The world’s most dramatic snooker tournament is underway. The Champion of Champions, a unique and fiercely competitive event, has descended upon Leicester, promising a week of thrilling matches and unexpected upsets.
Just days removed from the International Championship in China, the relentless snooker schedule demands immediate focus. While recent winner Wu Yize must wait for his chance to compete, the stage is set for a battle of champions at the Mattioli Arena.
Defending champion Mark Williams returns, a seasoned veteran who continues to defy expectations. His recent victory at the Xi’an Grand Prix cemented his status as the oldest-ever ranking event winner, adding another remarkable chapter to his illustrious career.
The tournament boasts a star-studded field, featuring snooker heavyweights like Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, Mark Selby, Zhao Xintong, and Neil Robertson. Each player arrives with a burning desire to claim the coveted title and the substantial prize money.
This year’s competition isn’t limited to established stars. The unique qualification process opens doors for emerging talents and champions from different disciplines. World Women’s Championship winner Bai Yulu and World Seniors Championship victor Alfie Burden will test their skills against the best.
The Champion of Champions employs a distinctive group format. Two matches unfold each afternoon, with the victors colliding later that same day, battling for a coveted spot in the semi-finals. This rapid-fire structure amplifies the pressure and demands unwavering concentration.
World number one Judd Trump is eager to secure his first title of the season, entering the tournament as a clear favorite. He’ll need to navigate a challenging draw and overcome formidable opponents to achieve his goal.
The tournament runs from November 10th to November 16th, offering fans a week-long spectacle of precision and power. ITV4 in the UK will broadcast the action, with streaming available on ITVX.
The path to victory is paved with recent triumphs. Mark Williams qualified through both his 2024 Champion of Champions win and his 2025 Xi’an Grand Prix title. Judd Trump earned his place by winning the 2024 UK Championship, while Shaun Murphy secured his spot with victories at the 2025 Masters and British Open.
Zhao Xintong’s qualification stems from his performance at the 2025 World Championship, and Mark Allen’s from the Riyadh Season Snooker Championship and English Open. John Higgins qualified through the World Open and Tour Championship, while Neil Robertson’s victories at the World Grand Prix and Saudi Arabia Masters secured his place.
Kyren Wilson earned his spot with wins at the German Masters, Players Championship, and Shanghai Masters. Mark Selby qualified through the Championship League and Welsh Open, and Stephen Maguire through the Championship League ranking event. Xiao Guodong’s back-to-back Wuhan Open titles also secured his participation.
Other qualifiers include Lei Peifan (Scottish Open), Jack Lisowski (Northern Ireland Open), Tom Ford (Shoot Out), and Bai Yulu (Women’s World Championship). Alfie Burden earned his place as the World Seniors Champion.
Notably absent from the field is Ronnie O’Sullivan. A prolonged title drought – his last victory came in March 2024 – prevented “The Rocket” from participating for the first time since the tournament’s revival in 2013.
The stakes are high, with a substantial prize pool awaiting the victor. The champion will receive £150,000, while the runner-up will take home £60,000. Even reaching the semi-finals guarantees a £30,000 reward.
Judd Trump currently leads the betting odds at 3/1, followed closely by Mark Selby and Neil Robertson at 6/1. Mark Williams is considered a strong contender at 13/2, while Zhao Xintong is priced at 7/1. The tournament promises a captivating display of skill, strategy, and unwavering determination.
