The 2026 Masters Snooker Tournament promises drama, class, and edge-of-your-seat moments—and fans worldwide are already asking the big question: where can I watch it live?
The 2026 Masters is an upcoming professional non-ranking snooker tournament that will take place from 11 to 18 January 2026 at Alexandra Palace in London.
Event Overview
- Dates: January 11 – 18, 2026
- Venue: Alexandra Palace (“Ally Pally”), London, England
- Defending Champion: Shaun Murphy, who defeated Kyren Wilson 10–7 in the 2025 final.
- Format: * First Round to Semi-Finals: Best of 11 frames.
- Final: Best of 19 frames (played over two sessions).
What Is the Masters Snooker and Why It Matters
The Masters isn’t just another snooker tournament—it’s part of the Triple Crown, alongside the UK Championship and the World Championship. Only the world’s top 16 players earn an invitation. No qualifiers. No second chances. Lose once, and you’re packing your cue case.
That’s why every frame feels like a final.
The 2026 Masters takes place from 11–18 January 2026 at the legendary Alexandra Palace in London. Known affectionately as “Ally Pally,” this venue has become synonymous with January snooker magic.
Tournament Format Explained
- First Round: Best of 11 frames
- Quarter-finals & Semi-finals: Longer formats
- Final: Best of 19 frames
- Players: Top 16 in the world
- Ranking Status: Non-ranking event
Short formats early on mean one bad session can send even legends crashing out.
Why Alexandra Palace Is Iconic
Alexandra Palace isn’t just a building—it’s a character in the story. The elevated seating, electric atmosphere, and tight arena feel like a theatre where snooker becomes pure drama.
2026 Masters Full First Round Draw & Schedule
First Round (Last 16) Best of 11 frames
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup |
| Sun, Jan 11 | 8:00 AM | Shaun Murphy (1) vs. Wu Yize (13) |
| 2:00 PM | Mark Selby (8) vs. Xiao Guodong (11) | |
| Mon, Jan 12 | 8:00 AM | Mark J Williams (6) vs. Mark Allen (10) |
| 2:00 PM | Zhao Xintong (2) vs. Gary Wilson (16) | |
| Tue, Jan 13 | 8:00 AM | Kyren Wilson (4) vs. Si Jiahui (15) |
| 2:00 PM | John Higgins (7) vs. Barry Hawkins (14) | |
| Wed, Jan 14 | 8:00 AM | Judd Trump (3) vs. Ding Junhui (12) |
| 2:00 PM | Neil Robertson (5) vs. Ronnie O’Sullivan (9) |
Quarter-Finals
Best of 11 frames
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup |
| Thu, Jan 15 | 8:00 AM | Quarter-Final 1 (Murphy/Wu vs. Selby/Xiao) |
| 2:00 PM | Quarter-Final 2 (Williams/Allen vs. Zhao/Wilson) | |
| Fri, Jan 16 | 8:00 AM | Quarter-Final 3 (Wilson/Si vs. Higgins/Hawkins) |
| 2:00 PM | Quarter-Final 4 (Trump/Ding vs. Robertson/O’Sullivan) |
Semi-Finals
Best of 11 frames
| Date | Time (ET) | Matchup |
| Sat, Jan 17 | 8:00 AM | Semi-Final 1 |
| 2:00 PM | Semi-Final 2 |
The Final
Best of 19 frames (Played over two sessions)
| Date | Time (ET) | Session |
| Sun, Jan 18 | 8:00 AM | Afternoon Session (First 8-9 frames) |
| 2:00 PM | Evening Session (The Crowning) |
Key Matchups to Watch in the First Round
Murphy vs Wu Yize
The defending champion opens the tournament. Murphy’s experience versus Wu’s fearless style makes this a fascinating opener.
Robertson vs O’Sullivan
This one feels like a final disguised as a first round. Two Masters champions. Two contrasting styles. One guaranteed exit.
Trump vs Ding Junhui
Raw flair meets calm precision. Trump needs a strong start to 2026, but Ding loves the Masters stage.
