Snooker’s calendar revolves around three legendary tournaments that define greatness in the sport: the World Snooker Championship, The Masters, and the UK Championship. Known collectively as the “Triple Crown,” these events represent the pinnacle of professional snooker achievement, combining history, prestige, and the highest level of competition into tournaments that captivate millions of viewers worldwide.
These tournaments matter far beyond their substantial prize money or ranking points. They represent sporting tradition dating back decades, venues that have become hallowed ground for snooker fans, and the stages where legends are born and careers are defined. Winning just one Triple Crown event marks a player as elite; winning all three establishes true greatness; and dominating these tournaments across multiple years cements legendary status.
For players, these events represent career-defining opportunities. Success in the Triple Crown tournaments distinguishes world-class professionals from merely accomplished players. For fans, they provide the most compelling narratives, highest-quality snooker, and unforgettable moments that define the sport’s rich heritage.
What are the Major Snooker Tournaments?
The Triple Crown consists of snooker’s three most prestigious tournaments, each with distinct characteristics that contribute to their legendary status:
- World Snooker Championship: The ultimate prize, held annually at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre
- The Masters: An invitational tournament featuring only the world’s top 16 players
- UK Championship: The sport’s second-oldest major championship, open to all professionals
These events form the backbone of the professional snooker calendar, typically spanning from late autumn through spring, with each tournament occupying a crucial position that maximizes player preparation and public attention.
Professional Calendar Structure:
- October-November: UK Championship kicks off the major tournament season
- January: The Masters provides mid-season prestige at Alexandra Palace
- April-May: World Championship concludes the season at the Crucible Theatre
What Makes These Events Special:
Unique Qualifying Processes:
- World Championship: Complex multi-round qualifying culminating in 32-player main event
- The Masters: Invitation-only for world’s top 16 ranked players
- UK Championship: Open entry allowing any professional tour member to compete
Format Distinctions:
- World Championship: Longest matches (best-of-35 final), greatest endurance test
- The Masters: Mid-length format emphasizing quality over quantity
- UK Championship: Large field gradually narrowing to elite finale
Prize Structure and Recognition: Each Triple Crown victory carries enormous prestige beyond monetary rewards. Players often rank Triple Crown wins above other ranking tournament victories due to their historical significance and the quality of competition required to succeed.
For authoritative tournament information and official schedules, the WPBSA Official Events Calendar provides comprehensive details on all professional snooker competitions.
World Snooker Championship
The World Snooker Championship stands as snooker’s most prestigious tournament, combining nearly a century of history with the sport’s most demanding format to create what many consider the ultimate test of professional snooker excellence.
Historical Foundation: Inaugurated in 1927 by Joe Davis, the championship initially moved between various venues before finding its permanent home at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre in 1977. This move transformed both the tournament and the sport, creating an intimate atmosphere that intensified psychological pressure while providing television coverage that brought snooker to mainstream audiences.
Format and Structure: The World Championship’s unique format tests every aspect of professional snooker:
Qualification Process:
- Extensive qualifying rounds featuring 128+ professional players
- Multiple elimination rounds over several weeks
- Only 16 qualified players join the world’s top 16 seeded players
- Creates compelling storylines of unknown players reaching snooker’s biggest stage
Main Event Format:
- First Round: Best-of-19 frames over two sessions
- Second Round: Best-of-25 frames over three sessions
- Quarter-Finals: Best-of-25 frames over three sessions
- Semi-Finals: Best-of-33 frames over four sessions
- Final: Best-of-35 frames over four sessions spanning two days
Why It’s the Ultimate Prize: The World Championship’s demanding format creates unique challenges that separate it from all other tournaments:
Physical and Mental Endurance: The championship tests stamina, concentration, and psychological resilience over 17 days. Players must maintain peak performance through multiple long-format matches while managing the intense media scrutiny and crowd pressure that defines Crucible competition.
Technical Excellence Under Pressure: The intimate Crucible atmosphere, with spectators sitting remarkably close to the playing area, creates psychological pressure that exposes technical flaws and mental weaknesses that might not appear in other tournaments.
Career-Defining Significance: World Championship victory transforms players’ legacies. Many accomplished professionals are remembered primarily for their World Championship performances, whether triumph or heartbreaking defeat.
