How do snooker world rankings work?

They are based on prize money won in ranking events over a rolling two-year period. Each event's money drops off when the same event comes round two years later.

Do invitational events count towards the rankings?

No. The Masters, the Champion of Champions and other invitational events do not count.

Why do the rankings matter?

They decide seedings, who is invited to events such as the Masters (the top 16), and who keeps their place on the professional tour.

How do you become a professional snooker player?

Win a tour card: mainly through Q School, a qualifying competition, or through regional amateur championships and junior events.

Snooker · Guide

How snooker world rankings work

The world rankings are a money list. Every pound won in a ranking event over the last two years counts; when an event comes round again, the money from two years earlier drops off.

The basics

Prize money, not points: your ranking is the total you have won in ranking events over a rolling two years.
Ranking events only: invitational events, including the Masters, do not count.
Rolling: after each event, the prize money from the same event two years earlier comes off. A player defending a big title can drop places even while playing well.

Why it matters

Seeding: the higher you are, the easier your route through the draw, and the top players are often held over to play their qualifying match at the venue.
Invitations: the Masters invites the top 16.
Staying on tour: tour cards last two seasons. Players inside the top 64 at the end of that period keep their place; most of the rest have to win it back, usually at Q School.

One-year lists

Several events use a separate one-year money list instead. The Players Championship and the Tour Championship, for example, take the top players on the current season's list, which rewards form over reputation.

Getting on the tour

Most new professionals come through Q School, a set of open qualifying events held after the World Championship, or win a place through amateur and junior championships around the world.

Quick answers

How do snooker world rankings work?: They are based on prize money won in ranking events over a rolling two-year period. Each event's money drops off when the same event comes round two years later.
Do invitational events count towards the rankings?: No. The Masters, the Champion of Champions and other invitational events do not count.
Why do the rankings matter?: They decide seedings, who is invited to events such as the Masters (the top 16), and who keeps their place on the professional tour.
How do you become a professional snooker player?: Win a tour card: mainly through Q School, a qualifying competition, or through regional amateur championships and junior events.