Brecel had never won a World Championship match until an incredible run in 2023, including victories over former world champions Mark Williams, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Selby, led to him clinching his maiden world title.
No first-time Crucible winner has then gone on to retain their title the following year, and the 29-year-old was aiming to break the so-called ‘Crucible Curse’.
Century breaks of 134 and 104 helped him to a 5-2 lead and, despite an effort of 115 from Gilbert in frame eight, Brecel looked in complete control at the end of a high-quality first session.
But the second session saw mistakes from both players, although that produced some thrilling frames with two black-ball finishes, one won for each player inside the opening three frames.
Brecel got fortunate when going into the pack of reds in the 15th but that set up a fine break of 85, his best of the second session to lead 9-6, one away from victory.
The Belgian will be wondering how he lost this match.
He missed a red with the rest when 55-1 ahead in the 16th frame and then, when 51-6 ahead two frames later, failed to pot a green off its spot.
There was still time for more drama as Gilbert missed match-ball in the last frame when holding a 69-0 advantage, but Brecel could not take the late opportunity as the 2019 semi-finalist advanced and last year’s champion is eliminated.