Notable Champions and Records:
| Player | Titles | Years | Notable Achievements |
| Joe Davis | 15 | 1927-1946 | Original champion, never lost |
| Stephen Hendry | 7 | 1990-1999 | Youngest winner (21), dominated 1990s |
| Ronnie O’Sullivan | 7 | 2001-2022 | Most recent seven-time champion |
| Steve Davis | 6 | 1981-1989 | Dominated 1980s television era |
| Ray Reardon | 6 | 1970-1978 | Early television star |
Media Enhancement: The table above provides essential champion statistics, but a more detailed visual showing championship years and notable records would enhance understanding.
Unique Traditions and Atmosphere:
The “Crucible Curse”: A famous superstition suggests that first-time winners struggle to repeat their success, though multiple players have overcome this perceived curse.
Emotional Intensity:
The championship’s length and pressure create emotional moments rarely seen in other sports. Players’ reactions to victory or defeat provide compelling human drama that transcends pure sporting achievement.
Global Television Audience: The World Championship attracts snooker’s largest global audience, with the final often watched by 10+ million viewers in the UK alone and hundreds of millions worldwide.
For comprehensive championship history and current information, visit the official WST World Snooker Championship page.
The World Championship represents snooker at its absolute pinnacle – a tournament where greatness is measured not just by skill, but by the ability to perform that skill under the most intense pressure snooker can provide.
The Masters
The Masters occupies a unique position in professional snooker as the only major tournament that combines exclusivity with prestige, creating an elite competition that showcases the sport’s highest quality while maintaining an intimate atmosphere that enhances both player performance and spectator experience.
Invitational Excellence: Unlike other major tournaments, The Masters exclusively invites the world’s top 16 ranked players, creating a field where every match features elite vs. elite competition. This exclusivity eliminates early-round mismatches and ensures that every session delivers championship-quality snooker from the tournament’s opening.
Historical Significance and Venue: Established in 1975, The Masters found its permanent home at London’s Alexandra Palace in 1979, where it has remained ever since. “Ally Pally’s” unique atmosphere combines the intimacy of a club venue with the grandeur of a major sporting occasion, creating an environment that players consistently rank among their favorites.
Format Structure:
- Field: Top 16 players only (no qualifying)
- First Round: Best-of-11 frames
- Quarter-Finals: Best-of-11 frames
- Semi-Finals: Best-of-11 frames
- Final: Best-of-19 frames over two sessions
Ranking Points vs. Prize Prestige: While The Masters awards significant prize money and carries enormous prestige, it uniquely does not offer ranking points. This creates an interesting dynamic where players compete purely for the monetary reward, the prestigious title, and the honor of winning one of snooker’s Triple Crown events.
Standout Moments and Legendary Matches:
Classic Encounters:
- 1985 Final: Steve Davis vs. Dennis Taylor – Epic conclusion decided on the final black ball
- 2001: Ronnie O’Sullivan’s emotional first Masters victory
- 2020: Stuart Bingham’s unexpected triumph over Shaun Murphy
Atmospheric Excellence: Alexandra Palace’s intimate setting creates an atmosphere where crowd reactions directly influence match momentum. The venue’s acoustics amplify dramatic moments, creating television coverage that captures both the tactical complexity of elite snooker and the emotional intensity of high-stakes competition.
Notable Masters Champions:
Record Holders:
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: 7 titles (record) – 1995, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2016, 2017
- Stephen Hendry: 6 titles – Dominated the 1990s Masters
- Paul Hunter: 3 titles – Beloved champion whose career was cut short
What Makes The Masters Special:
Quality Over Quantity: The guaranteed high standard of competition means spectators witness elite-level snooker in every match. There are no “easy” opponents or predictable early rounds.
Accessibility and Atmosphere: London location and mid-January timing make The Masters accessible to both live audiences and television viewers seeking high-quality sport during the winter months.
Career Significance: Many players rank Masters victory as highly as World Championship success due to the quality of opposition required and the tournament’s prestigious history.
Strategic Importance: The Masters often serves as crucial preparation for the World Championship, allowing top players to test their form against elite competition in a pressure environment.
Broadcasting Excellence: The tournament’s concentrated field and shorter format make it ideal for television coverage, often producing some of snooker’s most compelling broadcasts and highest audience figures outside the World Championship.
