- International professional snooker referee from Bulgaria
- Known for becoming the first woman to officiate all three Triple Crown finals
- Qualified as an international referee in 2012 and quickly rose through major tournaments
- Respected for officiating high-pressure matches at the World Snooker Championship
- Currently one of the most prominent female officials on the World Snooker Tour
- Actively inspiring more women to enter cue sports as players and referees
Desislava Bozhilova: Background and Early Life
Desislava Vasileva Bozhilova was born on October 16, 1992, in Sliven, Bulgaria. Growing up in a country where snooker was still developing, her early exposure to cue sports came through pool rather than snooker. At around the age of 13, she began playing American pool and developed a natural interest in precision-based cue games.
During her teenage years, she regularly watched professional snooker broadcasts, which helped shape her understanding of the sport’s structure, discipline, and technical depth. However, opportunities to engage directly with snooker were limited in her hometown.
Her career path began to take shape after she moved to Sofia for higher education. While studying Landscape Architecture, she discovered the existence of a Bulgarian referees association. Curious about the officiating side of the sport, she enrolled in a seminar, passed the required examinations, and officially qualified as an international snooker referee in 2012.
Although her academic training focused on design and architecture, the analytical skills involved in spatial awareness, measurement, and precision translated well into refereeing. Over time, snooker became her primary professional focus, while architecture and computer visualization remained secondary interests.
Career Journey and Rise to Recognition
Desislava Bozhilova’s professional journey began the same year she qualified, when she officiated matches at the Bulgarian Open in 2012. Early exposure to international competition allowed her to gain experience quickly in high-standard environments.
Her early years were marked by steady progression rather than sudden recognition. She worked across European Tour events, handling matches involving established professionals and learning to manage the pace, pressure, and decision-making required at elite level.
A major milestone came in 2016 when she took charge of her first ranking event final at the Riga Masters. This achievement confirmed her growing reputation as a reliable and composed official capable of managing high-stakes matches.
By 2019, she had made her debut at the Crucible Theatre during the final stages of the World Snooker Championship, one of the sport’s most prestigious venues. Officiating at the Crucible is widely seen as a sign of trust from tournament organizers and a key step toward the highest-profile assignments.
Historic Triple Crown Achievement
The defining phase of Bozhilova’s career came in the early 2020s. In 2022, she officiated the finals of both the Masters and the UK Championship—two of snooker’s Triple Crown events. These tournaments represent the sport’s most prestigious competitions outside the World Championship.
Her consistent performance at elite tournaments led to a historic appointment in 2025, when she refereed the World Snooker Championship final at the Crucible Theatre. With this assignment, she became the first woman to officiate all three Triple Crown finals.
This achievement placed her among the most accomplished referees in modern snooker and marked an important moment for gender representation in the sport. It also reinforced her position as one of the World Snooker Tour’s most trusted officials.
Major Tournaments and Career Highlights
Beyond the Triple Crown events, Bozhilova has officiated numerous high-profile ranking finals and international tournaments. Her assignments have included:
- German Masters final
- Players Championship final
- English Open final
- Champion of Champions matches
- Multiple World Championship stage matches at the Crucible
Her work frequently involves matches featuring the sport’s biggest names, requiring strong match management, concentration, and the ability to maintain authority without disrupting the flow of play.
One of her most memorable officiating experiences came during a tightly contested Champion of Champions final decided by a narrow margin, highlighting the importance of focus and consistency throughout long, high-pressure sessions.
Professional Style and Reputation
In professional snooker, referees play a critical role that extends beyond enforcing rules. They manage match rhythm, assist players with equipment and positioning, and ensure fairness in complex situations such as close contacts or simultaneous ball strikes.
Bozhilova is widely recognized for her calm demeanor, clear communication, and balanced approach. Her officiating style focuses on helping matches run smoothly rather than drawing attention to the official’s presence.
She has spoken about the importance of supporting players during high-pressure moments, emphasizing that referees are there to facilitate the game rather than increase tension. This approach has contributed to her strong reputation among players and organizers.
Life Beyond the Snooker Table
Outside her officiating duties, Bozhilova maintains several creative interests. She holds a Master’s degree in Landscape Architecture and has experience creating 3D visualizations for architectural and interior design projects.
Her artistic background extends into hobbies such as drawing, design, and decorative work. She is also known for her passion for baking, particularly designing and decorating custom cakes for friends and special occasions.
These creative pursuits reflect the same attention to detail and precision that defines her professional work. Despite her varied interests, international refereeing remains her primary career focus.
Based in Sofia, she travels extensively throughout the year as part of the global snooker calendar, working across Europe, Asia, and other host locations.
Impact and Influence in Cue Sports
Bozhilova’s rise comes at a time when snooker is expanding globally and efforts to increase diversity within the sport are gaining momentum. Her presence in major finals has helped challenge traditional perceptions about officiating roles.
In Bulgaria, her success has drawn increased media attention and contributed to growing interest in cue sports among young players and officials. She has expressed a strong desire to see more women enter both playing and refereeing pathways.
Her career demonstrates that progression in officiating is based on performance, consistency, and experience, reinforcing the professional standards expected at the highest level.
Recent Activity and Current Focus
As of 2025, Bozhilova remains an active international referee on the World Snooker Tour, regularly assigned to major ranking events and televised matches.
Her recent historic appearance at the World Championship final has further elevated her profile within the sport. With many years still ahead in her career, she is expected to continue officiating at the highest level and accumulating experience across major tournaments.
Her long-term ambition is to referee as many top-level matches as possible and continue improving through experience on the professional circuit.
Key Facts About Desislava Bozhilova
| Full Name | Desislava Vasileva Bozhilova |
| Date of Birth | October 16, 1992 |
| Nationality | Bulgarian |
| Profession | Professional Snooker Referee |
| Qualified | 2012 |
| Residence | Sofia, Bulgaria |
| Education | Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture |
| Major Achievement | First woman to referee all Triple Crown finals |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Desislava Bozhilova known for?
She is known for being a leading international snooker referee and the first woman to officiate all three Triple Crown finals: the Masters, UK Championship, and World Championship.
When did she become a professional referee?
She qualified as an international referee in 2012 and began working professional events the same year.
Did she play snooker professionally?
No. She played pool recreationally in her early years but built her career on the officiating side of the sport.
What makes her career significant?
Her appointments to major finals reflect a high level of trust from tournament organizers and represent an important step forward for female representation in professional snooker officiating.
Is she involved in other professions?
She holds qualifications in landscape architecture and has experience in 3D design, although refereeing remains her primary career.
What to Know About Her Career
Desislava Bozhilova’s success reflects a steady, experience-driven progression rather than rapid fame. Her career highlights the importance of consistency, technical accuracy, and professionalism in sports officiating.
While referees rarely receive the same attention as players, their role is essential to maintaining fairness and match quality. Bozhilova’s journey from local seminars in Bulgaria to the Crucible Theatre demonstrates how specialized expertise and long-term dedication can lead to recognition at the highest level of international sport.