Today at the Players Championship Snooker 2026: Prize money, Thursday quarter-final schedule, how to watch, John Higgins next match

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.

Read more: Richest Snooker Players 2026: Here are the 15 wealthiest snooker stars in history - Ronnie O'Sullivan net worth

Here's everything you need to know about this year’s tournament, as it reaches the third 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:

1. Neil Robertson
2. Mark Selby
3. Shaun Murphy
4. Mark Williams
5. Judd Trump
6. Zhao Xintong
7. Wu Yize
8. Chris Wakelin
9. Xiao Guodong
10. Mark Allen
11. Elliot Slessor
12. Zhou Yuelong
13. Barry Hawkins
14. Zhang Anda
15. Jack Lisowski
16. John Higgins

What is the prize money for the Players Championship?

There is a total prize pot of £500,000, broken up as follows:

• 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 Thursday schedule at the Players Championship?

The first two quarter finals are taking place today, as follows:

1pm

John Higgins v Chris Wakelin

7pm

Judd Trump v Mark Williams

When is John Higgins playing?

Scotland’s John Higgins will be playing his quarter-final match against Chris Wakelin at 1pm on Thursday, February 19.

If he wins he’ll face either Judd Trump or the winner of the Mark Williams v Barry Hawkins match.

Who is favourite to win the Players Championship?

Judd Trump is the 2/1 favourite, followed by Mark Selby (11/3), Zhao Xingtong (11/2) and Shaun Murphy (15/2).

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).

Make sure you don't miss a moment of breaking news from across Scotland by signing up to our free newsletter here.