The Masters represents snooker’s aristocracy – a tournament where only the elite gather, where every match matters, and where the sport’s highest quality consistently produces its most memorable moments.
UK Championship
The UK Championship stands as snooker’s second-oldest major tournament and the most democratic of the Triple Crown events, providing a platform where established stars face emerging talents and where breakthrough victories can transform careers overnight.
Historical Foundation: First held in 1977, the UK Championship was created to provide a major tournament outside the World Championship that would be open to all professional players. This democratic approach contrasted with The Masters’ exclusivity and created a tournament where anyone with professional status could potentially claim snooker’s secondary prize.
Open Competition Format: The UK Championship’s open entry system allows any tour professional to compete, creating a massive field that often exceeds 120 players. This structure generates compelling David vs. Goliath narratives while providing opportunities for lower-ranked players to make career-defining runs.
Tournament Structure:
- Early Rounds: Best-of-11 frames for qualifying and first rounds
- Later Rounds: Progressive increase to longer formats
- Semi-Finals: Best-of-17 frames
- Final: Best-of-19 frames over two sessions
Venues and Evolution
The tournament has moved between several venues throughout its history, reflecting both its growth and changing broadcast requirements:
Historical Venues:
- Blackpool Tower Ballroom (1977-2011): The iconic Art Deco ballroom provided one of snooker’s most distinctive and atmospheric settings. The ornate surroundings and unique acoustics created an instantly recognizable backdrop that became synonymous with the tournament’s identity for over three decades.
- Telford International Centre (2012-2020): A purpose-built modern facility that provided excellent broadcast capabilities and spectator amenities. The move to Telford represented the tournament’s adaptation to contemporary requirements while maintaining its competitive integrity.
- York Barbican (2021-present): The current home offering an excellent balance of modern facilities and intimate atmosphere. York’s central location and the venue’s design provide outstanding spectator experience while meeting all broadcast and logistical requirements.
Why It’s So Significant to UK Players and Fans
Cultural Importance: As the UK’s premier ranking event outside the World Championship, this tournament holds special significance for British and Irish players who grew up watching it and dreaming of lifting the trophy. The tournament represents home advantage and national pride in ways that international events cannot replicate.
Career Stepping Stone: Many future world champions claimed their first major title at the UK Championship, making it a crucial developmental tournament for emerging talents. The open entry system means any professional can potentially make a breakthrough run, creating inspiring underdog stories that resonate with fans and players alike.
Scheduling Advantage: The tournament’s early-season timing (typically November) allows players to establish momentum for the remainder of the campaign while providing fans with high-quality snooker as the season builds toward The Masters and World Championship.
Democratic Excellence: Unlike The Masters’ exclusivity, the UK Championship proves that snooker rewards merit over reputation. Lower-ranked players regularly defeat established stars in early rounds, demonstrating the sport’s competitive depth and providing opportunities for career-changing performances.
Historical Continuity: As the second-oldest major championship, the UK Championship connects modern snooker with its competitive heritage. Many legendary players built their reputations through UK Championship success, creating a tournament that bridges different eras of the sport.
Financial Significance: The substantial prize money available throughout the tournament structure provides crucial financial support for professional players at all levels, from early-round participants to the champion, making it economically important for sustaining professional careers.
Media and Fan Engagement: The tournament’s extended format and multiple weeks of coverage create sustained media attention and fan engagement that builds throughout the event, often generating some of snooker’s most compelling storylines and memorable moments.
The UK Championship embodies snooker’s meritocratic ideals while maintaining Triple Crown prestige. It proves that in snooker, talent and determination can overcome seeding and reputation, making it perhaps the most compelling tournament for both participants and observers.
Other Important UK and Global Snooker Tournaments
Beyond the Triple Crown, professional snooker features an extensive calendar of ranking events that provide competitive opportunities, ranking points, and prize money while contributing to the sport’s global expansion and developmental pathways for emerging players.
Understanding Ranking Events
What is a Ranking Event? Ranking events are officially sanctioned tournaments that award ranking points contributing to the World Snooker Rankings, which determine seeding for major tournaments, qualification rights, and tour status. These events form the competitive backbone of professional snooker.
