2025 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters Debuts in Jeddah as 'Fourth Major' in Snooker

The 2025 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters is set to commence on August 8 at the Green Halls in Jeddah, marking the tournament's second edition and its debut in the coastal city. This event signifies a pivotal moment in the expansion of professional snooker into the Middle East.

Organized by the World Snooker Tour (WST) in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation (SABSF), the tournament has rapidly ascended to the status of snooker's "fourth major," alongside the World Championship, UK Championship, and the Masters. Featuring 144 participants and a substantial prize fund of £2,302,000, the event underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a hub for international sporting events.

The tournament will feature 144 participants, comprising 128 professional players and 16 regional wildcards. The format employs a tiered draw system, similar to the UK Championship and World Championship, with the top 16 players seeded into the last 32. This structure ensures that higher-ranked players enter the competition at later stages, providing a balanced and competitive environment.

The total prize fund for the 2025 edition is £2,302,000, with the winner set to receive £500,000. This substantial prize pool underscores the tournament's significance and its status as the second-richest event on the 2025 World Snooker Tour schedule, following the World Championship.

Judd Trump is the defending champion, having clinched the inaugural title in 2024 by narrowly defeating Mark Williams 10-9 in a thrilling final. Trump's victory was marked by an exceptional clearance in the deciding frame, highlighting the high level of competition expected in this tournament.

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters is part of a 10-year strategic partnership aimed at promoting cue sports in the Middle East. This collaboration between the WST, SABSF, and the Ministry of Sport for Saudi Arabia focuses on expanding the sport's reach and fostering local talent. Initiatives include youth development programs, grassroots coaching, and providing international wildcard opportunities for emerging regional players.

Nayef Aljawini, President of the Saudi Billiards and Snooker Federation, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We’re delighted to launch this partnership, positioning Saudi Arabia at the center of the global billiards and snooker scene." Emily Frazer, Director of Matchroom Sport, echoed this sentiment, saying, "We are proud to return to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the second year of this landmark partnership."

The 2025 edition will be broadcast globally through major international partners. While specific details are yet to be announced by the World Snooker Tour, the event's inclusion in the global sports calendar signifies its growing importance and the increasing global appeal of snooker.

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters represents a significant milestone in the expansion of professional snooker into new regions. It marks the return of ranking snooker events to the Middle East since the Bahrain Championship in 2008 and the first annual event since the Dubai Classic in the 1980s. This expansion reflects the sport's growing global appeal and the successful efforts to introduce snooker to new audiences.

The hosting of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, an initiative aimed at diversifying the country's economy and empowering the next generation through sport. By bringing world-class sporting events to the Kingdom, the initiative seeks to inspire increased participation in sports among the Saudi population and position the country as a hub for international sporting events.

During the tournament dates, Jeddah is expected to experience very warm temperatures, with highs ranging from 96°F (35°C) to 102°F (39°C). While the Green Halls venue is climate-controlled, attendees should be prepared for the outdoor heat when traveling to and from the event.

The 2025 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters stands as a testament to the sport's expanding global footprint and Saudi Arabia's dedication to fostering international sporting events. As the tournament unfolds, it promises to deliver high-caliber competition and further solidify the Kingdom's position in the world of professional snooker.