Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters 2025: Judd Trump Defends Title in Jeddah with Prize Pool Exceeding £2.3 Million

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The snooker world heads to Saudi Arabia. The second edition of the tournament that has established itself as the "fourth major" offers record financial rewards and star-studded field.

The snooker elite prepares for one of the season's most prestigious tournaments. From August 8-16, 2025, the iconic Green Halls in Jeddah will host the second edition of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters—a tournament that has already carved out its position as the "fourth major" of world snooker alongside the traditional Triple Crown events.

With prize money exceeding £2.3 million and a winner's prize of £500,000, this represents the season's second-richest tournament after the World Championship. Defending champion Judd Trump returns to the scene of his legendary triumph, where he defeated Mark Williams 10-9 last year in one of the most dramatic finals in snooker history.

Economic Revolution in Snooker

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters brings an unprecedented financial dimension to the world of snooker, fundamentally changing the sport's economics. The total prize pool of £2,302,000 represents a significant milestone in professional player compensation.

The winner will receive £500,000—an amount equivalent to the World Championship prize. The runner-up takes home £200,000, semi-finalists earn £100,000, and quarter-finalists receive £50,000. These sums represent life-changing rewards for most professional players.

The tournament establishes itself alongside the traditional Triple Crown events—World Championship, UK Championship, and Masters—as the unofficial "fourth major" of world snooker. Its position as the season's second-richest tournament underscores its key role in snooker's global expansion and growing commercial appeal.

Judd Trump's Legendary Defense

Last year's inaugural edition etched itself into snooker history through an unforgettable final between Judd Trump and Mark Williams. Trump managed to overturn a seemingly hopeless situation when trailing by 62 points in the deciding 19th frame, completing his clearance down to the final black ball.

Snooker experts label this moment an "all-time great clearance"—one of the greatest comebacks in the sport's history. The triumph in Riyadh represented one of Trump's career peaks and cemented his position among the current world elite.

Now the 35-year-old Englishman returns to Saudi Arabia as defending champion with enormous motivation to prove last year's triumph was no fluke. Trump enters the tournament in solid form and will want to leverage his experience from last year's dramatic victory.

New Venue in Jeddah

This year's edition moves from Riyadh to Jeddah, specifically to the modern Green Halls arena in Prince Abdullah AlFaisal Sports City. This prestigious sports center offers exceptional conditions for both players and spectators, with state-of-the-art equipment and international broadcasting standards for worldwide television coverage.

The venue change reflects the tournament's growing significance and Saudi Arabia's ambition to become a major center of world snooker. Steve Dawson, Chairman of World Snooker Tour, emphasizes the historic importance: "Last year's inaugural Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters was a historic milestone for snooker as the very first ranking tournament in the Kingdom. It was an amazing experience for the players and the tournament has already established its position as the fourth major of our tour."

Comprehensive Tournament Format

The tournament employs a tiered format similar to the biggest competitions, such as the World Championship or UK Championship. A total of 144 participants includes all 128 WST tour players plus 16 regional wildcards from Saudi Arabia, providing local talents with a unique opportunity to test themselves against the world elite.

The top 16 players in the world rankings are seeded directly into the 5th round (last 32), while others must navigate qualifying rounds. The first three rounds are played as best of 7 frames, the fourth and fifth rounds as best of 9 frames. The last 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals use a best of 11 frames format, while the final is played as best of 19 frames over two sessions.

This pyramid system ensures gradually increasing intensity and allows lesser-known players to demonstrate their potential, while the biggest stars enter the tournament in advanced stages.

World-Class Star-Studded Field

The tournament features the complete world elite led by defending champion Judd Trump and last year's runner-up Mark Williams. Seven-time world champion Ronnie O'Sullivan has confirmed his participation, along with four-time champion Mark Selby and other members of the world elite.

The presence of all 128 WST tour players guarantees the highest possible quality of competition and creates opportunities for unexpected encounters between generations. Sixteen wildcards for Saudi players represent an investment in the future of snooker in the region and may bring surprising moments.

Strategic Vision for Regional Development

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters represents a key component of Vision 2030—Saudi Arabia's ambitious initiative to diversify the economy and establish the country as a global sporting center. The tournament creates a long-term legacy through youth development programs and international opportunities for local talents.

Emily Frazer, Director of Matchroom Sport, emphasizes the broader significance: "This is about more than just competition; it's about legacy, opportunity, and inspiring the next generation of players." The ten-year partnership guarantees continuity and enables long-term planning for snooker development in the region.

Investment in infrastructure, educational programs, and international partnerships creates foundations for sustainable growth of cue sports in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region.

Expectations and Predictions

This year's edition promises an even higher level than the inaugural tournament. The combination of record financial rewards, a prestigious new venue, and a complete star-studded field creates conditions for an unforgettable snooker spectacle.

Trump will want to confirm his dominance at this tournament but will face strong competition from players eager to claim a share of the tour's highest prizes. Williams will be motivated by revenge for last year's narrow defeat, while legends like O'Sullivan seek another significant title in their careers.

The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters 2025 represents a unique opportunity to witness the future of world snooker as the sport continues its global expansion and establishes new standards of professional excellence.

Photo source: Snookermania.de

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