Current Ranking Event Structure:
- Home Nations Series: England Open, Northern Ireland Open, Scottish Open, Welsh Open
- European Events: German Masters, Gibraltar Open, European Masters
- Asian Expansion: China Open, China Championship, Hong Kong Masters
- Seasonal Events: Players Championship, Tour Championship, Champion of Champions
Major Ranking Events
Welsh Open: One of snooker’s most established ranking events, typically held in February in Cardiff. Known for:
- Strong local support and atmosphere
- Historic significance dating to 1992
- Platform for Welsh players to excel at home
China Open: Represents snooker’s successful expansion into Asia:
- Held annually in Beijing with substantial prize money
- Crucial for developing Chinese players and audiences
- Part of snooker’s strategic growth in Asian markets
German Masters: European snooker’s premier ranking event:
- Held in Berlin, showcasing continental European growth
- Attracts strong fields due to convenient scheduling
- Demonstrates snooker’s expanding global appeal
Players Championship: Elite 16-player event featuring only top performers:
- Invitation based on ranking/qualifying criteria
- High-quality field ensuring competitive excellence
- Significant prize money and prestige
2025 Tournament Calendar Preview
Confirmed Major Events 2025:
| Tournament | Dates (Provisional) | Venue | Status |
| UK Championship | November 2025 | York Barbican | Confirmed |
| German Masters | January 2025 | Berlin | Confirmed |
| The Masters | January 2025 | Alexandra Palace | Confirmed |
| Welsh Open | February 2025 | Cardiff | Confirmed |
| Players Championship | March 2025 | TBC | Provisional |
| World Championship | April-May 2025 | Crucible Theatre | Confirmed |
Tournament Calendar Changes: The 2025 season continues snooker’s global expansion with:
- Increased Asian events: Additional tournaments in China and expanding into Southeast Asia
- Enhanced prize money: Continued investment in ranking event purses
- Improved scheduling: Better spacing to allow player travel and preparation
- Digital coverage: Enhanced streaming options for global audiences
The Home Nations Series
The Home Nations Series comprises four ranking events representing the constituent countries of the United Kingdom plus Ireland:
England Open (October):
- Modern addition to the calendar
- Held in various English venues
- Provides early-season ranking opportunities
Northern Ireland Open (October):
- Celebrates snooker’s strong Northern Irish tradition
- Features local players including former champions
- Growing prize money and prestige
Scottish Open (December):
- Historic Scottish snooker heritage
- Platform for Scottish players like Stephen Hendry’s legacy
- Strong attendance from Scottish snooker fans
Welsh Open (February):
- Longest-established of the Home Nations events
- Strong tradition dating back to early 1990s
- Consistent high-quality field and prize money
Why Are These Tournaments So Important?
The major snooker tournaments serve multiple crucial functions that extend far beyond their immediate competitive and financial rewards, shaping careers, maintaining traditions, and inspiring future generations of players and fans.
Impact on Player Rankings and Careers
Career Development Pathways: Major tournaments provide essential stepping stones for player development:
- Ranking progression: Success in ranking events directly influences world rankings
- Financial sustainability: Prize money enables players to maintain professional careers
- Experience building: Exposure to pressure situations crucial for championship development
- Reputation establishment: Strong performances in major events build player profiles
Long-term Career Impact: Tournament success creates lasting career benefits:
- Seeding advantages: Higher rankings lead to favorable draws in subsequent events
- Sponsorship opportunities: Major tournament success attracts commercial partnerships
- Media exposure: Television coverage raises player profiles and earning potential
- Legacy building: Triple Crown victories define player legacies and historical standing
History, Tradition, and Global TV Audience
Cultural Significance: These tournaments represent more than sporting competitions:
- Sporting heritage: Decades of tradition create institutional importance
- Cultural touchstones: Major events become shared experiences for snooker communities
- Generational connections: Parents and children bond over watching these tournaments
- National pride: Success by local players generates significant public interest
Global Television Reach: Major snooker tournaments attract massive international audiences:
- UK viewership: World Championship final typically attracts 10+ million viewers
- Global broadcast: Events shown in 100+ countries worldwide
- Asian growth: Chinese audiences now comprise snooker’s largest international market
- Digital expansion: Streaming platforms expanding global accessibility
Economic Impact: Tournament success drives broader economic benefits:
- Venue tourism: Major events attract visitors to host cities
