Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters Cancelled After Two Editions: What Went Wrong?

The world of professional snooker was left reeling this week after the World Snooker Tour (WST) announced the indefinite cancellation of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, just two years into a planned 10-year deal. Dubbed snooker’s “fourth major,” the tournament had quickly established itself as one of the sport’s most lucrative events, with a prize fund second only to the World Championship. Its abrupt demise has left players, fans, and analysts scrambling for answers—and raising questions about the future of snooker’s expansion into new markets.

The Rise and Fall of a Snooker Showpiece

Launched in 2024 as part of a decade-long partnership between the WST and the Saudi Arabian Billiards & Snooker Federation (SABSF), the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters was positioned as a game-changer for the sport. The inaugural edition, held in Riyadh, was won by England’s Judd Trump, while Australia’s Neil Robertson claimed the title in 2025 at the event’s new home in Jeddah. With a total prize fund of £2.3 million—nearly double that of the China Open—the tournament was designed to elevate snooker’s global profile, particularly in regions where the sport had historically struggled to gain traction.

The event’s rapid ascent was undeniable. Thousands of spectators from nearly 40 countries attended the 2025 edition, many experiencing elite snooker live for the first time. The tournament also served as a platform for Saudi juniors, who made strides in international competitions like the World Nineball Tour and Asian junior championships. Yet, despite its early success, the WST confirmed on April 25, 2026, that the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters would not return, with no plans for future editions.

Player Backlash and Unanswered Questions

The cancellation has sparked frustration among players, who were given little explanation for the decision. England’s Barry Hawkins, a two-time World Championship finalist, expressed his disappointment in an interview with TNT Sports, calling the move “very, very annoying” and questioning the lack of transparency.

“What a disappointment. Without sounding rude, something’s gone wrong for us to lose that tournament. What’s happened to the 10-year contract? It’s just been blown out of the water. We don’t get any explanation, nothing, which is very, very annoying. We just get some stupid email saying it’s been stopped. No explanation, nothing. Very disappointing—it’s a massive tournament to lose.”

— Barry Hawkins

Hawkins’ sentiments were echoed by Welsh veteran Mark Williams, who also demanded clarity on the decision. The WST’s official statement offered little insight, simply stating that “constructive discussions” between the SABSF and Matchroom had led to the mutual agreement to cancel the event. The statement thanked players and officials for their contributions but provided no further details on the financial or logistical reasons behind the pullout.

Financial Backing and Broader Implications

The cancellation comes amid broader shifts in Saudi Arabia’s sports investment strategy. Earlier this month, reports emerged that the country’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)—which had poured an estimated $5 billion into the LIV Golf tour—was scaling back its financial support for the controversial circuit. While there is no direct evidence linking the two decisions, the timing has fueled speculation about a broader recalibration of Saudi Arabia’s sportswashing ambitions.

For snooker, the loss of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters is a significant blow. The tournament’s £2.3 million prize fund made it the second-richest event on the calendar, trailing only the World Championship. Its replacement, the China Open, offers just £1.2 million—a 48% reduction in prize money. The China Open’s return to the schedule marks its first appearance since 2019, but it remains to be seen whether it can fill the void left by the Saudi event.

What’s Next for Snooker’s Global Expansion?

The cancellation raises broader questions about the viability of snooker’s expansion into non-traditional markets. The sport has long sought to grow its footprint beyond its British and Asian strongholds, with mixed results. The Bahrain Championship (2008) and Dubai Classic (1980s) were earlier attempts to establish a foothold in the Middle East, but both failed to gain long-term traction.

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters appeared to buck that trend, at least initially. Its success in attracting international audiences and nurturing local talent suggested that snooker could thrive in the region with the right investment. However, the abrupt cancellation underscores the challenges of sustaining such initiatives without stable, long-term backing.

For now, the focus shifts to the China Open, which will take place later this year. While the tournament is a welcome addition to the calendar, it lacks the financial firepower and novelty of its Saudi predecessor. As snooker grapples with the fallout from this decision, one thing is clear: the sport’s global ambitions will require more than just short-term deals and flashy prize funds.

Key Takeaways

• Abrupt Cancellation: The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, launched in 2024, was cancelled after just two editions despite a 10-year deal.
• Lucrative Prize Fund: The tournament offered £2.3 million in prize money, the second-highest on the snooker tour.
• Player Frustration: Stars like Barry Hawkins and Mark Williams have criticized the lack of transparency surrounding the decision.
• Replacement Event: The China Open, with a £1.2 million prize fund, will replace the Saudi event on the calendar.
• Broader Trends: The cancellation coincides with reports of Saudi Arabia scaling back sports investments, including in LIV Golf.

FAQ

Why was the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters cancelled?

The World Snooker Tour stated that the decision was mutual following “constructive discussions” with the Saudi Arabian Billiards & Snooker Federation, but no specific reasons were provided.

Who won the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters?

Judd Trump won the inaugural edition in 2024, while Neil Robertson claimed the 2025 title.

What will replace the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters?

The China Open, last held in 2019, will return to the calendar. However, its prize fund is significantly lower than the Saudi event’s.

Is this part of a broader trend in Saudi sports investments?

While not directly linked, the cancellation follows reports that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is reducing its financial support for LIV Golf, suggesting a potential shift in the country’s sports strategy.

Conclusion

The cancellation of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters is a stark reminder of the fragility of sports expansion into new markets. While the tournament’s short-lived success demonstrated the potential for snooker to grow beyond its traditional boundaries, its abrupt demise highlights the risks of relying on volatile partnerships and short-term investments. As the sport looks ahead, the challenge will be to find sustainable ways to cultivate new audiences—without sacrificing the financial and competitive integrity that make snooker a global spectacle.