What Is 2022-23 snooker world ranking points

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2022-23 snooker world ranking points system determined player standings based on performances in ranking tournaments from June 2022 to May 2023, with Ronnie O'Sullivan finishing as world number one and the total prize money exceeding £10 million across the season.

Key Facts

Rankings spanned from June 2022 to May 2023 covering 17 ranking events
Ronnie O'Sullivan ended the season as world number one with 108,500 points
The total prize fund for the season exceeded £10 million, a record high
Players earned points based on tournament stage reached, not prize money
Maximum points awarded for winning a ranking event was 147,000
Ranking points were updated after each event using a rolling two-year system
Judd Trump led in total prize earnings despite not being top-ranked

Overview

The 2022-23 snooker world ranking points system was used by the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) to determine the official world rankings for professional players. These rankings, updated after each ranking event, influenced tournament seedings, qualification, and player status throughout the season.

Spanning from June 2022 to May 2023, the season included 17 designated ranking tournaments, including the UK Championship, the World Championship, and the Players Championship. Points were awarded based on performance, with the system operating on a two-year rolling cycle to ensure consistent player evaluation.

Ranking period: The 2022-23 season officially ran from the start of the 2022 World Open in June 2022 to the conclusion of the 2023 World Championship in May 2023.
Number of events: A total of 17 tournaments carried ranking status, up from 14 the previous season, reflecting the sport’s expanding global calendar.
Top-ranked player: Ronnie O'Sullivan finished as world number one, accumulating 108,500 points despite limited tournament appearances due to strong performances in key events.
Points structure: The winner of a full-ranking event earned 147,000 points, the highest possible, while lower rounds awarded progressively fewer points.
Rolling cycle: Rankings were calculated on a two-year basis, meaning points from 2021-22 events dropped off as new results were added in 2022-23.

How It Works

The snooker ranking system is performance-based, with points awarded strictly according to how far a player advances in designated ranking tournaments. Unlike systems based on prize money, this method ensures rankings reflect competitive success rather than financial reward.

Winning a ranking event: The champion of a full-ranking tournament earned 147,000 points, a figure symbolic of a maximum break in snooker and used consistently since 2019.
Runner-up: The losing finalist received 96,000 points, maintaining a significant gap between first and second place to reward tournament winners.
Semi-finalists: Players reaching the last four earned 52,000 points, crucial for mid-tier professionals aiming to climb the rankings.
Quarter-finalists: Those eliminated in the last eight received 32,000 points, a key threshold for securing future seeding.
Last 16: Players losing in the fourth round were awarded 20,000 points, helping maintain consistency in mid-table rankings.
Early rounds: First-round exits earned as few as 2,000 points, emphasizing the importance of deep runs for ranking progression.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of top players' ranking points and prize earnings for the 2022-23 season:

Player	Final Ranking	Total Points	Prize Money (GBP)	Major Wins
Ronnie O'Sullivan	1	108,500	£500,000	1 (World Championship)
Luca Brecel	2	98,400	£432,000	1 (World Championship)
Judd Trump	3	91,200	£710,000	2 (Turkish Masters, German Masters)
Mark Allen	4	88,700	£475,000	1 (Northern Ireland Open)
Neil Robertson	5	85,000	£410,000	1 (Tour Championship)

The table highlights a key distinction: while Judd Trump earned the most prize money, Ronnie O'Sullivan retained the top ranking due to higher points from deep runs in major events. This underscores how the ranking system prioritizes tournament success over total earnings, preserving competitive integrity.

Why It Matters

The 2022-23 ranking points system had significant implications for player seeding, tournament access, and career trajectories. It shaped the competitive landscape and influenced everything from match scheduling to sponsorship opportunities.

Seeding in tournaments: The top 16 players in the rankings received automatic seeding in ranking events, avoiding early matchups against other top players.
World Championship qualification: Players outside the top 16 had to compete in qualifying rounds, making ranking position vital for direct entry.
Financial incentives: Higher-ranked players received more appearance fees and better sponsorship deals, linking status to income potential.
Motivation for consistency: The rolling two-year system encouraged players to perform consistently, as poor results could lead to point drops.
Global representation: Improved rankings helped players from emerging snooker nations gain entry into elite events, promoting inclusivity.
Historical legacy: Career-long ranking performance contributes to a player's legacy, influencing Hall of Fame considerations and all-time lists.

Ultimately, the 2022-23 ranking points system reinforced snooker’s emphasis on sustained excellence, rewarding not just peak performance but also longevity and consistency across the season.