The Masters Snooker 2026 returns to Alexandra Palace this January, bringing a week of world-class snooker to London. Featuring the top 16 players in the world, this invitation-only tournament is one of the most anticipated events on the snooker calendar.

Whether you’re attending for the first time or you’re a long-time fan of the sport, this guide covers everything you need to know: from what the Masters are, to a beginner’s guide to snooker, plus our tips if you’re visiting Ally Pally.

• Dates: 11–18 January 2026
• Venue: Alexandra Palace, London
• Players: Top 16 snooker players in the world
• Age policy: All ages welcome (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult aged 21+)

The Masters Snooker tournament takes place annually at Alexandra Palace and is broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide, making it one of the most widely watched snooker events of the season.

The Masters is one of snooker’s most prestigious professional tournaments and forms part of the sport’s Triple Crown, alongside the UK Championship and the World Snooker Championship.

Unlike ranking tournaments, the Masters is invite-only, with places awarded to the top 16 players in the world rankings following the UK Championship. This means every match features elite competition from the very first round, with no qualifying stages.

Although the Masters does not award ranking points, winning the tournament is considered one of the highest honours in professional snooker.

Here’s the official schedule and player draw for Masters Snooker 2026:

The draw has been made, pitching the top eight seeds at random against those seeded nine to 16:

Shaun Murphy (1) v Wu Yize
Mark Selby (8) v Xiao Guodong

Neil Robertson (5) v Ronnie O’Sullivan
Kyren Wilson (4) v  Si Jiahui

Judd Trump (3) v Ding Junhui
Mark Williams (6) v Mark Allen

John Higgins (7) v Barry Hawkins
Zhao Xintong (2) v Gary Wilson

First staged in 1975, the Masters has been hosted at Alexandra Palace since 2012. The winner receives the Paul Hunter Trophy, named in memory of the three-time Masters champion.

Over the years, the tournament has delivered dramatic finals, close-fought frames, and standout performances from some of the sport’s most recognisable names, helping cement Ally Pally as a key venue in the snooker calendar.

If you’re new to snooker, here’s a simple guide to help you follow the action during Masters Snooker 2026.

How Snooker works

Snooker is played on a large rectangular table using a cue ball and 21 object balls:

• 15 red balls (1 point each)
• 6 coloured balls worth between 2 and 7 points

Players take turns to score points by potting balls in the correct order, with the aim of finishing the frame with a higher score than their opponent.

Scoring explained

• Players must pot a red ball, followed by a colour
• Red balls stay in the pocket; coloured balls are returned to the table until all reds are potted
• Once all reds are gone, players pot the coloured balls in ascending value order

What’s a frame?

A frame is one complete game of snooker. Matches are played over a set number of frames, such as best of 11 or best of 19, depending on the stage of the tournament.

What is a 147?

A 147 break is the highest possible score in snooker, achieved by potting all 15 reds with blacks, followed by all six coloured balls. Maximum breaks are rare and highly celebrated by fans.

With only 16 players competing, the Masters offers:

• High-quality snooker from the opening session
• Tactical safety battles and long break-building
• Intense matches where small margins make a big difference

Each round builds towards a dramatic final, making it one of the most engaging snooker tournaments for spectators watching live or on television.

Can Shaun Murphy defend his title?

2025 champion Shaun Murphy returns to Alexandra Palace looking to retain the Masters title he won with great form last year. His past performances included a rare 147 maximum break and a tactical final victory, making him a player to watch in 2026 also.

All eyes on O’Sullivan vs Robertson

The first week features a high-stakes clash between Ronnie O’Sullivan and Neil Robertson, two former Masters champions with contrasting styles. O’Sullivan’s participation was subject to speculation earlier in the season, adding intrigue to this match.

Emerging and established Stars

• Judd Trump, a top seed, faces Ding Junhui, a multiple Triple Crown finalist
• Zhao Xintong and Mark Selby bring strong form into their opening ties
• Si Jiahui and Wu Yize look to make deep first-week runs against more established seeds

High break potential

With so many top break builders in the draw, a maximum 147 or high-scoring century run remains a real possibility, and always a highlight for fans following frame-by-frame drama.

The Masters Snooker at Alexandra Palace is a historical showcase of precision, strategy, and elite competition. With the world’s best players competing in a single-arena format, it’s an ideal event for both newcomers and experienced snooker fans.

Alexandra Palace provides a unique atmosphere for snooker, bringing fans close to the action while maintaining the quiet intensity the sport demands.

Top tips for your visit:

• Arrive early to enjoy the build-up and settle into your seat: ticket holders can arrive from 11am on the day they have tickets for, regardless of the session they’re attending
• Follow the on-screen graphics or event programme to track scores and breaks
• Alexandra Palace is accessible via Alexandra Palace rail station or Wood Green tube (Piccadilly line), followed by a short walk or bus

If you can’t make it to Alexandra Palace this year, the Masters Snooker 2026 will be broadcast live in the UK on BBC Sport, with coverage across BBC One, BBC Two, the Red Button and BBC iPlayer, allowing fans to watch live snooker throughout the tournament. Additional coverage will be available on Eurosport, while international viewers can follow the action via World Snooker Tour broadcast partners worldwide, making it easy to watch all the action live wherever you are.