LONDON — The snooker calendar reaches one of its most prestigious peaks this week as the 2026 Masters gets under way at the iconic Alexandra Palace. The invitational tournament, reserved for the world's top 16 players, promises a week of high-stakes drama, breathtaking skill, and intense rivalries under the bright lights of North London.
Running from Sunday, January 11th to Sunday, January 18th, the event is a pure test of nerve and class, with no easy draws and every frame fiercely contested. As the second leg of snooker's Triple Crown, alongside the UK Championship and the World Championship, the Masters trophy is one of the sport's most coveted prizes, carrying a legacy that every player dreams of joining.
The 2026 Masters Tournament Format & Schedule
The 2026 Masters follows its traditional knockout format, with all matches played over a longer distance than most ranking events to ensure only the most consistent performers prevail. The first round and quarter-finals are best-of-11 frames, the semi-finals increase to a best-of-11, and the final is a grueling two-session, best-of-19 frame showdown.
The action begins on Sunday afternoon, with the tournament concluding the following Sunday evening. The full match schedule, with all times in GMT, is as follows:
Sunday, Jan 11 (Afternoon & Evening): First Round matches (x2)
Monday, Jan 12 (Afternoon & Evening): First Round matches (x2)
Tuesday, Jan 13 (Afternoon & Evening): First Round matches (x2)
Wednesday, Jan 14 (Afternoon & Evening): First Round matches (x2)
Thursday, Jan 15 (Afternoon & Evening): Quarter-Finals (x2)
Friday, Jan 16 (Afternoon & Evening): Quarter-Finals (x2)
Saturday, Jan 17 (Afternoon): Semi-Final 1
Saturday, Jan 17 (Evening): Semi-Final 2
Sunday, Jan 18 (Afternoon & Evening): The Final
Top Seeds and Key First-Round Clashes
The draw is seeded based on the world rankings following the 2025 UK Championship. World Champion and world number one Judd Trump leads the field as the top seed, with the likes of Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Allen, and Luca Brecel among the favourites. The first round has thrown up several tantalising fixtures that could set the tone for the week.
A blockbuster tie sees defending champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, seeking a record-extending ninth Masters title, take on a resurgent Mark Williams. Meanwhile, Judd Trump opens his campaign against 2023 champion Shaun Murphy in a repeat of past epic finals. Other standout matches include a clash of styles between the aggressive Luca Brecel and the tactical masterclass of Mark Selby.
Prize Money on Offer at Alexandra Palace
The Masters not only offers immense prestige but also a significant financial reward. The total prize fund for the 2026 tournament is set at £725,000, with the champion taking home a cool £250,000. The runner-up will receive £100,000, while semi-finalists earn £60,000 and quarter-finalists £30,000 each.
There is also a prize for the highest break of the tournament, typically around £15,000. With such sums at stake, every shot carries weight, and the pressure inside the Ally Pally cauldron is palpable. As seven-time champion Stephen Hendry once noted, "The Masters is different. It’s a sprint, it’s intense from the first ball, and the money makes every miss hurt that bit more."
A Glorious History: Former Masters Winners
The roll of honour for the Masters reads like a who's who of snooker greatness. Since its inception in 1975, the trophy has been lifted by the sport's true legends. Ronnie O'Sullivan currently stands alone with eight titles, a record he will be desperate to extend in 2026.
Stephen Hendry follows with six victories, while the late, great Paul Hunter is fondly remembered for his three dramatic wins in the early 2000s. Other multiple winners include Cliff Thorburn, Steve Davis, and Mark Selby. The tournament has a history of creating iconic moments, from Alex Higgins' emotional victory in 1981 to Ding Junhui's breakthrough win in 2011, which captivated a nation.
Recent Champions of the Masters
2025: Ronnie O'Sullivan (ENG)
2024: Ronnie O'Sullivan (ENG)
2023: Judd Trump (ENG)
2022: Neil Robertson (AUS)
2021: Yan Bingtao (CHN)
2020: Stuart Bingham (ENG)
How to Watch: BBC Coverage Details
As the traditional home of snooker in the UK, the BBC will provide comprehensive live coverage of the entire 2026 Masters tournament. Viewers can follow every session across BBC Two, BBC Red Button, and the BBC Sport website and app, ensuring no moment of the action is missed.
The BBC's presentation team will be led by Hazel Irvine, with expert analysis and commentary from the likes of Steve Davis, Ken Doherty, and John Parrott. The coverage is renowned for its depth and access, bringing the tension and artistry of the tournament into living rooms across the country. For those on the move, live streaming via BBC iPlayer offers complete flexibility.
Commentator and former world champion Dennis Taylor often captures the unique atmosphere of the event, saying, "There's no place like the Ally Pally for the Masters. The crowd is right on top of you, the lights are bright, and you can feel the history in the building. It’s a special test for the players."
Conclusion: A Week of Unmissable Snooker
The 2026 Masters at Alexandra Palace is set to be another unforgettable chapter in snooker's rich history. With a field comprising only the absolute elite, a format designed to punish any lapse in concentration, and the unique pressure of the one-table setup from the quarter-finals onwards, the champion will have truly earned their place amongst the greats.
Whether it's O'Sullivan chasing more history, Trump aiming to reaffirm his dominance, or a dark horse emerging from the pack, the narratives are compelling. From the first break-off on Sunday to the final ball potted the following week, the Masters delivers a concentrated dose of sporting drama at its very finest. Snooker fans around the world will be glued to their screens, witnessing which player can hold their nerve to claim the sport's most prestigious invitational crown.
