Exclusive: Kyren Wilson Reflects on Life-Changing Year Ahead of Macau Exhibition

Kyren Wilson has made memories that will last forever during a life-changing 2024.

The Warrior, who turned 33 on Monday, realised his boyhood dream by becoming world champion in May with a memorable 18-11 victory over Jak Jones.

And the world No.2 has not rested on his laurels since pocketing the sport’s most prized possession. Becoming world champion has undoubtedly taken Wilson’s game to the next level and he has backed up his Crucible triumph with victories at the Xi’an Grand Prix and Northern Ireland Open, where he twice beat runaway world No.1 Judd Trump to the title.

Parading the World Championship trophy at Stamford Bridge, home of his beloved Chelsea football club, and at Silverstone for the Grand Prix are the memorable highlights during a deserved spell of celebrations — but Wilson is proudest of the charity work he has been able to do which have been further enhanced by his status as world champion. 

“I’ve really enjoyed my time as world champion so far,” Wilson told SportsBoom.com in an exclusive interview.

“I’ve got memories that will last for a lifetime which have come off the back of winning the worlds. But it’s not over yet. I want to keep thriving and keep enjoying it."

“Some of the standout ones I would say are taking the trophy to Stamford Bridge. I hosted a homecoming party in my local town where about 1,400 people walked through the door and it was a last-minute thing."

“Taking the trophy to the Aston Martin pits at Silverstone was incredible. Taking it to Great Ormond Street Hospital to see the poorly children is up there. They were so fascinated by the trophy and they’re going through such traumatic times it was nice to give them something different to cheer them up."

“I’m with a children’s cancer charity called Be More Fab as well. There’s a little girl Florence who just won a Pride of Britain award so I’m chuffed to see those guys doing well and I’m an ambassador for Jessie May, which is well known on the World Snooker Tour."

“If you can give a little bit back with the platform you have then it’s a lovely feeling to do that.” 

KEEPING UP WITH THE WILSON IN MACAU

And Wilson, who was at the classic heavyweight bout where Oleksander Usyk retained his belts against Tyson Fury on Saturday night, will end the year in style with a lucrative festive exhibition in Macau, which starts on Christmas Day at the luxurious Wynn Palace. 

As well as the world champion, seven-time Crucible king Ronnie O’Sullivan and UK champion Trump are among the headline acts. 

“I play on the 27th so I’ve got Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day to get sloshed before I’ve got to play,” added Wilson. 

“One of my things with our Chinese agent who works with us, he was at the world final and I said to him ‘please let my mum and dad come this year so at least I can take my whole family out there."

“It was about trying to create that memory with the whole family this year. My mum and dad have sacrificed so much so I’m really looking forward to them seeing it."

"Wynn Palace did me a nice little birthday cake last year, they really spoiled me. It’s a wonderful place. The boys really enjoyed Christmas that way as well."

“The turkey is amazing out there. We’re going out with the Binghams so it will be nice to do it with them as well.”