Snooker is a sport that has captivated audiences around the globe, particularly in the UK and China. It boasts a rich history of prestigious tournaments and among these are a select few that stand out not just for their competitive nature but also for their substantial prize pots. While they languish beneath other solo sports such as darts, they still provide a hefty sum to their eventual victory. And here are the five biggest of them.

World Championship

Often regarded as the Holy Grail, the World Championship is the most prestigious and financially rewarding event on the calendar. Hosted annually at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, the competition for this one is gruelling, with the matchups in the latter stages regularly taking place across two - and sometimes even three- days.

The prize pot stands at a whopping £2,395,000 - with £500,000 going to the winner - making it the richest tournament in the game by some distance. Winning in South Yorkshire not only earns a player a substantial windfall but also cements their legacy. Kyren Wilson was the latest man to claim that prize and honour of becoming champion.

Throughout late April and early May, the Kettering-born star announced himself as a major player on the tables. The 32-year-old had threatened to win at the Crucible before, reaching two semifinals and the final itself in 2020. Unfortunately, that would ultimately end in defeat at the hands of Ronne O'Sullivan - perhaps the greatest player to have ever played the sport - but Wilson wouldn't let that deter him.

Four years on from that heartbreaking loss, the in-form man stormed through to the last 16 at a canter. There, online sports betting at Bovada still didn't truly fancy his chances, pricing him as a lowly +1600 fifth favourite. But he knew that this year was different. He beat four-time champion John Higgins in the quarterfinal before beating compatriot David Glbert in the semis. He finally defeated unheralded Welsh underdog Jak Jones in the final, securing him his main world title and the half-a-million-pound prize money it brought with it.

UK Championship

The UK championship is another cornerstone of the season and is renowned not only for its historical significance but also for its lucrative prize offerings. With a total prize fund of £1,009,000 - yes, that nine is random and isn't a typo, believe it or not - the tournament is the second most lucrative on the circuit, albeit somewhat less alluring than the Worlds.

Held annually in the United Kingdom, this tournament attracts the best players from around the world, all vying for the top prize of £200,000. The competition is part of the Triple Crown of snooker, alongside the World Championship and the Masters, and winning it is a dream for any professional snooker player.

A whose who of top stars has roared to victory here over the years. Rocket Ronnie won his first major crown here as a 17-year-old in 1993, becoming the youngest major winner in history just one year after turning pro. He has gone on to win seven more times over the years, the most of anybody, and he is currently the reigning champion. He will be aiming to successfully retain the title this December just as he did in 2018 and 2019.

China Open

In recent years, China has emerged as a major hub for snooker. The country has produced some superstars such as Ding Junhui, as well as modern sensations like Zhao Xintong and Yan Bingtao. The country is still waiting for its first world champion, with the aforementioned Ding reaching the final in 2016 but losing to the Jester From Leicester, Mark Selby.

Held in Beijing, the tournament has grown in stature and importance and is now one of the most sought-after trophies on the tour. t offers a winner's prize of £225,000 out of a total pot of £1,000,000. This tournament provides a significant financial incentive and plays a crucial role in promoting snooker in Asia, a region where the sport's popularity is rapidly expanding.

International Championship

Another prominent event held in China, the International Championship, boasts a prize fund of £802,000, making it one of the top-paying tournaments in snooker. Since its inception in 2012, the International Championship has quickly established itself as a fixture on the snooker calendar, attracting elite players from around the world.

The winner of the International Championship receives £175,000, a significant sum that reflects the tournament's importance. Held in various locations across China, this event has played a key role in showcasing the country's passion for snooker and its commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.

World Open

Rounding out the list of the most lucrative snooker tournaments is the World Open, with a prize fund of £772,000. This tournament, like the China Open and the International Championship, underscores China's growing influence in the snooker world.

With a top prize of £150,000, the World Open offers substantial financial rewards and attracts a strong field of competitors each year. The tournament's rotating venues within China add an element of diversity and excitement, as players and fans alike experience different cities and cultures. The World Open's impressive prize money and competitive field ensure that it remains a key highlight of the snooker season.