Welsh Open Snooker 2026: Live Action, Streaming Options & the Future of Home Nations Series
The 2026 Welsh Open snooker tournament is currently underway at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, Wales, running from February 23rd to March 1st. This year’s event, featuring a substantial £550,000 prize fund, marks a shift in location, being only the second time the competition hasn’t been held in Cardiff or Newport.
The Rise of Regional Snooker
Moving the Welsh Open to North Wales signifies a growing trend in spreading major snooker events beyond traditional hubs. This decentralization aims to broaden the sport’s appeal and accessibility, bringing top-level competition to new audiences. The tournament’s history, dating back to 1992, demonstrates its established position as one of the three oldest ranking tournaments on the Main Tour.
How to Watch the Welsh Open 2026
For UK viewers, the Welsh Open is freely available on BBC Two with a valid TV license. Eurosport 1 is also broadcasting the tournament daily. Subscribers to discovery+, the Eurosport app, and eurosport.com can enjoy ad-free coverage. Live streaming is readily available via BBC iPlayer on mobile and tablet devices. Global viewers can access every frame through Matchroom Live’s subscription platform.
Livestreaming Options Expand
Beyond Eurosport’s dedicated stream, viewers can also access the Welsh Open via Joyn, utilizing the Eurosport 1 stream available on the platform. This highlights the increasing importance of multi-platform streaming in reaching a wider audience. The semi-finals were scheduled for February 28th, 2026, on Eurosport 1, beginning at 7:45 PM and lasting until 11:30 PM.
The Home Nations Series and Potential Bonuses
The 2026 edition concludes the 2025/26 Home Nations and European Series. A unique incentive within this series is the potential for a £1 million bonus awarded to any player who wins all four Home Nations events – the English Open, Scottish Open, Northern Ireland Open, and the Welsh Open – within the same year.
Tournament Structure: From Best-of-Seven to Best-of-Seventeen
The tournament progresses through a tiered structure. Matches commence as best-of-seven frame encounters, continuing through the last 16. The competition then escalates to best-of-nine for the quarter-finals, best-of-eleven for the semi-finals, and culminates in a best-of-seventeen frame final.
Defending Champion and Past Victories
Mark Selby entered the 2026 tournament as the defending champion, having defeated Stephen Maguire 9-6 in the 2025 final at the same venue. This victory secured Selby his second Welsh Open crown – his first since 2008 – and his 24th ranking title, along with a £100,000 prize.
Future TV Schedules
The final is scheduled for March 1st, 2026, with broadcasts on Eurosport 1 at 3:10 PM, 7:45 PM, and 8:00 PM.
FAQ
Where can I watch the Welsh Open? You can watch on BBC Two (UK), Eurosport 1, discovery+, the Eurosport app, eurosport.com, BBC iPlayer (streaming), and Matchroom Live (international).
What is the prize fund for the Welsh Open? The total prize fund is £550,000.
When does the Welsh Open end? The tournament concludes on March 1st, 2026.
Is there a bonus for winning all Home Nations events? Yes, a £1 million bonus is awarded to any player who wins all four Home Nations events in a single year.
Where can I find a replay of the matches? Check the Eurosport 1 Mediathek for online replays.
Who was the 2025 Welsh Open champion? Mark Selby was the 2025 champion.
Did you realize? The Welsh Open has been a ranking tournament since 1992, making it one of the longest-running events in professional snooker.
Explore more snooker news and schedules on snooker.org.
