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Snooker Champion of Champions – 2026 Guide, Results & History

George Arthur Carter Sutton • 2026-05-29 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg

The Champion of Champions is an invitational snooker tournament that brings together winners of major events. Revived in 2013 after brief earlier editions in 1978 and 1980, the event has become a fixture on the calendar, with Ronnie O’Sullivan holding the record for most modern-era titles. The 2026 edition is scheduled to take place at the Leicester Arena, though the full draw and broadcast details are yet to be confirmed.

The tournament is non-ranking and invitation-only, featuring 16 players who have won select ranking and invitational titles. Its compact format and elite field make it a highlight of the snooker season, often producing high-quality matches and memorable finals.

Below, every key aspect is covered: recent results, historical winners, format, broadcast information, and what is known – and what remains uncertain – about the 2026 event.

What are the latest Champion of Champions results?

Next Event
2026 – Leicester Arena, November (dates TBC)
Current Champion (2025)
Mark Selby
Most Titles
Ronnie O’Sullivan (4)
Format
16-player invitational, non-ranking

  • The 2025 final was won by Mark Selby; the runner-up and exact score are not yet fully documented in available sources.
  • For live scores and full match details, consult BBC Sport or Flashscore during the tournament.
  • Past winners are listed in the next section.
  • No 2026 results exist yet; the draw has not been published.
  • Ronnie O’Sullivan leads the modern title count with four wins.
  • Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan have each appeared in six finals, the most in the modern era.
Year Winner Runner-up Score Venue
2025 Mark Selby
2024 Mark Williams
2023 Mark Allen
2022 Ronnie O’Sullivan
2021 Judd Trump
2020 Mark Allen
2019 Neil Robertson
2018 Ronnie O’Sullivan
2017 Shaun Murphy
2016 John Higgins
2015 Neil Robertson
2014 Ronnie O’Sullivan
2013 Ronnie O’Sullivan
1980 Doug Mountjoy
1978 Ray Reardon

The runner-up names, exact scores, and venues for most editions are not completely recorded in the sources used for this article. Official historical data can be found on the Champion of Champions winners history page and the Wikipedia entry.

Who are the past winners of the Champion of Champions?

Modern era (2013–present)

Since the tournament was revived in 2013, the roll of honour includes:

  • Ronnie O’Sullivan – 2013, 2014, 2018, 2022 (4 titles)
  • Neil Robertson – 2015, 2019 (2 titles)
  • John Higgins – 2016
  • Shaun Murphy – 2017
  • Mark Allen – 2020, 2023 (2 titles)
  • Judd Trump – 2021
  • Mark Williams – 2024
  • Mark Selby – 2025

Before the revival, the event was held twice: Ray Reardon won in 1978 and Doug Mountjoy in 1980. Those editions featured only four players and were played over two days.

Most wins

Ronnie O’Sullivan leads all players with four titles. Judd Trump shares the record for most final appearances (six) with O’Sullivan, though Trump has won only once. Neil Robertson, Mark Allen, John Higgins, and Mark Selby are among the multi-time finalists in the modern era.

Qualification criteria

Players qualify by winning specific ranking and invitational events in the lead-up. The exact list of qualifying tournaments changes slightly each year, but it typically includes the World Championship, UK Championship, Masters, and several other major titles.

What is the Champion of Champions draw and format?

Tournament structure

The modern Champion of Champions is a 16-player knockout event. All matches are played over a single table, with the final usually contested over the best of 19 frames. The original 1978 edition was far smaller: four players, semi-finals on day one and the final on day two.

Because the tournament is invitational, the draw depends entirely on which players have qualified. The field is not seeded by world ranking; instead, the draw is often made shortly before the event begins.

2026 draw

As of the latest available information, the 2026 draw has not been published. The Wikipedia page lists Leicester Arena as the venue, but the winners and runner-up fields for 2026 are blank. No official announcement about the participants has been made yet. Fans should monitor the Champion of Champions Facebook page and the official site for updates.

Draw uncertainty

Until qualification events conclude (likely in late 2025 or early 2026), the full player list cannot be confirmed. Some top players may miss out if they fail to win a qualifying tournament.

When is the Champion of Champions on TV and what is the broadcast schedule?

TNT Sports is a known broadcaster for Champion of Champions coverage in the UK, but no session-by-session TV timetable for 2026 has been released. Broadcast details are typically announced closer to the event. In previous years, ITV also carried the tournament, so rights may vary by region.

Streaming options often include platforms such as Discovery+ (where TNT Sports content is available). International viewers should check local sports channels or the tournament’s official social media for announcements.

Because scheduling information changes and is often finalised only a few weeks before the event, it is best to verify times on TNT Sports’ dedicated page or via the BBC Sport website when the tournament approaches.

What do we know about the Champion of Champions 2026?

Venue and dates

The only confirmed detail for 2026 is the venue: Leicester Arena in Leicester, England. The exact dates are not yet public, though the event is traditionally held in November. The plan for the 2025 edition was November 9-15, but that has not been confirmed for 2026.

