Artemijs Žižins is making headlines as the first professional snooker player from Latvia, a historic achievement for the Baltic nation. At just 20 years old, the Riga native turned professional in 2024 and has already delivered stunning victories against top-ranked players at the 2026 World Open, including a 5-1 demolition of second-ranked Luca Brecel.
Žižins’ breakthrough run to the Last 16 at the World Open has captured global snooker attention, marking Latvia’s entry into professional snooker’s elite tier.
Who Is Artemijs Žižins? Latvia’s Pioneer Snooker Professional
Artemijs Žižins is the first professional snooker player from Latvia, breaking new ground for Baltic snooker. Born in Riga, Latvia, he represents a new generation of snooker talent emerging from outside traditional snooker powerhouses like the UK and China.
His professional status on the World Snooker Tour marks a watershed moment for Latvian sports, joining an elite group of fewer than 100 professional snooker players worldwide.
Artemijs Žižins Age, Height, and Early Life in Riga
Žižins grew up in Riga, where he developed his snooker skills as a teenager. His talent emerged early. He won the Latvian National Snooker Championship in 2023 as a teenager, defeating five-time winner Rodion Judin 5-2 in the final.
This national championship victory signaled his readiness for professional competition and established him as Latvia’s top snooker prospect.
Artemijs Žižins Career Journey: Turning Pro in 2024
Žižins’ transition from national champion to professional began in 2024 when he officially turned pro and joined the World Snooker Tour. His rapid progression from winning the Latvian championship in September 2023 to professional status within a year demonstrates exceptional talent.
The 2024 professional debut marked the beginning of his international career, where he faced established players on the global stage.
First Latvian Professional Snooker Player – Historic Achievement
As the first Latvian professional snooker player, Žižins holds a unique position in snooker history. Latvia, with a population of approximately 1.8 million, had never produced a professional snooker player before Žižins’ 2024 debut.
This achievement places him alongside other pioneering snooker players from non-traditional nations, expanding the sport’s global footprint beyond its British and Commonwealth roots.
His professional status means he competes for ranking points, prize money, and qualification for major tournaments, including the World Championship, UK Championship, and Masters.
Artemijs Žižins 2025/2026 Season: World Open Last 16 Run
Žižins’ breakthrough season arrived in 2025/2026, when he reached the Last 16 at the 2026 World Open. This performance represented his best result on the professional circuit and announced him as a serious contender.
The World Open is one of snooker’s prestigious ranking events, featuring the world’s top players. Reaching the Last 16 as a relatively new professional demonstrates Žižins’ rapid adaptation to elite competition.
Žižins Beats Luca Brecel 5-1 at 2026 World Open
The defining moment of Žižins’ career came at the 2026 World Open when he defeated Luca Brecel 5-1. Brecel, ranked second in the world and a former World Championship winner, was considered one of snooker’s elite players.
This 5-1 victory was:
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Žižins’ biggest win as a professional
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A statement performance against world No. 2
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Proof that the Latvian prodigy could compete with snooker’s best
The magnitude of beating Brecel, given Žižins’ status as a new professional, made this match one of the World Open’s standout results.
Artemijs Žižins nails his highest career break! 🇱🇻
The Latvian delivered a stunning 145 in #WuhanOpen qualifying… pic.twitter.com/Ao1kzQsU7v
— WST (@WeAreWST) June 16, 2026
Žižins vs Top Players: Wins Over Si Jiahui, Ali Carter, and More
Beyond the Brecel victory, Žižins has compiled wins against other high-ranked players:
These victories against Si Jiahui and Ali Carter demonstrate Žižins’ ability to beat established professionals across different eras and nationalities. Si Jiahui represents China’s emerging snooker generation, while Carter is a veteran English player with decades of professional experience.
Collectively, these wins establish Žižins as a player who can challenge anyone on the table, regardless of ranking.
Artemijs Žižins Net Worth and Prize Money 2026
As a newly turned professional in 2024, Žižins’ net worth and prize money remain modest compared to snooker’s elite. His 2025/2026 World Open Last 16 run and Brecel victory will have generated significant prize money for his career.
Professional snooker prize money for ranking event performances:
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Last 16 at World Open: Approximately £15,000–£20,000
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Victories against top players: Additional performance bonuses
Exact figures for Žižins’ 2026 prize money are not publicly disclosed, but his breakthrough season positions him for increased earnings in 2026/2027. As the first Latvian professional, he also has potential for sponsorship opportunities from Baltic markets.
Key Facts and Important Updates
Quick Facts About Artemijs Žižins:
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Nationality: Latvian (first professional from Latvia)
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Age: 20 years old (born 2005/2006)
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Turned Professional: 2024
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Birthplace: Riga, Latvia
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Major Achievement: Latvian National Champion 2023 (defeated Rodion Judin 5-2)
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Breakthrough Result: World Open Last 16, 2026
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Signature Victory: Beat Luca Brecel 5-1 at the 2026 World Open
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Other Wins: Si Jiahui, Ali Carter
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Tour Status: World Snooker Tour player (2026/2027 season)
Latest Update (June 2026): Žižins continues building on his World Open success, competing in the 2026/2027 World Snooker Tour season as one of the tour’s youngest players.
FAQ
Q. Who is Artemijs Žižins?
A. Artemijs Žižins is a 20-year-old Latvian snooker player who became the first professional snooker player from Latvia when he turned pro in 2024.
Q. What is Artemijs Žižins’ age?
A. Žižins is 20 years old, born in 2005 or 2006 in Riga, Latvia.
Q. Where was Artemijs Žižins born?
A. He was born in Riga, the capital city of Latvia.
Q. When did Artemijs Žižins turn professional?
A. Žižins turned professional in 2024, joining the World Snooker Tour.
Q. What is Artemijs Žižins’ biggest win?
A. His biggest win is defeating Luca Brecel 5-1 at the 2026 World Open, where Brecel was world No. 2.
Q. Has Artemijs Žižins won the World Championship?
A. No, Žižins has not won the World Championship. His best result is reaching the Last 16 at the 2026 World Open.
Q. Is Artemijs Žižins the first Latvian snooker player?
A. Yes, he is the first professional snooker player from Latvia, a historic achievement for the country.
Q. What is Artemijs Žižins’ net worth?
A. Exact net worth figures are not publicly available. As a new professional since 2024, his earnings are modest but growing.
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Last Updated on June 20, 2026 by 247 News Around The World
