The World Championship, sponsored by Betfred until 2019, 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 in the city until at least 2027. Host broadcaster is BBC Sport and the event is watched by nearly 400 million people worldwide. It is sport at its finest. In 2017 the champion was Mark Selby, who beat John Higgins 18-15 in the final to win it for the third time.