<P> The World Snooker Championship is the leading snooker tournament both in terms of prestige and prize money . The first championship was held in 1927 and was won by Joe Davis . Davis won the first 15 championships before retiring from the event , undefeated , after his 1946 success . In the 1950s snooker went into a period of decline and the championship was not held after 1952 , although an unofficial championship was held until 1957 . In 1964 the championship was revived on a challenge basis and in 1969 the championship became a knock - out event again . Since 1977 it has been played at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield , England . The tournament is currently played over 17 days and ends on the first Monday in May . In the modern era ( since 1969 ) , the best record is that of Stephen Hendry , who won the title seven times . Steve Davis and Ray Reardon both won six times while Ronnie O'Sullivan has won five titles . The current champion is Mark Selby , who has won the tournament three times . </P>
<P> The World Snooker Championship is the leading snooker tournament both in terms of prestige and prize money . The first championship was held in 1927 and was won by Joe Davis . Davis won the first 15 championships before retiring from the event , undefeated , after his 1946 success . In the 1950s snooker went into a period of decline and the championship was not held after 1952 , although an unofficial championship was held until 1957 . In 1964 the championship was revived on a challenge basis and in 1969 the championship became a knock - out event again . Since 1977 it has been played at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield , England . The tournament is currently played over 17 days and ends on the first Monday in May . In the modern era ( since 1969 ) , the best record is that of Stephen Hendry , who won the title seven times . Steve Davis and Ray Reardon both won six times while Ronnie O'Sullivan has won five titles . The current champion is Mark Selby , who has won the tournament three times . </P>
who has the most world titles in snooker
who has the most world titles in snooker
Joe Davis Stephen Hendry
Joe Davis Stephen Hendry