How to Watch the 2026 Masters Live
Watch in the UK
- BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Four
- BBC iPlayer
- BBC Sport website & app
Free, comprehensive, and expertly presented—BBC remains the gold standard.
Watch in the UK & Ireland
- TNT Sports
- Discovery+
Perfect for fans who want uninterrupted coverage and extra analysis.
Watch in Mainland Europe
- Eurosport
- Discovery+
- HBO Max (select regions)
Coverage varies by country, but Eurosport remains a reliable choice.
Are you in restricted area or region?
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You’ll get the most complete coverage without worrying about regional blackouts or unreliable streams.
Watch Worldwide (Other Territories)
- WST Play
If no local broadcaster exists, WST Play is your official global streaming solution.
Mobile & Streaming Options
Most platforms support smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and desktops—so you can watch frames drop wherever you are.
Live Scores, Results & Updates
Best Websites for Real-Time Scores
- Flashscore
- Official WST platforms
Perfect if you’re on the move or sneaking glances during work.
2026 Masters Prize Money Breakdown
Winner & Runner-Up Rewards
- Winner: £350,000
- Runner-up: £140,000
Other Prizes
- Semi-finals: £75,000
- Quarter-finals: £40,000
- Last 16: £25,000
- High Break: £15,000
Even a first-round win pays handsomely.
History of Masters Champions
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s Records
Ronnie is the Masters king.
- First win: 1995 (aged 19)
- Latest win: 2024 (aged 48)
- Total titles: 8
Youngest. Oldest. Most wins. Enough said.
Other Multiple-Time Champions
- Stephen Hendry: 6 titles
- Steve Davis, Paul Hunter, Mark Selby, Cliff Thorburn: 3 titles
- Williams, Higgins, Robertson, Trump, Murphy: 2 titles
The Paul Hunter Trophy Legacy
Renamed in 2017, the trophy honors the late Paul Hunter—a reminder that brilliance can burn bright, even briefly.
Defending Champion: Shaun Murphy’s Title Defense
Murphy’s Road to a Third Title
Murphy beat Kyren Wilson 10–7 in the 2025 final and now chases a third Masters crown, having previously won in 2015. Confidence is high—but pressure is higher.
Triple Crown Importance
Masters vs UK Championship vs World Championship
Winning all three defines greatness. Selby claimed the UK Championship in December, while the World Championship looms in April. The Masters is the perfect momentum-builder.
Who Are the Favorites to Win the 2026 Masters
Judd Trump
World number one. Two-time champion. Hungry after a trophy-less 2025.
Mark Selby
Seeded eighth but playing like number one. Tactical, ruthless, and dangerous.
The Class of ’92
- Williams
- Higgins
- O’Sullivan
Experience counts when frames get tight.
Chinese Players Making History
Five Chinese players feature for the first time in Masters history—a major milestone for the sport.
Last 10 Masters Finals Recap
From Ronnie’s dominance to Trump’s flair and Murphy’s latest triumph, the Masters finals rarely disappoint.
Maximum Breaks at the Masters
Famous 147 Moments
Shaun Murphy’s 147 in last year’s semi-final was the sixth in Masters history. Ding Junhui, Marco Fu, Mark Allen, and Kirk Stevens have also etched their names into perfection.
Why the 2026 Masters Is Unmissable for Snooker Fans
Short matches. Elite players. Historic venue. Massive prize money. The Masters is snooker without filler—every shot matters.
The 2026 Masters Snooker Tournament is shaping up to be a classic. With legends, rising stars, historic firsts, and global viewing options, it’s a must-watch for any snooker fan. Whether you’re tuning in on BBC, Eurosport, or WST Play, one thing’s certain—January belongs to snooker.
FAQs
1. Where can I watch the 2026 Masters live in the UK?
BBC channels, BBC iPlayer, TNT Sports, and Discovery+.
2. When does the 2026 Masters final take place?
Sunday, January 18, 2026.
3. Is the Masters a ranking tournament?
No, it’s a prestigious non-ranking invitational event.
4. Who is the defending Masters champion?
Shaun Murphy.
5. What is the maximum break prize at the Masters?
£15,000.
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