The hallowed halls of Alexandra Palace in north London are once again echoing with the sharp crack of snooker balls as the Masters Snooker 2026 tournament gets underway. From January 11 to January 18, the world’s top 16 players converge on this iconic venue, all vying for one of the sport’s most coveted non-ranking titles and a hefty share of the over £1 million prize pot. While the absence of the legendary Ronnie O’Sullivan—who withdrew just days before the event due to medical reasons—has left a noticeable void, the field remains stacked with elite talent, drama, and the promise of unforgettable moments.
Defending champion Shaun Murphy arrives at the Palace with a target on his back. Fresh off his 10-7 triumph over Kyren Wilson in last year’s final, Murphy opens his campaign against China’s rising star Wu Yize. It’s a high-pressure start for the reigning champ, who’s seeking to become only the second player in two decades—after O’Sullivan himself—to successfully defend the Masters crown. “Balancing composure with aggression is always the challenge,” Murphy said before the tournament, aware that every round brings its own unique test.
World No. 1 Judd Trump, meanwhile, is hungry to end a trophy drought that has stretched uncomfortably long for a player of his caliber. Trump’s campaign begins with a blockbuster first-round clash against Ding Junhui, one of the most anticipated matches of the opening stage. With consistent performances throughout the season but no silverware to show for it, Trump’s urgency is palpable. A deep run here could not only restore his momentum but also reaffirm his status as the sport’s dominant force. “This is the stage where you prove yourself against the very best,” Trump remarked in the build-up to the Masters, underlining the gravity of the occasion.
The tournament’s format is as unforgiving as it is prestigious. Only the top 16 players after December’s UK Championship—won by Mark Selby—earned an invite. That means every match is a heavyweight showdown, with no room for error or easy draws. The first round, running from January 11 to 14, features best-of-11 frames, while the grand finale on January 18 stretches to a best-of-19-frames marathon, split across afternoon and evening sessions. Daily play begins at 1pm and 7pm, offering fans two prime windows to catch the action live.
O’Sullivan’s withdrawal, for the second consecutive year due to medical grounds, has shifted the dynamic of the draw. In his place, Chris Wakelin—who was ranked 17th at the cut-off—steps into the spotlight. Wakelin faces two-time Masters winner Neil Robertson in the final first-round encounter on January 14, a match that could provide one of the week’s early surprises. The snooker world will certainly miss the eight-time champion’s flair, but the open field has only heightened anticipation and unpredictability.
Chinese snooker’s growing influence is unmistakable in this year’s line-up. Five Chinese players have qualified, including world champion Zhao Xintong, Wu Yize, Si Jiahui, Xiao Guodong, and Ding Junhui. Their presence not only reflects the sport’s expanding global reach but also injects fresh energy and rivalry into the Masters. Zhao Xintong, who faces Gary Wilson in the opening round, is tipped as a dark horse for the title, while Wu Yize’s upset victory over Murphy in their first-round clash has already sent shockwaves through the tournament. The emergence of these young talents signals a changing of the guard and a new era for snooker.
Elsewhere in the draw, seasoned campaigners like Mark Selby, Mark Williams, John Higgins, and Barry Hawkins are all in action. Selby, fresh from his UK Championship win, faces Xiao Guodong, while Williams takes on Mark Allen. Higgins, a perennial contender, meets Hawkins in what promises to be a tactical masterclass. Every match is a potential classic, with former champions and hungry challengers colliding in pursuit of the famous Masters trophy.
The stakes have never been higher, thanks in large part to the tournament’s lucrative prize fund. The total pot stands at a whopping £1,015,000, unchanged from previous years and distributed as follows: the winner pockets £350,000, the runner-up takes home £140,000, semi-finalists earn £75,000 each, quarter-finalists receive £40,000, and all first-round participants are guaranteed £25,000. There’s also a £15,000 bonus for the highest break, adding an extra layer of intrigue for those chasing perfection at the table.
For fans unable to make the pilgrimage to Ally Pally, comprehensive live coverage is available across BBC platforms—including BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four, BBC iPlayer, and the BBC Sport website and app. TNT Sports is also broadcasting the event, with sessions available on discovery+ and via various streaming packages, including NOW and Amazon Prime Video add-ons. Highlights and extended coverage under the “Masters Snooker Extra” banner ensure that no dramatic twist or turn goes unseen.
The Masters’ unique status as a non-ranking event means that every frame is played for pride, legacy, and the chance to etch one’s name into snooker history. With only the elite invited, the pressure is relentless and the margin for error razor-thin. The absence of O’Sullivan may have altered the narrative, but the likes of Trump, Murphy, Robertson, and the new wave of Chinese stars are more than ready to seize the moment. As the week unfolds, fans can expect tactical battles, nerve-jangling finishes, and perhaps a few upsets that will be talked about for years to come.
As the first round draws to a close and the quarter-final picture begins to take shape, the Masters Snooker 2026 is already delivering on its promise of high drama and world-class competition. Whether it’s the established greats or the hungry newcomers, Alexandra Palace remains the crucible where snooker’s finest write their legends. With every session, the stakes get higher, and the quest for the Masters crown grows more intense. The action is ongoing, and with so much talent on display, anything can happen before the final ball drops on January 18.
