2026 China Open Snooker: Dates, Venue, Draw, Schedule, Prize Money, Format & Live Streaming Guide
The 2026 China Open Snooker Tournament is officially back on the World Snooker Tour calendar after a seven-year absence, marking the return of one of the sport’s most prestigious ranking events. Featuring a record-breaking prize fund, a revamped format, and world-class players, the China Open is set to become one of the standout tournaments of the 2026/27 snooker season.
In this guide, you'll find everything you need to know about the 2026 China Open, including dates, venue details, tournament format, draw information, full schedule, prize money breakdown, and how to watch live around the world.
When is the 2026 China Open Snooker?
The main stage of the 2026 China Open will take place from 8–16 August 2026.
Before the tournament begins in China, qualifying matches were held from 10–14 June 2026 at Leicester Arena in England.
Where is the 2026 China Open Being Held?
The 2026 China Open will be staged at the Riverside Sports Centre in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.
How to Watch the 2026 China Open Live
Snooker fans around the world will be able to watch the 2026 China Open through a wide range of broadcasters and streaming platforms.
Global TV and Streaming Coverage
United Kingdom & Europe
- HBO Max
- Eurosport
Mainland China
- Migu
- Huya
- Douyin
- CBSA-WPBSA Academy WeChat Channel
Hong Kong
- Now TV
Malaysia & Brunei
- Astro SuperSport
Taiwan
- Sportcast
Thailand
- True Sports
Rest of the World
- WST Play
Broadcast schedules may vary depending on local time zones, so viewers should check local listings and streaming platforms for exact match times.
2026 China Open Snooker Format
The World Snooker Tour has introduced a revised tournament structure designed to enhance competitiveness and increase the event’s prestige.
Tournament Format
- The Top 16 players in the world rankings automatically qualify for the main draw.
- Two Chinese wild card players will receive direct entry into the tournament.
- All matches through to the semi-finals will be played as best-of-11 frames.
- The final will be contested over best-of-19 frames.
- Early rounds will be played on a two-table setup, with later stages moving to a single-table arena.
This format aims to deliver high-quality matches throughout the event while ensuring the final provides a true championship test.
2026 China Open Snooker Draw
The official draw for the main stages will be released following the completion of qualifying.
The draw will feature:
- 16 seeded players based on world rankings
- 16 successful qualifiers from Leicester
- 2 local wild cards
A seeded bracket system will be used, ensuring that top-ranked players cannot meet until the later rounds of the tournament.
2026 China Open Snooker Schedule
The tournament will run over nine days, featuring multiple daily sessions during the opening rounds.
Full Tournament Schedule
| Stage | Dates |
|---|---|
| Qualifying Rounds | 10–14 June 2026 |
| Main Draw | 8–16 August 2026 |
| Quarter-finals | TBC |
| Semi-finals | TBC |
| Final | 16 August 2026 |
Opening-round matches will be played across afternoon and evening sessions, while the quarter-finals onward will transition to a traditional single-table setup.
The official order of play and session times will be confirmed by the World Snooker Tour in the weeks leading up to the tournament.
2026 China Open Snooker Prize Money
The return of the China Open comes with a historic prize fund of £1,205,000, making it the largest prize pool ever offered for a snooker tournament in the Far East.
Prize Money Breakdown
| Finish | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| Winner | £250,000 |
| Runner-up | £100,000 |
| Semi-finalists | £50,000 |
| Quarter-finalists | £25,000 |
| Last 16 | £15,000 |
| Last 32 | £10,000 |
| Last 48 | £7,500 |
| Last 80 | £5,000 |
| Last 112 | £2,500 |
| Highest Break | £15,000 |
In addition to significant financial rewards, players will earn valuable world ranking points that could impact qualification for future major ranking events and Triple Crown tournaments.
2026 China Open Preview
The long-awaited return of the China Open represents a major boost for professional snooker. With a record prize fund, elite field, modern venue, and passionate Chinese fanbase, the tournament is expected to become one of the biggest ranking events of the season.
As the event approaches, fans can look forward to updates on the draw, match schedule, live scores, results, and player performances throughout the week.
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