In addition to his remarkable skill at the table, Zhao Xintong’s ascent to prominence in snooker has been accompanied by a sharp increase in his financial fortunes. He is now one of the most talked-about snooker players of his generation thanks to his rise to fame, which included a contentious suspension and eventual comeback. Zhao’s estimated net worth as of 2025 is £1.5 million, which has increased dramatically since his victory at the 2025 World Snooker Championship.
Zhao’s wealth was estimated to be a more modest £1 million prior to his historic victory. However, his net worth has increased significantly since his victory in Sheffield, which enthralled millions of fans, especially in China, where snooker is becoming more and more popular. With his victory, the 28-year-old snooker player has gained widespread attention, and it is anticipated that his financial situation will continue to improve. Given Zhao’s growing popularity in China and abroad, his championship victory has already been connected to new sponsorship agreements and opportunities.
| Full Name | Zhao Xintong |
|---|---|
| Born | April 3, 1997 |
| Birthplace | Shenzhen, Guangdong, China |
| Sport Country | China |
| Nickname | The Cyclone |
| Professional | 2016–2023, 2025–present |
| Career Highlights | 2025 World Snooker Champion, UK Championship 2021 Winner |
| Net Worth | £1.5 million ($1.9 million) |
| Highest Ranking | 6 (May 2022) |
| Current Ranking | 11 (May 2025) |
Zhao started playing snooker at the young age of eight in the tiny snooker clubs in Shenzhen, where his snooker adventure started. His devoted parents fostered his early passion for the game by introducing him to it and providing him with a private snooker table. Zhao entered the professional snooker scene in 2016 as a result of his quick improvement and ability to compete with elite players during his ascent through the ranks. He immediately established himself as a powerful force in snooker thanks to his innate talent and unwavering work ethic.
Zhao had already made a big impression on the snooker scene by 2021, when he defeated Luca Brecel 10–5 to win the UK Championship, his first major championship. Zhao’s career reached a turning point with this win, which placed him among the sport’s most promising players and catapulted him into the top 16 of the world rankings. He further solidified his status as a rising star in snooker by winning another significant match at the 2022 German Masters, defeating Yan Bingtao in a record-breaking whitewash.
Zhao’s career was not without controversy, though. He was implicated in a match-fixing probe in 2023 along with a number of other Chinese athletes. Zhao received a 20-month suspension for his role in placing bets for others, despite being exonerated of directly manipulating games. Although his career was momentarily put on hold due to the ban, Zhao remained steadfast in his resolve to rejoin the sport. Zhao made a spectacular return to the professional snooker scene in 2024 after serving his suspension, winning several Q Tour events and regaining his ranking.
Zhao’s comeback paid off when he defeated snooker great Mark Williams in the final of the 2025 World Snooker Championship. This victory was especially significant because Zhao became the first Chinese player to win the world title and the first amateur snooker player in history. Zhao’s career was boosted by the championship win, which also resulted in a sizable financial windfall. Zhao is now in a position to make a sizable sum of money from prize money, sponsorships, and media appearances as the 2025 World Champion.
As his reputation rises, his income is probably going to rise even more. Zhao’s wealth will grow significantly as a result of the World Championship prize money, which can reach several hundred thousand pounds. Additionally, Chinese and foreign sponsors are interested in leveraging his success as a result of his victory. The rising popularity of snooker in China is expected to boost Zhao’s marketability and open up more sponsorship opportunities.
Zhao’s ascent in the snooker world is also a sign of the sport’s growing globalization. China has emerged as a major snooker hub, with a number of its players becoming well-known worldwide. Zhao is a role model for aspiring snooker players, and his success will probably encourage more Chinese players to pursue the game professionally.
Zhao’s journey, which has been filled with both successes and setbacks, is evidence of his tenacity and resolve. He is regarded as one of the greats of snooker because of his ability to overcome a contentious suspension, make an extraordinary comeback to the game, and win the World Championship. Zhao Xintong’s story will inspire upcoming generations of snooker players as the game continues to expand globally, especially in China, where it is starting to gain traction.
