Luca Brecel (Dutch pronunciation: [ˈlukaː breːˈsɛl]; [2] born 8 March 1995) is a Belgian professional snooker player. A four-time ranking event winner, Brecel is the former World Snooker Champion, having won the 2023 event by defeating four-time champion Mark Selby 18–15 in …

Mar 8, 1995 · In 2023 Luca Brecel created history as he defeated Mark Selby 18-15 to become the first player from mainland Europe to lift the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

Jan 7, 2024 · Brecel knocks out Ricky Walden, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams to reach the semi-finals before a Crucible record comeback against Si Jiahui, from 14-5 down to win 17-15. The £500,000 top prize boosts him to second in the world rankings.

Jan 15, 2025 · Luca Brecel dazzled at Alexandra Palace with inspired ball-striking to oust debutant Chris Wakelin with a 6-3 victory and set up a Masters quarter-final with world champion Kyren Wilson.

Apr 29, 2023 · SHEFFIELD, England (AP) — Luca Brecel mounted the greatest comeback in the history of the world snooker championship to reach the final on Saturday. The Belgian player recovered from 14-5 down against Si Jiahui of China, who was trying to become the youngest ever finalist at 20.

Jan 15, 2025 · Watch Luca Brecel make an "unbelievable" pot on his way to taking the opening frame against Chris Wakelin in round one of the Masters at Alexandra Palace.

May 1, 2023 · SHEFFIELD, England (AP) — Luca Brecel of Belgium became snooker’s first world champion from mainland Europe after beating four-time winner Mark Selby 18-15 in the final on Monday. Brecel hadn’t won a match at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield in five previous visits to the home of snooker.

Apr 29, 2023 · Luca Brecel won 11 frames in a row during the greatest-ever Crucible comeback as he beat Si Jiahui 17-15 to reach the World Championship final.

Dec 12, 2024 · Luca Brecel has said silencing his critics was a motivating factor in getting his snooker career back on track, after beating Ding Junhui at the Scottish Open.

Dec 10, 2024 · Luca Brecel remains in serious danger of being the first player in history to win the World Championship then lose his place on the main professional circuit.