Hearn, whose Matchroom company own a majority stake in the World Snooker Tour, added: “The tickets sell out instantly – you could sell it out four or five times, so it is difficult.

“We look at things that can continue to provide opportunities for our players, increase prize pools, grow and keep on evolving while also remembering the history of the sport, but that does not mean standing still.”

While the auditorium at the Crucible creates a unique atmosphere, the building’s ageing facilities and its ability meet the demand for tickets has become a talking point within the game.

Alexandra Palace in London – home to the Masters, one of snooker’s other Triple Crown events – is able to accommodate over 2,000 fans, while the invitational Hong Kong Masters drew a record crowd of 9,000 when it was last held in 2022.

“Snooker does not need to just have to land in the UK or China. There are events consistently around the world and if there is going to be investment in different regions we need to embrace that,” Hearn added.

“It is not on the radar in terms of trying to move the World Championship, but as the sport grows you have to understand that the flagship event will be in demand. We have three years left on the deal.

“It is the most historic venue within the game and it is very important to the history and to the players. It would have to be an opportunity that would be difficult to refuse for the players. If there is an opportunity to drastically change the prize structure of the World Championship, for me you have to look at that.”

Matchroom founder and president Barry Hearn has previously called on Sheffield City Council to build another Crucible venue in order to satisfy the pull of the World Championship.