The anticipation is building as the snooker world turns its attention to Belfast for one of the most popular events on the calendar. BBC Sport NI brings you everything you need to know before the start of the Northern Ireland Open 2025.
When and where is the tournament?
The 2025 Northern Ireland Open is scheduled to take place from Sunday, October 19th to Sunday, October 26th. The action will once again be centred at the iconic Waterfront Hall in Belfast, a venue that has provided a stunning backdrop and a raucous atmosphere for snooker's biggest names since the tournament's inception in 2016.
The tournament is the third event of the season's Home Nations Series, following the English Open and preceding the Scottish Open, and carries significant ranking points and a coveted place in the Champion of Champions event.
Who is the defending champion?
All eyes will be on Kyren Wilson, who returns to Belfast to defend the title he memorably won in 2024. "The Warrior" finally captured the Alex Higgins Trophy after a dramatic final against veteran Mark Williams, securing a 9-4 victory.
Reflecting on his 2024 triumph, Wilson shared a heartfelt statement: "To win in Belfast, in that incredible atmosphere, was a dream come true. The support from the crowd was electric, and lifting that trophy is a moment I'll never forget. I can't wait to get back and defend my title."
Who are the main contenders in the 2025 field?
The entry list for the 2025 Northern Ireland Open is expected to feature the entire world's top 16, making it a fiercely competitive event from the very first round. While Wilson will start as the man to beat, the field is packed with potential champions.
Judd Trump, a four-time winner of this event, will be desperate to reclaim the title on a table where he has produced some of his most brilliant snooker. The local hopes will rest squarely on the shoulders of Mark Allen from Antrim.
Allen, a former champion himself, is always a formidable force on home soil. He has spoken about the unique pressure and inspiration of playing in Belfast: "There's no tournament I want to win more. Walking out to that roar is unbelievable. It gives you an extra five or ten percent."
Other major contenders will include World Champion Ronnie O'Sullivan, who will be seeking his first Northern Ireland Open title, the ever-consistent Mark Selby, and the rising Chinese star Zhang Anda.
What is the tournament format and prize money?
All matches from the first round up to and including the quarter-finals will be played as the best of 7 frames. The semi-finals are a step up to the best of 11 frames, culminating in a final played over two sessions as the best of 17 frames.
The total prize fund is set at £427,000, with the winner's share a handsome £80,000. The breakdown for the latter stages is as follows:
- Winner: £80,000
- Runner-up: £35,000
- Semi-final: £17,500
- Quarter-final: £11,000
How can you watch the Northern Ireland Open 2025?
Fans in the UK and Ireland can follow all the action live on BBC platforms. As in previous years, the tournament will receive extensive coverage on BBC Two Northern Ireland, the BBC Sport website, and the BBC iPlayer.
For international viewers, the event will be broadcast globally via Eurosport and Discovery+ across Europe, and on a range of other broadcast partners worldwide, including CCTV and Migu in China and Matchroom Live in other territories.
What is the historical significance of the event?
The Northern Ireland Open has quickly established itself as a staple of the snooker season, renowned for its passionate and knowledgeable crowds. The tournament honours the legacy of the late, great Alex Higgins and Dennis Taylor, two of snooker's most iconic figures who put Northern Ireland on the sporting map.
Judd Trump dominates the tournament's history books, having won the title four times (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021). Mark Allen broke Trump's streak with his emotional home victory in 2021, a win he described as the most special of his career.
What can fans expect from the 2025 edition?
The 2025 tournament promises to deliver another week of high drama, breathtaking breaks, and the unique atmosphere that only the Belfast crowd can generate. The question on everyone's lips is whether Kyren Wilson can hold off the challenge of the sport's elite.
A statement from World Snooker Tour read: "The Northern Ireland Open is a highlight of our season. The Waterfront Hall is sold out for the final weekend year after year, demonstrating the incredible passion for snooker in Belfast. We expect another fantastic week."
With the Home Nations Series offering a £150,000 bonus for any player who can win all four titles in a single season, the motivation for players like Trump, Wilson, and Allen is higher than ever, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the event.
Conclusion
The stage is set for a thrilling week of snooker in Belfast. From the defending champion Kyren Wilson to local hero Mark Allen and the ever-present challenge of Judd Trump, the 2025 Northern Ireland Open is poised to deliver unforgettable moments. Mark your calendars for October 19-26 and get ready for the balls to roll at the Waterfront Hall.
