Why are British snooker stars choosing Hong Kong? Jimmy White’s move highlights the city’s tax advantages and growing links with China’s snooker market.
Another snooker legend has chosen Hong Kong as his new home.
Jimmy White, known as “The Whirlwind”, has obtained Hong Kong residency through the city’s Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS). The move follows fellow snooker stars Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump, while Australian former world champion Neil Robertson has also taken up Hong Kong residency.
The latest move has drawn attention to a wider trend. In recent years, Hong Kong has become an increasingly important base for some of the biggest names in snooker. Tax arrangements are one factor. However, the sport’s growing presence in China and Asia also helps explain the appeal.
A Growing List of Snooker Stars
Hong Kong’s Immigration Department announced on August 12th that White had obtained a Hong Kong identity card through the QMAS.
White, born in London in 1962, is one of the most recognisable figures in British snooker. He finished runner-up at the World Snooker Championship six times and won 10 ranking titles.
His connection with Hong Kong goes back decades. In 1991, White appeared as himself in the Hong Kong film Legend of the Dragon, where he played against Hong Kong comedy star Stephen Chow Sing-chi.
In a video released by the Immigration Department, White recalled the experience and said he hoped to meet his “old friend” again. He also spoke about his plans for the city. “My plan in Hong Kong is to maybe open a snooker academy and find the snooker talent of Hong Kong, promote snooker as much as I can.”
White is not the first major snooker player to make the move.
Seven-time world champion O’Sullivan became a Hong Kong resident in 2024 through the same scheme. Trump, the current world No. 1, also obtained residency that year. Robertson followed in 2025.
The QMAS was launched in 2006. It is a points-based scheme designed to attract highly skilled and talented people from overseas and the Chinese mainland. Successful applicants do not need to secure a local job before applying for residence.
Beyond Tax Advantages
For professional snooker players, Hong Kong offers professional advantages as well as a place to live.
Tax is one consideration. O’Sullivan has previously cited Hong Kong’s tax system, lifestyle and proximity to the Chinese mainland when discussing his decision to make the city a home.
Hong Kong’s salaries tax is also relatively low compared with the highest personal income tax rates in the UK. For players whose income can include substantial prize money and commercial earnings, the difference can be significant.
At the same time, location matters.
Hong Kong is closely connected with the Chinese mainland while remaining an international city. For professional players, that makes it easier to travel to tournaments in mainland China and maintain links with the wider Asian market.
The city itself has also become a destination for major snooker events. The 2026 World Grand Prix was held at Kai Tak Arena in February, attracting leading players including O’Sullivan and Trump.
China’s Growing Snooker Market
More importantly, the sport’s centre of activity has increasingly expanded beyond Britain.
The rise of Chinese player Ding Junhui helped introduce the sport to a much larger audience in China. Since then, a new generation of Chinese players has emerged. Zhao Xintong became the first Chinese player to win the World Championship in 2025, while Wu Yize has also established himself among the sport’s leading young players.
The development is also visible in the tournament calendar.
The China Open returned to the World Snooker Tour this month after a seven-year absence. The event is being held in Taiyuan from August 8th to 16th, with a total prize fund of £1.2 million.
The return of the China Open highlights the commercial importance of the Chinese market to the sport. China has become a major destination for professional tournaments, while Chinese players have helped build a large and increasingly diverse fan base.
For Hong Kong, the arrival of internationally recognised players also adds another dimension to its efforts to attract global talent. For snooker stars, meanwhile, the city offers a base close to an increasingly important market.
Additional reporting by Zhuoyi. Header image: Jimmy White’s official Instagram account (@jimmywhirlwindwhite).
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