2026 Masters Snooker Preview, Schedule & Draw - £1,015,000 up for grabs in the Triple Crown event
The 2026 Masters Snooker tournament, marking its 52nd edition, will take place from January 11-18 at Alexandra Palace. As one of the snooker season's top events, it features an elite field based on world rankings after the UK Championship. Ronnie O'Sullivan’s withdrawal sees Chris Wakelin stepping in. Shaun Murphy defends his title against high-caliber opponents. The tournament's schedule includes rounds from January 11-14, quarter-finals on 15-16, semi-finals on 17, and a final showdown on January 18. The winner takes home a £50,000 prize.
- 2026 Masters Snooker: Jan 11-18 at Alexandra Palace.
- Elite 16-player field based on post-UK Championship rankings.
- Shaun Murphy defends title
The 2026 Masters Snooker is taking place from January 11-18 as the 52nd edition of the Triple Crown event.
The second Triple Crown event of the season takes place at Alexandra Palace across eight days.
The tournament is one of the most prestigous on the calendar and features an elite field of the top 16 in the world rankings.
Qualification is based on the rankings after the UK Championship, although Ronnie O'Sullivan has withdrawn and been replaced by Chris Wakelin.
Shaun Murphy is the defending champion after victory over Kyren Wilson in the 2025 final at Ally Pally.
Masters Snooker Schedule & Format
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Round 1 | January 11-14 |
| Quarter-Finals | January 15-16 |
| Semi-Finals | January 17 |
| Final | January 18 |
Masters Snooker Draw
The main draw features the top 16 in the world rankings after the 2025 UK Championship, which was the first of the Triple Crown events of the season.
There is one change to the qualified field with Ronnie O'Sullivan withdrawing and being replaced by Chris Wakelin.
The draw was based on those rankings with number one facing the 16th ranked and so one. The full draw is:
- Shaun Murphy vs Wu Yize
- Mark Selby vs Xiao Guodong
- Neil Robertson vs Chris Wakelin
- Kyren Wilson vs Si Jiahui
- Judd Trump vs Ding Junhui
- Mark Williams vs Mark Allen
- John Higgins vs Barry Hawkins
- Zhao Xintong vs Gary Wilson
Masters Snooker Prize Money
| Position | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| Winner | £350,000 |
| Runner-up | £140,000 |
| Semi-Finals | £75,000 |
| Quarter-Finals | £40,000 |
| First Round | £25,000 |
| Highest Break | £15,000 |
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