Players Championship Snooker 2026 Today: Prize money, Friday schedule, how to watch, when is John Higgins semi-final?
We’ll know the full semi-final lineup by the end of today - but Scotland’s John Higgins is already through.
The Players Championship was first played in 2011 under its original name of the Players Tour Championship and involves the top 16 players in the world.
Last year saw Kyren Wilson defeated Judd Trump 10–9 in the final but won’t be back to defend his title after failing to qualify due to dropping down to 22nd in the world.
Here's everything you need to know about this year’s tournament, as it reaches the fourth day of play.
When is the Players Championship being played?
The tournament takes place from March 17-22 at the Telford International Centre. It is the 14th ranking event of the 2025–26 season.
What players qualified for the Players Championship?
The following are the top 16 players in the world who will fight it out for the trophy:
- Neil Robertson
- Mark Selby
- Shaun Murphy
- Mark Williams
- Judd Trump
- Zhao Xintong
- Wu Yize
- Chris Wakelin
- Xiao Guodong
- Mark Allen
- Elliot Slessor
- Zhou Yuelong
- Barry Hawkins
- Zhang Anda
- Jack Lisowski
- John Higgins
What is the prize money for the Players Championship?
- Winner: £150,000
- Runner-up: £70,000
- Semi-final: £35,000
- Quarter-final: £20,000
- Last 16: £15,000
- Highest break: £10,000
Why is Ronnie O'Sullivan not playing in the Players Championship?
Ronnie O'Sullivan isn’t playing for ‘medical reasons’.
What is the Friday schedule at the Players Championship?
The final two quarter finals are taking place today, as follows:
1am
Shaun Murphy v Zhao Xintong
7pm
Mark Allen v Mark Selby
When is John Higgins playing next?
Scotland’s John Higgins will be playing his semi-final match against Judd Trump at 1pm on Saturday, February 21.
Who is favourite to win the Players Championship?
Judd Trump is the 5/4 favourite, followed by Mark Selby (7/2), Zhao Xingtong (4/1) and John Higgins (6/1).
Can I watch the snooker on television?
You can still catch up on all the action if you can't make it along to Telford. Matches will be broadcast live on Channel 5.
What's the schedule of matches?
- Round one matches will be played from March 17-18.
- The quarter-finals will be played on March 19-20.
- The semi-finals will be played from March 21.
- The final will be played on March 22.
What is the format of the Players Championship?
All matches are played as the best of 11 frames (first to six) except the final, which is played as the best of 19 frames (first to ten).
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