Pots of Gold, the Crucible's Future and World Championship Predictions: The WPBSA Podcast Is Back
Series Two of the WPBSA Snooker Podcast Launches with a Deep Dive into the Sport's History
If you've been missing your fix of thoughtful, long-form snooker chat, the wait is over. The WPBSA Snooker Podcast has returned for its second series, and it's kicked things off in style. Host Michael McMullan sits down with author David Hendon to discuss Pots of Gold – A History of Snooker, the widely praised book that landed last September and has been making waves among snooker fans ever since. If you haven't picked up a copy yet, this episode will almost certainly push you over the line.
A Book Worth Your Time
Hendon's Pots of Gold is exactly the kind of project snooker deserves — a proper, thorough chronicle of how the sport evolved from its colonial roots into the globally televised spectacle we obsessively follow today. McMullan and Hendon clearly have a genuine rapport in this episode, and the conversation covers the characters, controversies and landmark moments that have shaped snooker across the decades. From the original boom years of the 1980s — when Steve Davis and then Stephen Hendry dominated the airwaves and snooker pulled in audiences that modern sports properties would kill for — through to the modern era of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Judd Trump and the current crop of young challengers, the book sounds like essential reading for anyone who considers themselves a serious follower of the game.
For context, snooker's televised history is remarkable. The BBC's coverage of the World Championship at the Crucible has been running since 1978, and peak viewing figures in the UK once eclipsed 18 million. The sport has had its lean years, but the past decade has seen a genuine resurgence — more ranking events, larger prize funds, and a growing fanbase in China that has fundamentally changed the economics of professional snooker. A book that captures all of that sweep and nuance is no small undertaking, and by all accounts Hendon has pulled it off.
The Crucible Until 2045 — and Why That Matters
Beyond the book discussion, McMullan and Hendon also react to arguably the biggest piece of snooker news in recent memory: the confirmation that the Halo World Snooker Championship will remain at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield until at least 2045. That's nearly two more decades of those iconic green baize battles in the most atmospheric venue in sport.
For punters and fans alike, this is genuinely significant. The Crucible isn't just a backdrop — it's a character in its own right. Its unique two-table setup during the early rounds, the proximity of the crowd to the players, and the sheer weight of history hanging over every frame creates conditions you simply won't find elsewhere. Players who thrive in tight, pressurised environments have historically outperformed their rankings there, which is why the Crucible Curse — the phenomenon of first-time finalists failing to win the title — remains such a compelling narrative year after year.
Knowing the World Championship stays put also has implications for how we assess longer-term player development. A young professional breaking onto the scene today can essentially plan their entire career around one day lifting that trophy in Sheffield. That continuity matters, and it's the kind of thing Hendon's historical perspective is perfectly placed to appreciate.
World Championship Predictions from the Podcast
McMullan and Hendon also turn their attention to the 2026 Halo World Championship, sharing their predictions for who might lift the trophy this year. We won't spoil their picks — you'll want to listen to that yourselves — but it's worth noting that the World Championship market is always one of the most fascinating to follow. Defending champions carry weight, but the Crucible has a habit of producing shock runs that leave even seasoned traders scrambling to adjust their books.
For our own take, keep your eyes on SnookerWins.co.uk as the tournament draws closer — we'll have full outright previews, round-by-round match tips and the best available odds from across the major UK bookmakers.
Where to Listen
The new episode of the WPBSA Snooker Podcast is available right now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. Whether you're commuting, warming up for a session at your local club, or simply settling in ahead of an afternoon's snooker, it's well worth an hour of your time. The first series showed real promise, and if this opening episode is any indication, series two is going to be even better.
Please gamble responsibly. Visit BeGambleAware.org or call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. Only bet what you can afford to lose.