The 2001 World Snooker Championship (also referred to as the 2001 Embassy World Snooker Championship for the purposes of sponsorship) was a professional ranking snooker tournament that took place between 21 April and 7 May 2001 at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.

Defending champion Mark Williams lost in the second round 12–13 against Joe Swail, and became the latest first-time champion to fall to the Crucible curse, being unable to defend his first World title.

Ronnie O'Sullivan won his first World title by defeating John Higgins 18–14 in the final.

[6][7][8] Highest break by O'Sullivan: 139 Highest break by Higgins: 135 The qualifying matches were held between 20 February and 4 March 2001 at the Newport Centre in Newport, Wales.

[16] The highest break of the tournament was 140 made by Joe Swail.