Ronnie O’Sullivan at Risk of Missing 2025 Champion of Champions as Lineup Nears Completion

The 2025 Champion of Champions is set to take place from November 10–16 at Leicester’s Mattioli Arena. However, Ronnie O’Sullivan, who has won the title four times (2013, 2014, 2018, and 2022), is currently not among the qualified players.

The invitational tournament typically features winners of the past season’s most significant events. While the official criteria have not yet been announced, several players have already earned their places based on recent victories.

Reigning champion Mark Williams will return after winning last year’s final against Xiao Guodong, who also secured his spot by successfully defending his Wuhan Open title.

Other notable participants include World Champion Zhao Xintong, UK Champion Judd Trump, and Masters winner Shaun Murphy. Also qualifying are Mark Selby and Stephen Maguire, winners of the Championship League Snooker events, along with Kyren Wilson (German Masters, Players Championship, Shanghai Masters), Neil Robertson (World Grand Prix, Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters), John Higgins (World Open, Tour Championship), and Lei Peifan, who earned a debut after his surprise Scottish Open win.

O’Sullivan, currently ranked world No. 4, has not won a ranking event since early 2024. Should empty slots remain, they are typically filled from the rankings, but several other title holders—such as Mark Allen (Riyadh Season Snooker Championship), Bai Yulu (Women’s World Championship), Alfie Burden (Seniors World Championship), and Tom Ford (Snooker Shoot Out)—would take priority.

Five remaining events—the English Open, British Open, Xi’an Grand Prix, Northern Ireland Open, and International Championship—offer final qualification opportunities. O’Sullivan will miss the English Open, narrowing his path to eligibility.

Prominent players including Ding Junhui, Barry Hawkins, and Si Jiahui are also currently outside the qualifying list.