The Masters
The most prestigious invitational in snooker. Top 16 only, held at Alexandra Palace, London.
5 Best Moments in The Masters History
The matches, performances, and turning points that defined this tournament.
Ronnie O’Sullivan’s 147 at Alexandra Palace (2012)
O’Sullivan compiled a maximum 147 break in his match against Mark Williams — the first maximum ever made at The Masters and only the second in a non-ranking event. The crowd at Alexandra Palace gave him a standing ovation before he had even potted the final black.
Stephen Hendry’s Record Seven Titles
Hendry dominated The Masters like no other player, winning a record seven times between 1989 and 1996. His consistency at Alexandra Palace in that era was extraordinary — he reached the final 11 times in 12 years, turning the venue into a personal stronghold.
Ding Junhui’s Debut Victory (2011)
Ding became the first Asian player to win The Masters, beating Mark Selby 10-4 in the final. It was a performance of clinical brilliance and signalled his arrival as one of the sport’s genuine elite, setting the stage for a rivalry with the world’s best that would define the next decade.
Alex Higgins vs Jimmy White (1986)
A semi-final that many consider the most thrilling in Masters history. Higgins, at his mercurial best, produced an extraordinary comeback against White in a match that swung violently multiple times. The ‘Hurricane’ came back from a seemingly impossible position to advance in a blur of potting brilliance.
Mark Selby’s 10-7 Final Win (2008)
Selby’s first Masters title came at the expense of Marco Fu in a final that showed a new side to a player the public had only seen grind results out before. His ability to shift gears and produce attacking snooker when needed marked him out as a future world champion.
The Masters
The Masters is one of snooker’s three Triple Crown events alongside the World Championship and UK Championship. First held in 1975, it is unique in its invitation-only format: only the world’s top 16 ranked players are eligible. Despite being a non-ranking event, it is considered second only to the World Championship in prestige.
Hosted at Alexandra Palace in London since 2012, the tournament draws huge crowds and global TV audiences. The Paul Hunter Trophy — named after the charismatic player who died in 2006 — is presented to the winner. Every match is high-stakes from the off, with no qualifiers and no easy draws.
The Masters has produced some of the most iconic moments in snooker: Ronnie O’Sullivan’s record-breaking 147 maximum break in 1997 remains the fastest ever made. Players including Stephen Hendry (8 titles), Ronnie O’Sullivan (8), and Mark Selby have all counted Masters victories among their proudest achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Masters in snooker?
The Masters is an invitational non-ranking event held annually in London, featuring only the world’s top 16 ranked players. It is part of snooker’s prestigious Triple Crown alongside the World Championship and UK Championship.
Where is The Masters snooker held?
The Masters has been held at Alexandra Palace in north London since 2012. Before that it was held at Wembley Conference Centre for many years. The Ally Pally venue is known for its electric atmosphere and large crowds.
Who has won The Masters the most times?
Ronnie O’Sullivan and Stephen Hendry share the record with 8 Masters titles each. The event has also been won multiple times by Steve Davis, John Higgins, and Mark Selby.
Is The Masters a ranking event?
No. The Masters is a non-ranking event, meaning it does not award world ranking points. However, it is considered second only to the World Championship in prestige and carries one of the biggest prize funds on the snooker calendar.
What is the Paul Hunter Trophy?
The Paul Hunter Trophy is the prize awarded to The Masters champion. It is named in honour of Paul Hunter, the charismatic English snooker player who won The Masters three times and tragically died from a rare cancer in 2006, aged just 27.
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