The World Championship, sponsored by Betfred until 2017, is snooker’s most important event, and one of the highlights of the sporting calendar.

For 17 days each Spring, the very best on the planet go through a test of endurance, skill and mental toughness with an ultimate goal: to lift snooker’s most famous and coveted trophy.

The tournament has been running since 1927 and is steeped in history, from the days of Joe Davis, through the 1980s when snooker became the biggest sport in Britain, to the modern era when greats such as Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry have graced the green baize. Since 1977, the tournament as been staged at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, renowned for its unique and intense atmosphere. The tournament is supported by Sheffield City Council and will stay at the Crucible until at least 2017.

Defending the title this year is Mark Selby, who captured the crown for the first time in 2014 by beating O’Sullivan 18-14 in the final.

Im looking forward to defending my title this year and trying to break the Crucible curse

Host broadcaster is BBC Sport and the event is watched by nearly 400 million people worldwide. It is sport at its finest.