Artemijs Žižins: The Rise of Latvia’s First Professional Snooker Player
Artemijs Žižins has become the first player from Latvia to compete on the professional World Snooker Tour, securing his place in the sport’s history after turning professional in 2024. The 20-year-old Riga native earned his tour card through his performance in the Q School qualifying events, marking a shift in a sport traditionally dominated by British and Chinese competitors.
How Žižins Reached the Professional Circuit
Žižins secured his professional status following a rapid ascent through the amateur ranks. According to the [World Snooker Tour (WST)](https://wst.tv/), he qualified for the professional circuit in 2024, becoming the first Latvian to achieve this milestone. His progression followed a dominant performance on the domestic stage, where he claimed the Latvian National Snooker Championship in 2023. In that final, he defeated five-time national champion Rodion Judin with a 5-2 scoreline, a victory that local observers cited as the catalyst for his move into international competition.
Performance on the World Snooker Tour
Since joining the tour, Žižins has faced the top tier of professional snooker. His breakthrough arrived during the 2024/2025 season, where he began securing wins against established professionals. His competitive style is characterized by aggressive break-building; in June 2026, the WST officially recorded a 145-break from Žižins during the [Wuhan Open qualifying rounds](https://wst.tv/).
His ability to compete against high-ranked players has been a primary talking point in the snooker press. By defeating seasoned professionals, including veterans on the circuit, Žižins has demonstrated that his game is capable of sustained performance at the professional level. These wins serve as critical ranking point opportunities, essential for a player looking to climb from the lower end of the world rankings into the top 64.
Why His Entry Matters for Global Snooker
The inclusion of a Latvian player on the professional tour reflects the broader expansion of snooker beyond its traditional heartlands. Historically, the professional game has been concentrated in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and increasingly China.
As a pioneer for his country, Žižins occupies a similar role to players from other “non-traditional” snooker nations who have sought to break the monopoly of the sport’s established powers. For the Latvian sports community, his presence on the tour provides a rare platform for the sport in a country of 1.8 million people, potentially influencing local participation rates and the development of new training infrastructure in Riga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the first professional snooker player from Latvia?
Artemijs Žižins is the first player from Latvia to join the professional World Snooker Tour, a status he achieved in 2024.
How old is Artemijs Žižins?
Born in 2005, Žižins is currently 20 years old.
What is his highest achievement in a professional tournament?
Žižins has consistently competed in ranking event qualifiers and main stages, with his professional career highlighted by high-scoring breaks and victories over established tour professionals.
Where did he train before turning professional?
Žižins developed his game in Riga, Latvia, where he rose to prominence by winning the national championship before transitioning to the international professional circuit.
Does he have a professional ranking?
Yes, as a member of the World Snooker Tour, Žižins earns ranking points based on his performance in official WST events, which determines his seeding for future tournaments.