The snooker season is a marathon, not a sprint. To help you follow the action, here is the lineup for the 2026 season. Whether you’re looking for the high-pressure "Triple Crown" events or the fast-paced "Shoot Out," mark these windows in your calendar!

🏛️ The Triple Crown (The "Majors")

These are the three most prestigious titles in the sport. Winning one makes a career; winning all three makes a legend.

• The Masters (January 11 – 18, 2026)

• Venue: Alexandra Palace, London.

• Why Watch: The top 16 players in the world face off in an "Invitation-only" gladiatorial arena. The atmosphere at "Ally Pally" is the loudest in snooker.

• World Snooker Championship (April 18 – May 4, 2026)

• Venue: The Crucible Theatre, Sheffield.

• Why Watch: This is the big one. Seventeen days of grueling competition culminating in a two-day final. It’s the ultimate test of mental and physical endurance.

• UK Championship (Late November – Early December 2026)

• Venue: Barbican Centre, York.

• Why Watch: The first major of the next season (2026/27). It features the full 128-player tour and is steeped in history.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 The Home Nations Series

Four tournaments across the UK. They are fast, high-quality, and offer a £1 million bonus if one player can win all four in a single season.

• Welsh Open (February 2026): Often the scene of great underdog stories.

• Northern Ireland Open: Usually held in the Autumn. Look for the "Alex Higgins Trophy."

• Scottish Open: Held in December. Look for the "Stephen Hendry Trophy."

• English Open: Typically a mid-season highlight.

⚡ The "Fan Favorites" & High-Stakes Events

• The Shoot Out (February 2026): * The Twist: 10-minute matches, a shot clock, and a shouting crowd. It’s snooker’s version of T20 Cricket.

• Players Championship (February 2026): * Only the top 16 players on the one-year ranking list qualify. This is where the "in-form" players prove their worth.

• Tour Championship (March/April 2026): * The elite of the elite. Only the Top 8 from the one-year list get in. High prize money and long-format matches.

💡 Pro Spectator Tips:

1. The "Crucible Curse": During the World Championships in April, keep an eye on the defending champion. No first-time winner has ever defended the title the following year!

2. The 147 Watch: Most tournaments offer a bonus for a "Maximum Break." The tension when a player reaches 10 or 11 reds/blacks is palpable—don't leave your seat!

3. Where to Watch: In the UK, the BBC covers the Triple Crown, while Eurosport and Discovery+ cover almost every other event on the calendar.

2026 "Must-Watch" Calendar Summary:

• JANUARY: The Masters 🏆

• FEBRUARY: Welsh Open & Shoot Out ⏱️

• MARCH: Tour Championship 📈

• APRIL/MAY: World Championships at the Crucible 👑

• NOVEMBER: UK Championship 🇬🇧