Telford, England – The Players Championship concluded on at the Telford International Centre, showcasing the top 16 players on the snooker season’s one-year ranking list. While the tournament is underway, the field has already seen some notable absences and surprises, setting the stage for a compelling competition with a total prize fund of £500,000.
The tournament, which began on , features a format where only the top 16 players compete, ensuring a high level of skill and intensity. This year’s event is particularly interesting due to the withdrawal of Ronnie O’Sullivan, opening the door for John Higgins to enter the draw and face Neil Robertson in a blockbuster first-round match. The absence of reigning champion Kyren Wilson, currently ranked 22nd on the one-year rankings, adds another layer of unpredictability.
Several former champions are vying for the title, including Judd Trump, Higgins, Robertson, Shaun Murphy, and Mark Allen. Zhao Xintong and Mark Selby, both recent tournament winners, are also considered strong contenders. The tournament also marks the debut of Elliot Slessor, who is aiming to reach his first ranking final after several semi-final appearances.
The competition is broadcast on Channel 5, marking a new television home for the event after its previous run on ITV. Coverage begins half an hour before each session, at and for afternoon and evening sessions respectively.
The stakes are high, with the winner receiving a substantial £150,000 prize, while the runner-up will take home £70,000. The tournament’s structure and the caliber of players involved promise a thrilling week of snooker action. The field represents a blend of established stars and rising talents, all battling for supremacy and valuable ranking points.
The 2024 Players Championship saw Mark Allen emerge victorious, defeating Zhang Anda 10-8. Allen also recorded the highest break of the tournament with a score of 146. The 2024 event, held from to , featured a total prize fund of £385,000, with Allen claiming the winner’s share of £125,000.
This year’s tournament builds on the success of previous editions, continuing to provide a platform for the world’s elite snooker players to compete. The one-year ranking list qualification criteria ensure that the field consists of players who have demonstrated consistent performance throughout the season. The absence of past champions like Shaun Murphy, Neil Robertson, and Luca Brecel, who failed to qualify, underscores the competitive nature of the sport and the constant turnover at the top.
Zhang Anda’s appearance in the 2024 final marked his third ranking final of the season, highlighting his impressive form. The 2026 event will be closely watched to see which players can replicate such success and establish themselves as dominant forces in the snooker world. The tournament’s location at the Telford International Centre has become a familiar and well-regarded venue for snooker fans.
The Players Championship is the second of three events in the Players Series, following the World Grand Prix and preceding the Tour Championship. This positioning within the snooker calendar adds to its significance, as players look to gain momentum and secure their place in subsequent prestigious tournaments. The tournament’s broadcast coverage on Channel 5 is expected to reach a wide audience, further enhancing its profile and appeal.
With the tournament underway, fans can anticipate a series of captivating matches and dramatic moments as the remaining players battle for the title and the substantial prize money. The combination of seasoned veterans and emerging stars promises a compelling narrative throughout the week, solidifying the Players Championship’s reputation as one of the most exciting events on the snooker calendar.
