On 17 April 2016, snooker legend Steve Davis announced his retirement from professional snooker. With a career spanning 38 years, Davis retired at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, the venue where he won all his six world titles. Across his distinguished career, Davis accumulated 28 ranking titles, three Masters trophies, and made 355 century breaks.

The announcement came after Davis’s defeat in the qualifiers of the World Championship, signifying the end of an era for the player once dominant in the sport. Reflecting humorously on his career, Davis mentioned the competitive shift brought about by the arrival of players like Stephen Hendry.

Meanwhile, as of 2024, the World Snooker Championship continues to make headlines with players such as Neil Robertson and Noppon Saengkham making significant strides in the qualifying rounds. Robertson, a former world champion, advanced to the final round of qualifiers after beating Zak Surety. Saengkham, celebrated for scoring a 147 break, is a potential contender for a significant financial bonus if he can repeat the feat in the Triple Crown events.

Among others securing their place at the Crucible for 2024 are Stuart Bingham, Jack Lisowski, and Stephen Maguire. Veteran Dominic Dale also qualified, marking a return after a decade. The event, hosted at the Crucible Theatre from 20 April to 5 May, promises high stakes and competitive clashes, broadcasted extensively across various platforms including BBC TV.