- Broadcast revenue: Television rights provide crucial funding for prize money
- Sponsorship value: Global exposure attracts significant commercial investment
- Player earnings: Top players can earn £1 million+ annually from tournament success
Role in Shaping Snooker’s Legacy
Inspiring Future Generations: Major tournaments serve as inspiration for developing players:
- Role models: Championship winners become heroes for young players
- Pathway demonstration: Success stories show possible career paths
- Skill standards: Elite competition sets technical and competitive benchmarks
- Global diversity: International winners encourage participation worldwide
Sport Development: Tournament success drives broader sport growth:
- Infrastructure investment: Major events justify venue and facility improvements
- Coaching development: Success stories drive investment in training systems
- Youth programs: Tournament exposure leads to grassroots participation growth
- International expansion: Global tournament success encourages new national programs
Preserving Tradition While Embracing Change: Major tournaments balance respect for snooker’s heritage with necessary modernization:
- Format evolution: Gradual changes maintain competitive integrity while improving entertainment value
- Venue development: Traditional venues receive modern upgrades without losing character
- Technology integration: Enhanced coverage and analysis without overwhelming the sport’s essence
- Global accessibility: International expansion while maintaining core tournament identity
The importance of these tournaments extends far beyond the green baize, creating sporting culture, economic opportunity, and inspirational narratives that define snooker’s place in global sports entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which snooker tournaments are the most prestigious?
The three most prestigious snooker tournaments are collectively known as the “Triple Crown”: the World Snooker Championship, The Masters, and the UK Championship. The World Championship is generally considered the ultimate prize due to its demanding format, historic significance, and the fact that it determines the world’s best player annually. The Masters holds unique prestige as an invitation-only tournament featuring just the world’s top 16 players, while the UK Championship is renowned as snooker’s second-oldest major and most democratic title due to its open entry system. Beyond these three, other highly regarded events include the Welsh Open, China Open, and various ranking tournaments, but none match the Triple Crown’s combination of history, prestige, and career-defining significance. Players often measure their careers by Triple Crown success, with winning all three events marking true snooker greatness.
What is the Triple Crown in snooker?
The Triple Crown refers to snooker’s three most prestigious tournaments: the World Snooker Championship, The Masters, and the UK Championship. This term, borrowed from horse racing, signifies the ultimate achievement in professional snooker. Each event has distinct characteristics: the World Championship provides the ultimate test with its grueling 17-day format and best-of-35 final; The Masters features only the world’s elite top 16 players in an exclusive invitational format; and the UK Championship offers the most democratic competition with open entry for all professionals. Only eleven players in snooker history have achieved the Triple Crown by winning all three events during their careers. The most recent additions to this exclusive club include Mark Selby, Neil Robertson, and Mark Williams. This achievement places players in snooker’s highest echelon and typically defines legendary careers, as it demonstrates the ability to succeed across different formats, pressures, and competitive environments.
Where are the major UK snooker tournaments held?
The major UK snooker tournaments each have distinctive venues that contribute to their unique atmospheres. The World Snooker Championship has been held exclusively at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre since 1977, creating snooker’s most iconic venue-tournament partnership. The intimate 980-seat theater creates unparalleled atmosphere and psychological pressure that players consistently describe as unique in professional sport. The Masters takes place at London’s Alexandra Palace, where it has been held since 1979. “Ally Pally” provides a perfect balance of grandeur and intimacy, with its distinctive Victorian architecture and excellent acoustics creating compelling television coverage. The UK Championship currently takes place at York Barbican (since 2021), having previously been held at Telford International Centre (2012-2020) and famously at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom (1977-2011), where the unique Art Deco setting became synonymous with the tournament’s identity. These venues contribute significantly to each tournament’s character and provide distinctive experiences for both players and spectators.
How can I watch snooker tournaments in 2025?
