Monday, January 26, 2026 marks the start of a special week for snooker enthusiasts as Berlin hosts the German Masters 2026, the only World Snooker Tour ranking tournament held on German soil. The Tempodrom is set to welcome up to 2,400 spectators, creating an intimate atmosphere that players and fans consistently praise.
The German Masters isn’t just another stop on the tour; it’s a unique experience. From the open seating in early rounds to the electric energy of the final days, fans get closer to the stars than almost anywhere else. This year’s tournament runs from January 26th to February 1st, promising a week of thrilling competition.
Tournament Facts at a Glance
Table of Contents
- Tournament start: January 26, 2026
- Finale: February 1, 2026
- Venue: Tempodrom, Berlin
- Participants: 48 players in the main round
- Tournament type: World ranking tournament
- Defending champion: Kyren Wilson
- Special feature: only WST tournament in Germany
What sets the German Masters apart is its accessibility. From the very first round, matches are played simultaneously on four tables, allowing fans to freely move around and follow their favorite players up close. This creates a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere where autographs and casual conversations with professionals are commonplace.
Why Berlin’s Atmosphere is One-of-a-Kind
The tournament often defies expectations. While big names frequently advance, the history of the German Masters shows that upsets are common. Players like Barry Hawkins, Tom Ford, Si Jiahui, and Yan Bingtao have all made unexpected runs to the final, demonstrating the tournament’s open nature.
However, recent years have seen a trend of reigning or future world champions lifting the trophy. Kyren Wilson won in 2025, following in the footsteps of Judd Trump. Zhao Xintong’s dominant 9-0 victory in the 2022 final remains a legendary performance.
Who Are the Contenders?
The current snooker landscape is unpredictable. Judd Trump has been searching for a title, Zhao Xintong hasn’t consistently replicated his World Cup form, and Ronnie O’Sullivan has faced frequent absences. This opens the door for rising stars like Wu Yize, Jack Lisowski, and Xiao Guodong to make their mark.
Tickets Still Available
Good news for last-minute planners: tickets for all game days of the German Masters 2026 are currently available. Session tickets start around 43 euros, while day tickets are available from approximately 72 euros. Various finale categories and VIP packages (including buffet and drinks) are also offered. The relatively moderate prices contribute to the tournament’s consistently high attendance.
Tournament Format and Key Players
The German Masters employs a complex tournament format. A total of 128 players participated in the qualification rounds, with 16 already securing their place in round two: Anthony McGill, Zhang Anda, Ryan Day, David Gilbert, Jack Lisowski, Ali Carter, Stuart Bingham, and Tom Ford. The top 16 players in the world rankings bypass the initial rounds, entering directly into the tournament to ensure Berlin audiences can see all the top stars.
Here’s a look at the opening matches:
Monday, January 26th – from 3:00 p.m
- Kyren Wilson – Robert Milkins
- Barry Hawkins – Mark Davis
- Mark Allen – Oliver Lines
- Shaun Murphy – Zak Surety
Monday, January 26th – from 8:00 p.m
- Mark Williams – Sanderson Lam
- Wu Yize – Jordan Brown
- Chris Wakelin – Ishpreet Singh Chadha
- Neil Robertson – Chang Bingyu
Tuesday, January 27th – from 10:00 a.m
- Judd Trump – Cheng You
- Si Jiahui – Fan Zhengyi
- Xiao Guodong – Robbie Williams
- John Higgins – Jamie Jones
Tuesday, January 27th – from 3:00 p.m
- Mark Selby – Liu Hongyu
- Ronnie O’Sullivan – Long Zehuang
- Gary Wilson – Scott Donaldson
- Zhao Xintong – Jiang Jun
The first two days will quickly reveal which favorites are struggling and whether any early surprises are in store.
Will Ronnie O’Sullivan Compete?
Ronnie O’Sullivan is officially listed as a participant in the German Masters 2026, but his recent history of short-notice withdrawals raises questions. The seven-time world champion has canceled several tournaments with little warning, sometimes just hours before the scheduled match. While his participation is possible, it’s far from guaranteed.
Prize Money Breakdown
The total prize money for the German Masters 2026 is 550,400 GBP (approximately 632,000 euros), distributed as follows:
- Winner: 100,000 GBP
- Finalist: 45,000 GBP
- Semifinals: 21,000 GBP
- Quarterfinals: 13,200 GBP
- Last 16: 9,000 GBP
- Last 32: 5,400 GBP
- Highest break: 5,000 GBP
While lower than top events like the Masters, the prize money is significant for many players, particularly those aiming to break into the top 16 of the world rankings.
Impact on World Rankings
As a ranking tournament, the prize money directly affects the world rankings. The competition is particularly tight from seventh place onwards, making significant shifts in the standings realistic. Reaching the final could provide a crucial career boost for players outside the top 16, guaranteeing qualification for future prestigious tournaments.
How to Watch
The German Masters 2026 will be broadcast comprehensively on Eurosport. The channel will show one selected match per session during the early rounds. For those wanting to follow all tables live, a Discovery+ subscription is required. The Berlin venue allows for ideal broadcast times, with top sessions starting at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
An Open Tournament
The current snooker season is remarkably open. The unpredictable nature of the game makes predicting a winner difficult, adding to the tournament’s appeal for bettors.
Berlin is Ready
The German Masters has become a beloved fixture on the snooker calendar, celebrated for its proximity to the players, vibrant atmosphere, and sporting unpredictability. Whether attending at the Tempodrom or watching from home, the German Masters 2026 promises a week of drama, precision, and unforgettable moments.
