Barry Hawkins has suggested that snooker’s most recognizable names would not shy away from World Championship qualifying, even at this stage of their careers. Ahead of the 2026 tournament, the reigning Welsh Open champion pointed to the mindset of Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams.
His comments come as the World Championship structure continues to place pressure on rankings. With only the top 16 guaranteed a place at the Crucible Theatre, the prospect of established players dropping into qualifying has become a realistic talking point. Along with that, the rise of snooker across the UK and in international markets has played a clear role in expanding how the sport is covered, especially around major events such as the World Championship. The interview itself was conducted by 247Bet.
This wider growth in interest has had a clear effect on how the sport is covered. It has made detailed coverage of the World Championship more accessible across different platforms. That is possible on a sports betting provider, 247Bet, as well as others operating across the industry.
Hawkins Points to Passion as the Deciding Factor
Hawkins makes it clear that the decision to enter qualifying would not come down to status or past achievements. He indicates that the key factor lies in how much these players still want to compete. In his view, their long-standing attachment to the game would outweigh the difficulty of the format if the situation called for it.
He suggests that if rankings were to force the issue, the trio would be willing to take on the challenge rather than step away. That position reflects his belief that their motivation has not faded. His remarks frame qualifying not as a step down, but as another test that they would accept if needed.
This perspective is grounded in what he has seen across the tour. Players at all levels continue to push through demanding schedules, and Hawkins places the Class of ’92 within that same competitive mindset.
Previous Examples Support His Claim
Hawkins supports his view by pointing to Mark Williams as a clear precedent. Williams has already gone through qualifying in the later stages of his career after a drop in rankings. That run showed that even a multiple world champion is prepared to take the longer route back to the main stage.
He notes that the experience did not carry the sense of a lesser event. The qualifying rounds now attract crowds and provide a proper setting, which changes how players approach them. This shift removes some of the stigma that may have existed in earlier years.
The scale of the current format adds weight to that argument. With 128 players competing for 16 places, the process demands consistency across several matches. Hawkins’ reference to Williams places that challenge in a real context rather than a hypothetical one.
O’Sullivan Remains the Unpredictable Factor
Hawkins singles out Ronnie O’Sullivan as the most difficult to predict in this situation. He describes him as a player who often makes decisions based on instinct rather than long-term planning. That approach has led to unexpected appearances in events across the calendar.
He explains that O’Sullivan has entered tournaments simply because he wanted match time, without any broader objective. That pattern leads Hawkins to believe that qualifying would not be ruled out if the timing felt right.
This view does not present a firm expectation, though it does underline the possibility. O’Sullivan’s record shows that he does not follow a standard path, and Hawkins’ comments reflect that uncertainty. The idea of him entering qualifying may seem unusual, yet it aligns with how he has approached the game in the past.
The Demands of Modern Qualifying
The current qualifying system stands as one of the most demanding parts of the snooker calendar. Hawkins describes it as a tough route that requires focus from the opening match. Each round brings opponents who are capable of producing high-level performances.
He refers to his own experience to reinforce that point. Matches can turn on small errors, and there is little room to recover across a short format. The depth of the field means that even lower-ranked players arrive in strong form.
The 2026 qualifiers continue this trend. Held in Sheffield, they serve as the gateway to the Crucible Theatre. Only a small portion of the field progresses, which places added pressure on every frame. Hawkins’ assessment presents qualifying as a genuine test rather than a formality.
A Limited Window for Taking on the Challenge
While Hawkins believes the Class of ’92 would consider qualifying, he does not expect them to rely on it over a long period. He suggests that such a decision would come with limits. One or two attempts would likely define whether it remains a viable route.
This view reflects the physical and mental demands involved. A sequence of matches within a short timeframe can take its toll, even on players with long careers. Hawkins indicates that repeated attempts would be unlikely if the results do not follow.
Examples from recent seasons support this idea. Several experienced players have entered qualifying late in their careers, only to step away after a small number of attempts. Hawkins places the current generation within that same pattern if circumstances change.
The Crucible Remains the Ultimate Target
Despite the demands of qualifying, Hawkins makes it clear that the goal remains unchanged. The Crucible Theatre continues to hold its position as the center of the sport. Players still measure success by their presence on that stage.
He reflects on the significance of the venue through his own career, including his appearance in the 2013 final against O’Sullivan. That experience underlines why players remain focused on returning, even if the route becomes more difficult.The 2026 World Championship, scheduled from 18 April to 4 May, continues that tradition. With a prize fund of £2,395,000 and £500,000 awarded to the winner, the stakes remain high. Hawkins’ comments bring that into focus, suggesting that even the most established names may yet take the longer path in pursuit of one more appearance at the Crucible.
