Snooker’s ‘fourth major’ with £2.3m prize money scrapped after two editions

The World Snooker Tour has confirmed it has scrapped the Saudi Arabia Masters.

News of the event’s cancellation comes amid Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) electing to turn off the taps for several sporting ventures, including LIV Golf.

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It also brings an early end to a 10-year agreement between the WST and Saudi powerbrokers to put on the tournament.

The tournament, which was dubbed the ‘fourth major’ on the snooker calendar, was first held in 2024 and took place again in 2025 but will not be contested in 2026 or in future years.

World Snooker Tour issue statement on axing of Saudi Snooker Masters

“Following constructive discussions between The Saudi Billiard and Snooker Federation and Matchroom following the conclusion of the 2025 editions, it has been mutually agreed not to proceed with future editions of the World Pool Championship and the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters,” a WST statement read.

“Across 2024 and 2025, the Kingdom successfully staged two major events in Riyadh and Jeddah, welcoming world champions and providing 18 Saudi players with the opportunity to compete on the same stage.

“Thousands of spectators attended from nearly 40 countries, many experiencing elite live snooker and pool for the first time.

“During this period, Saudi juniors also progressed through international events, including World Nineball Tour competitions, Q Tour Middle East, and Asian junior championships — important early steps onto the global stage.

“We extend our sincere thanks to all players, officials, and participants for their contribution to the success of these events.”

What was the prize money on offer at the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters?

For the snooker fraternity, the decision to axe the Saudi Arabia Masters means they will have one less opportunity to line their pockets.

The total prize pot of the Saudi Arabia Masters was a whopping £2.3million, with the winner taking home a cool £500,000.

There was also a tidy £50,000 bonus for any player who reeled off a maximum break of 147 throughout the tournament.

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Judd Trump was the first to take out the Saudi Snooker Masters in 2024 with a pulsating 10-9 win over Mark Williams.

Australian cueist Neil Robertson won the following year courtesy of a 10-9 triumph over snooker icon Ronnie O’Sullivan.

But Robertson will now not have the opportunity to defend his title.

Unfortunately for Trump and Robertson, their respective victories in Saudi Arabia could have serious implications on the world rankings.

With the event cancelled, Trump and Robertson won’t have the opportunity to defend half-a-million ranking points.

That could be especially problematic for Trump, who is number one in the world with 1,675,550 ranking points to his name.