. Nobody needs to worry, it’s probably safe now until the end of my career. It’s good for snooker to have something set. Recently, every few years we’ve been worrying whether they’re going to extend it [The Crucible], 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.” 

Off to Germany 

During the redevelopment period, the World Championship will temporarily move away from the Crucible, prompting debate over potential host venues.

Trump believes the Tempodrom in Germany would be the ideal destination, citing the passion of German snooker fans.

“I think the Tempodrom in Germany deserves it more than anywhere else. I think the German fans have been excellent for snooker. 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 table.”

If the World Championship were to remain in the UK during its hiatus, Trump believes it should be staged as a one-off spectacle at a marquee venue such as The O2 Arena.

“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,” he concluded.