The Crucible Theatre will stage the World Championships until 2027 ©Getty Images

The Crucible Theatre will remain the venue of the World Snooker Championships until 2027 after a 10-year deal was signed to keep the event in Sheffield.

World Snooker and Sheffield City Council first announced the agreement at the close of last year’s Championships.

The contract was signed on the eve of the 2017 event, which began in the city on Saturday (April 15).

As a result of the agreement, the tournament will celebrate a 50th anniversary at the venue with the theatre having first staged the Championships back in 1977.

The Championship is the leading snooker tournament both in terms of prestige and prize money.

England's Mark Selby is the defending world champion ©Getty Images
England's Mark Selby is the defending world champion ©Getty Images

A total prize pool of £1.75 million ($2.2 million/€2 million) is on offer at this year’s edition of the event, which sees 32 players compete after the initial qualifying rounds.

Competition is contested over 17 days, with the 2017 event drawing to a conclusion on May 1.

It is the final ranking event of the 2016 to 2017 season.

The current champion in England’s Mark Selby, who beat China’s Ding Junhui 18-14 in last year’s final.