Tickets and merchandise

No ticket-sale details, pricing, or on-sale dates for 2026 have been verified from the available sources. Official merchandise such as shirts is often sold through the tournament website and at the venue, but specific product ranges have not been confirmed for 2026. Fans should follow the official channels for updates.

How to stay informed

Bookmark the official site (championofchampionssnooker.co.uk) and check social media – especially the Facebook page – for the earliest announcements on tickets, merchandise, and the draw.

How has Ronnie O’Sullivan performed at the Champion of Champions?

Ronnie O’Sullivan is the most successful player in the modern history of the event. He has won the title four times: 2013, 2014, 2018, and 2022. He also reached the final in other years, bringing his total final appearances to six – a joint record with Judd Trump.

O’Sullivan’s broader career achievements include seven World Championship titles (tied with Stephen Hendry) and a record as the oldest world champion, which he became in 2022 at 46 years and 148 days. His dominance in the Champion of Champions further cements his legacy as one of snooker’s greatest competitors.

For a detailed breakdown of his matches in this tournament, the Ronnie O’Sullivan Champion of Champions record on Wikipedia provides a comprehensive overview.

History of the Champion of Champions

  1. : First tournament held. Ray Reardon wins the four-player invitational.
  2. : Doug Mountjoy wins the second edition. The event then disappears for over three decades.
  3. : Matchroom Sport revives the tournament, replacing the Premier League. Ronnie O’Sullivan wins the first modern title.
  4. : Ronnie O’Sullivan wins his fourth Champion of Champions title, extending his record.
  5. : Mark Williams wins the title, ending a period of dominance by O’Sullivan and others.
  6. : Mark Selby becomes champion; the exact match details are not yet fully recorded.

What information is confirmed and what remains unclear?

Confirmed

  • 2026 tournament venue: Leicester Arena, Leicester, England.
  • Ronnie O’Sullivan has the most modern-era wins (4).
  • The tournament is non-ranking and invitation-only.
  • Past winners from 2013 to 2025 are listed in the table above.

Uncertain / Not yet known

  • Exact player list for 2026 – qualification events are still ongoing.
  • Broadcast timetable for 2026 – subject to change.
  • Exact dates of the 2026 event (likely November, but unconfirmed).
  • Ticket pricing and on-sale dates.
  • Official merchandise range for 2026.

What is the significance of the Champion of Champions in snooker?

The Champion of Champions occupies a unique place in the snooker calendar. It gathers the winners of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments, creating an elite field that often mirrors the top of the world rankings. Because it is an invitational, non-ranking event, players treat it as both a prestige competition and a lucrative opportunity.

Alongside the Masters, it is considered one of the two major invitational titles. For many players, winning the Champion of Champions is a career highlight, and the trophy is among the most sought-after in the sport. Ronnie O’Sullivan’s four wins underline the status of the event – only the very best can dominate it.

The revival in 2013 was widely praised for bringing back a classic format. It has since become a regular fixture, with strong attendance at its venues (Coventry, Birmingham, and now Leicester) and consistent broadcast coverage in the UK and abroad.

Where can I find reliable information and updates?

For the most authoritative and up-to-date information, the following sources are recommended:

No direct quotes from players or officials were available in the research materials. Statements from the tournament organisers are typically published via the official site or social media channels.

What is the essential overview of the Champion of Champions?

The Champion of Champions is an elite invitational snooker tournament that brings together the winners of major titles. First held in 1978 and revived in 2013, it features 16 players in a knockout format. Ronnie O’Sullivan holds the record with four wins. The 2026 edition will take place at the Leicester Arena, though the exact dates, draw, and broadcast schedule are yet to be confirmed. For the most comprehensive historical data, visit the Champion of Champions winners history page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I buy Champion of Champions shirts?

Official merchandise is available through the tournament’s official website or at the venue store during the event. Some third-party retailers may also stock items, but no confirmed product range for 2026 has been announced.

How many players compete in the Champion of Champions?

The tournament features 16 players who are winners of major snooker events (ranking and invitational titles).

Is the Champion of Champions a ranking event?

No, it is a non-ranking invitational tournament. Wins do not affect a player’s official world ranking points.

Can I watch the Champion of Champions online?

Coverage typically airs on broadcasters such as ITV (UK) and streams via platforms like Discovery+. Rights vary by region, so check local listings.

What is the prize money for the Champion of Champions?

Prize money varies each year. The 2025 edition had a total pool of approximately £440,000, with £150,000 awarded to the winner.

How do players qualify for the Champion of Champions?

Players qualify by winning specific ranking tournaments and invitational events in the preceding season. The exact list is published by the tournament organisers.

When does the 2026 Champion of Champions take place?

The exact dates have not been confirmed. Previous editions have been held in November, and the 2026 venue is confirmed as Leicester Arena.

Who is the most successful player in the tournament’s history?

Ronnie O’Sullivan has won the title four times (2013, 2014, 2018, 2022), the most of any player in the modern era.

Where can I find live scores during the tournament?

BBC Sport and Flashscore provide live scores and match updates throughout the event.

Are tickets for the 2026 event on sale yet?

No ticket-sale details for 2026 have been announced. Updates are expected on the official website and social media channels.

George Arthur Carter Sutton

About the author

George Arthur Carter Sutton

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.