Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre, the hallowed heart of snooker, turned into a rowdy pub scene on May 4, 2025, and Judd Trump isn’t having it. The world number one, fresh off a bruising 17-14 semi-final loss to Mark Williams at the World Snooker Championship, called out the sport’s bosses to crack down on disruptive fans who, he says, are dragging snooker into a “darts atmosphere” free-for-all. One loudmouth shouting “Can’t miss that, Judd!” during a tense frame was the final straw for the 35-year-old star.
Trump, visibly steamed after the match, didn’t mince words. The heckler’s taunt came as he lined up a crucial shot, trailing 14-11. He potted a jaw-dropping long red and a razor-thin brown, only to flub a straightforward red that could’ve shifted the momentum. Williams, cool as ever, capitalized and sealed the frame, inching closer to victory. For Trump, the crowd’s antics weren’t just annoying—they’re a threat to snooker’s soul. “We don’t want that darts vibe,” he said, his voice sharp with frustration. “It’s not what this game’s about.”
The incident wasn’t isolated. Rowdy behavior has crept into snooker’s biggest stages, with fans—perhaps emboldened by the boozy, chant-heavy energy of darts events—testing the sport’s traditionally hushed etiquette. Trump’s plea for action is a direct challenge to the World Snooker Tour and its overseers: get a grip before the game loses its class. He’s not calling for a total vibe shift, just a return to the focus and respect that define snooker’s biggest moments.
Despite the loss, Trump was gracious about Williams, praising the veteran’s pinpoint play. The final, pitting Williams against Zhao Xintong, was set to light up the Crucible, but Trump’s words hung heavy. Snooker’s governing bodies haven’t yet responded to his call for stricter crowd control. No official measures were announced by the close of the semi-finals on May 4. The sport, for now, teeters between its storied decorum and a louder, messier future.
Trump’s defeat marked the end of his 2025 Crucible run. Williams advanced to the final, chasing his fourth world title. The championship’s closing matches were scheduled for May 5 and 6.