In recent years, Ronnie O'Sullivan has seen a significant decline in his activity on the snooker circuit, which has impacted his earnings from prize money. This change has resulted in him dropping down the list of snooker's top earners. Judd Trump has eclipsed O'Sullivan, earning £1.4 million more than him over the past two years alone. With his recent success at the German Masters, Trump's earnings have solidified his position as the highest earner in snooker over the past five years.

According to data from CueTracker, Judd Trump has amassed a staggering £4.3 million in prize money since 2021, establishing himself as a dominant figure in the sport. In contrast, O'Sullivan has accumulated £3.2 million during the same period, highlighting the growing gap between the two players' earnings. O'Sullivan's peak earnings occurred in the 2023/24 season when he earned £1.2 million, but this still falls short of Trump's impressive total.

The shift in earnings not only reflects the competitive nature of professional snooker but also underscores the challenges that O'Sullivan faces regarding his commitments to the sport. He has cited mental and physical health concerns as contributing factors to his reduced participation in tournaments, which further complicates his position among the sport's elite earners. As both players continue to compete, their respective journeys will be closely watched, particularly in light of O'Sullivan's health challenges and Trump's ascendance in the rankings.