Snooker tournaments in 2025 will be available through multiple viewing platforms, reflecting the sport’s expanding global reach and digital evolution. In the UK, BBC remains the primary broadcaster for major tournaments, particularly the World Championship and The Masters, providing extensive free-to-air coverage. Eurosport offers comprehensive coverage across Europe, while ITV4 broadcasts selected events. For comprehensive coverage, subscription services like Discovery+ and Eurosport Player provide access to qualifying rounds and additional courts. Internationally, various broadcasters hold regional rights: CCTV in China, Fox Sports in Australia, and multiple partners across Asia and North America. Streaming platforms are increasingly important, with official World Snooker Tour apps and services providing global access to live coverage and archives. Many events also offer official YouTube highlights and some live coverage for international audiences. Social media platforms provide real-time updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. For the best experience, check official tournament websites and World Snooker Tour announcements for specific broadcast partners in your region.
Who are some of the most successful snooker tournament winners?
The most successful snooker tournament winners are typically measured by their Triple Crown victories and overall ranking event success. Ronnie O’Sullivan leads the current era with 7 World Championships, 7 Masters titles, and 7 UK Championships, plus over 35 ranking tournament victories, making him arguably the most successful tournament player in snooker history. Stephen Hendry dominated the 1990s with 7 World Championships, 6 Masters titles, and 5 UK Championships, plus 36 ranking events total. Steve Davis dominated the 1980s with 6 World Championships, 3 Masters titles, and 6 UK Championships. Among current players, John Higgins has won 4 World Championships, 3 Masters titles, and 3 UK Championships, while Mark Selby has claimed 4 World Championships, 3 Masters titles, and 2 UK Championships. Historically, Joe Davis won 15 consecutive World Championships between 1927-1946, though the competitive structure differed significantly from modern tournaments. Ray Reardon earned 6 World Championships during snooker’s early television era. These players represent snooker’s elite, having succeeded across different eras, formats, and competitive environments.
The Enduring Appeal of Snooker’s Greatest Tournaments
The major snooker tournaments represent far more than sporting competitions, they embody tradition, excellence, and human drama that captivate audiences worldwide. Each event in the Triple Crown offers distinct appeals: the World Championship provides sport’s ultimate test of endurance and skill, The Masters showcases pure quality through elite-only competition, and the UK Championship demonstrates snooker’s democratic ideals where talent can triumph regardless of ranking or reputation.
Each Tournament’s Unique Character:
World Championship: The Crucible’s intimate atmosphere and grueling format create snooker’s most compelling drama, where champions are forged through 17 days of intense competition that test every aspect of professional excellence.
The Masters: Alexandra Palace’s perfect blend of prestige and accessibility provides the sport’s highest-quality tournament, where every match features elite vs. elite competition in an atmosphere that enhances rather than intimidates.
UK Championship: York’s modern facilities and open-entry tradition maintain snooker’s meritocratic spirit, offering breakthrough opportunities while maintaining Triple Crown prestige that transforms careers and creates legends.
Beyond the Triple Crown: The expanding calendar of ranking events demonstrates snooker’s global growth while providing essential competitive opportunities that sustain professional careers and develop emerging talent.
Your Snooker Journey:
For New Fans: These tournaments provide perfect entry points to appreciate snooker’s strategic depth, athletic skill, and compelling personalities. Each event offers different perspectives on what makes snooker captivating.
For Existing Enthusiasts: Understanding each tournament’s unique character enhances appreciation of player performance, strategic decisions, and the historical significance of individual achievements.
Experience These Events:
- Live attendance: Nothing matches the atmosphere of experiencing these tournaments in person
- Television coverage: Modern broadcasting captures both tactical complexity and emotional drama
- Digital platforms: Streaming services and social media provide unprecedented access to coverage and analysis
Recommended next steps:
- Famous Snooker Players and Their Stories to understand the champions who’ve defined these tournaments
- Snooker Rules Explained for Beginners to appreciate the skill and strategy on display
For comprehensive tournament information and current schedules, visit the WST World Snooker Championship and WPBSA Official Events Calendar for authoritative details on all professional competitions.
Whether you’re drawn by the Crucible’s intensity, Alexandra Palace’s elegance, or York’s democratic spirit, these tournaments offer sporting entertainment’s finest moments. They represent snooker at its absolute best, where skill meets pressure, where legends are born, and where every frame can change careers and capture hearts.
The green baize awaits the next chapter of tournament history. These stages have witnessed greatness across decades and will continue creating the moments that define snooker’s enduring appeal.
Tournament schedules, venues, and broadcast arrangements may change. Always consult official sources for current information regarding dates, locations, and viewing options.