The snooker ranking system determines a player’s official position on the professional tour based on prize money earned in ranking tournaments. Rankings are used to decide seedings, qualification for events, and long-term tour status.
Several different ranking lists exist in professional snooker, but only one determines a player’s official world ranking. The system is administered by the World Snooker Tour under regulations set by the WPBSA.
How the ranking system works
Official snooker rankings are calculated using prize money earned in designated ranking tournaments over a rolling two-year period.
The key features of the system are:
- Only prize money from ranking tournaments is included
- Earnings remain on a player’s total for two full seasons or a rolling two-year period
- Prize money from the corresponding event two years earlier is removed
- Rankings are updated as tournaments are completed
A player’s ranking position is determined solely by the total prize money accumulated within this rolling two-year window.
Types of rankings used in snooker
Professional snooker uses several different ranking lists, each with a specific purpose.
Official world rankings (two-year system)
This is the primary and authoritative ranking list.
- Based on prize money earned over two seasons
- Determines official world ranking position
- Used for seedings, tour status, and most qualifications
When players are described as “world number one” or “top 16”, this is the ranking list being referenced.
One-year rankings
The one-year rankings track prize money earned within a single season only.
- Reset at the start of each season
- Used to determine qualification for certain events
- Does not determine official world ranking position
This list rewards short-term form rather than sustained performance.
Home Nations Series bonus rankings
The Home Nations Series operates a separate prize money table.
- Calculated using results from the four Home Nations events
- The top player earns a season-ending bonus
- Has no impact on official rankings or seedings
This ranking exists solely to administer the Home Nations Series bonus.
Ranking tournaments and eligibility
Only tournaments officially designated as ranking events contribute to rankings.
Invitational events, exhibitions, and most short-format competitions do not affect rankings, regardless of prize money. Players must normally hold professional tour status to appear on the world rankings. However, an invited amateur who earns enough prize money to finish inside the top 64 is awarded a world ranking position. This precedent was set by Zhao Xintong at the 2025 World Championship.
Seeding and tournament entry
Rankings play a central role in tournament structure.
They are used to:
- Determine seedings at ranking events
- Decide automatic entry into later rounds
- Select players for elite and end-of-season tournaments
Higher-ranked players typically enter events later in the draw, while lower-ranked players must progress through earlier rounds or qualifying stages.
The top 64 players on the official world rankings at the end of the season retain professional tour status for the following campaign.
Common misunderstandings
There is more than one official world ranking list
There is only one official world ranking list. Supplementary rankings do not create alternative world rankings.
Rankings are based on titles won
Prize money totals alone determine ranking position.
Rankings are reset each season
The main world rankings operate on a rolling basis. However, players who regain professional status via the one-year rankings list or through Q School begin the following season with their ranking prize money reset.