World Snooker Championship 2026: Barry Hawkins Admits Missing 'Arrogance' Needed for Snooker Success

Barry Hawkins kicked off his 2026 World Snooker Championship campaign in superb fashion, ending Matthew Stevens’ long-awaited return to the Crucible with a commanding 10-4 victory.

The iconic Welshman had been absent from Sheffield for three years, having failed to qualify since 2022, but despite flashes of his trademark potting, he had no answer to the Hawk’s clinical display.

Ending the Crucible Drought

Considering Hawkins’ recent record at the venue, the result carried added significance, it marked his first win at the Crucible in five years.

Between 2013 and 2018, Hawkins enjoyed the most successful spell of his career, reaching a final, four semi-finals, and a quarter-final. However, since then, his Sheffield record has dipped, with no quarter-final appearances and no match wins since 2021 prior to this run.

Welsh Open Boost — Or Not?

Earlier this season, Hawkins returned to the winner’s circle by lifting the 2026 Welsh Open, his fifth ranking title and first since 2023, underlining his strong recent form.

But when asked whether that success had given him added confidence heading into the World Championship, he dismissed the idea.

“No, that's long gone. That feels like history,” Hawkins said post-match. 

“It gives you confidence straight after, but the high doesn't last that long. Before you know it, you’re back to work and you're onto the next one really.”

“If you get on a roll, you win a tournament and go straight into the next one, which I didn't have the chance to do. I pulled out of China because of my back.”

Battling Through Injury

Hawkins has been dealing with severe lower back pain, which forced him to withdraw from the World Open in China. He also managed the issue during the Tour Championship in Manchester.

While still not fully recovered, he revealed he is close, managing the injury through morning stretches and core strengthening work.

“It would be nice going to the next tournament as just winning the previous one, you know, having that confidence behind you, but I had a month or two before I played in the next event. And that confidence probably dwindled a little bit.”

The Missing Swagger

The 46-year-old has never been known for an imposing presence at the table, and he admitted that “swagger” is an important, but absent, part of his game.

“Yeah, 100% [if you need swagger in snooker], but I've never been one of them people who’s had it,” Hawkins added. 

“You’ve gotta have a bit of confidence, a bit of arrogance around the table, you know, impose your presence on your opponent, it's all about that. It's not just about playing snooker.”

“There's a lot of mind games out there as well. If you look confident and you instal fear into the opponent sometimes. They can see you feeling confident and all that sort of stuff. It's definitely important.”

Self-Deprecation and Honesty

Often labelled the best player never to win a Triple Crown event, Hawkins has built a career on consistency, but also on self-criticism.

Asked why he never developed that aura, his response was typically blunt.

“Because I'm an idiot. That's why,” he laughed.

“I've always been the same. I always talked myself down. I've never been overly flashed or anything like that. I just go about my business really.”

“I'm not really interested in trying to make headlines or anything like that.”

He did, however, admit some improvement with age.

“As I get older, I realise I should have a bit more confidence in myself. I do, I'm a lot better than I used to be, put it that way.”

Mind Games — Not His Style

Hawkins also revealed he has never truly embraced the psychological side of the sport.

“Not really. When I was younger, I spoke to sports psychologists, all that sort of stuff and they told me to stand proud, walk around like your own place. It's easier said than done really,” he told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“It's all good when you're playing well, knocking the balls in, and then you go out there and can't pot a ball and look like you have never played before. Then you can't walk around the table, looking like a governor, can you?” he concluded.

Hawkins will now face the winner of Mark Williams or Antoni Kowalski in the second round, with Williams currently leading 6-3 ahead of their evening session.