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For most players, failing to qualify for the World Snooker Championship means an empty wallet and barely a mention — but not Chang Bingyu .

Chang Bingyu’s 2026 is an entirely different story. He didn’t make it to the Crucible Theatre, not even close. But somehow, the 23-year-old from China pocketed a jaw-dropping £172,000, out-earning plenty of players who spent weeks under the arena lights.

And here’s the twist: Chang banked every pound from the sidelines during the final between Wu Yize and Shaun Murphy.

Forget snooker fans; even those who are not are obsessed, and rightfully so. People just can’t stop talking about Chang’s sudden resurgence, the mess of his past, and how Chinese players are changing the power balance in the game.

So, who is this guy?


All about Chang Bingyu: Who is he?Chang Bingyu grew up in Qinghai, China. He went pro in 2019 and quickly stood out for his fearless, high-speed style. At his best, Chang’s a true break-builder, the kind of player who racks up big scores in a hurry.

But everything crashed down in late 2022. Per Th Sun, Chang’s name got tangled in snooker’s worst-ever match-fixing scandal . The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association accused several Chinese players of spot-fixing, and Chang was suspended. Investigators eventually handed down a 20-month ban. Unlike some others, Chang wasn’t painted as a ringleader. Instead, he was described as young, easily influenced, and, honestly, probably scared for his safety if he didn’t fall in line. That made a difference: other players were kicked out for good, but Chang got a way back in. By late 2024, his ban was up.

And he didn’t waste time making headlines.

Since returning, Chang’s rise has been nothing short of wild. He won the Asia-Pacific Championship, got his tour card back, and made it all the way to the final of the 2025 Scottish Open. Not bad for a so-called washed-up player. Then, at the Welsh Open this year, he took apart Shaun Murphy without missing a single pot. Murphy called it one of the best displays he’d seen in years.

Eventually, people started ignoring the scandal and focusing on what was right in front of them. Chang’s a gifted player and, like it or not, one of snooker’s new faces.


How do you earn £172,000 by not playing?This is where it gets strange. But Chang’s got it all covered.

During the World Championship qualifiers in Sheffield, Chang pulled off a 147 maximum break against Luca Brecel. The elusive “147” is snooker’s version of a perfect game: every red with a black, then clearing the colors. It barely ever happens.

But that’s not even the full story. Chang had already made a 147 earlier in the same season during UK Championship qualifiers. That unlocked a juicy £147,000 bonus under the World Snooker Tour ’s rules: two maximums in qualifying or big events, and the jackpot is yours.

Now, add it up:

£147,000 for two seasons maxes + £10,000 for his 147 during World Championship qualifying + £15,000 for the tournament’s highest break.

Total? £172,000.

The kicker here? Chang still lost his match to Brecel (10-8, so close), but never saw the main stage at the Crucible. Still, more money than those who reached the last rounds.


What’s next for Chang Bingyu?For starters, Chinese snooker is booming, and Chang’s payday is the latest sign. Just days after his windfall, Wu Yize beat Shaun Murphy in a heart-stopping World Championship final, bringing the trophy home to China. With stars like Wu, Chang’s return, and Zhao Xintong’s earlier run, China is taking over a sport that was once British to the core.

As for Chang, he is only 23. He’s got plenty of time left to hone himself. His ranking is climbing fast, and if he keeps scoring like this, he might even be lifting Triple Crown trophies soon enough.

However, every time Chang’s name pops up, the old scandal won’t be far behind. He’ll never totally shake it.