Overview
The Masters is one of professional snooker’s most prestigious and iconic tournaments, positioned as a cornerstone of the sport’s Triple Crown, alongside the World Championship and UK Championship. First held in 1975, the event is unique in its invitation-only format, featuring the top 16 ranked players in the world. Despite being a non-ranking event, The Masters is considered second only to the World Championship in terms of prestige and pressure.
Hosted at Alexandra Palace in London since 2012, the tournament attracts enormous crowds and global television audiences. Its legacy is built not just on elite competition, but on its ability to produce unforgettable moments: miraculous comebacks, thrilling deciders, and all-time great performances that have come to define snooker history.
The Masters carries significant symbolic weight. Players compete not only for the generous prize fund and glittering Paul Hunter Trophy, but also for the right to place their name alongside some of the game’s greatest champions. From Stephen Hendry to Steve Davis, from Ronnie O’Sullivan to Mark Selby, many of snooker’s legends have counted Masters victories among their proudest achievements.
Uniquely, The Masters begins at the last 16 stage—no qualifiers—which means every match is fiercely competitive from the get-go. Over the years, fans have come to expect intensity from opening day all the way through to the Sunday night final. The tighter draw ensures fewer mismatches and more matchups between current superstars and former world champions.
The atmosphere inside Alexandra Palace—known affectionately to fans as “Ally Pally”—has elevated the drama of the event. Offering a unique blend of historic venue charm and modern production flair, its tiered seating, moody lighting, and energized crowd give the tournament a sacred, gladiator-like tone. Many players cite it as their favorite arena outside of the Crucible.
The Masters plays a vital role in the narrative arc of the snooker season. Held every January, it acts as both a mid-season pressure test and a momentum builder heading into the spring. Because it’s exclusive to the top 16, each appearance is earned through consistency and ranking points—adding further cachet to simply being part of the field.
Quote
“The Masters is special. It’s just a single-table setup, the crowd’s right on top of you, and you’re only ever facing the best. You can’t ease into it. It’s a battle from the first frame.”
— Neil Robertson, 2-time Masters Champion
The Masters is not known for easy openers or slow-burning storylines. From Round 1, players jump into high-stakes duels, often against familiar rivals or recent world champions. This immediacy creates massive fan anticipation before every draw and every matchup.
The tightly spaced calendar also means players have limited turnaround time after the busy December schedule. This makes form and preparation paramount—those who peak at Ally Pally often go on to have standout seasons.
FAQs
What is The Masters in snooker?
The Masters is a professional snooker tournament featuring the top 16 players in the world. It is part of the sport’s “Triple Crown” events alongside the UK Championship and the World Snooker Championship. Despite being a non-ranking event, it is widely regarded as one of the most significant tournaments in the sport.
Why is The Masters considered prestigious if it doesn’t offer ranking points?
The Masters’ prestige comes from its history, elite playing field, and status as a Triple Crown event. Many players and fans view it as a measuring stick of greatness. Winning The Masters means beating only top-tier opponents, making victory especially sweet, regardless of ranking points.
Where is The Masters held?
The Masters has been played at Alexandra Palace, London, since 2012. Prior venues have included Wembley Conference Centre and Wembley Arena. Alexandra Palace has since become iconic for its intimate yet atmospheric staging, often cited as one of the most dramatic venues in snooker.
Who has won The Masters the most times?
As of 2023:
- Ronnie O’Sullivan holds the record with seven titles.
- Stephen Hendry follows with six titles.
- Other multiple-time winners include Paul Hunter, Mark Selby, and Cliff Thorburn.
Records will be fully expanded in our upcoming stats hub and player archive pages.
What is the Paul Hunter Trophy?
The Masters trophy was renamed the Paul Hunter Trophy in 2016 in honor of Paul Hunter, a three-time Masters winner beloved for his flair and charisma. His tragic passing in 2006 from cancer deeply impacted the snooker world, and the trophy now serves as a tribute to his legacy and contributions to the game.
How is the tournament structured?
There are 16 players, all invited based on their world rankings. It is a single-elimination format, starting with the last 16, followed by the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final. All matches are played in a single-table setup, adding focus and pressure. The tournament typically spans eight days, beginning in early January.
Coming Soon
We are currently building out an in-depth Masters archive including:
- Past champions by year
- Famous matches and moments
- Longest matches and fastest victories
- Highest breaks recorded in Masters history
- Feature interviews with former winners
- The full history of the Paul Hunter Trophy
Stay tuned as we roll out more Triple Crown coverage and spotlight individual Masters classics that defined careers and captured the imagination of millions of snooker fans around the world.