Today at the World Seniors Snooker Championship 2026: Prize money, Thursday order of play, format, how to watch for free, odds - when does Jimmy White play?

Some very famous snooker players are taking part in the tournament - including arguably the greatest of all time.

Another snooker season has come to an end, with Wu Yize winning the World Snooker Championship following a thrilling final-frame-decider final against Shaun Murphy.

Jimmy White is in action today.placeholder image
Jimmy White is in action today. | Getty Images

But there’s no need for snooker fans to go cold turkey because yesterday saw the launch of the World Seniors Snooker Championship - also played at the famous Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

First played in 1991, the tournament has gone through a number of itinerations and formats but now features 24 of the game’s elder statesmen, including some of the most famous faces in the sport such as Jimmy White and Ken Doherty.

And this year’s competition is guaranteed to catch the eye of even casual fans, with Ronnie O’Sullivan making his seniors debut just days after playing the the World Snooker Championship (where he was beaten by Scotland’s John Higgins by a single frame in a thrilling second round match).

The first day of play on Wednesday (May 6) saw wins for Igor Figueiredo, Aaron Canavan, Roger Farebrother and Craig Steadman.

But today (Thursday, May 7) sees the first of the big names take to the baize.

Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening in the tournament today.

When is the World Seniors Snooker Championship 2026 being held?

This year’s tournment takes place from Wednesday, May 6, to Sunday, May 10.

How old do you have to be to play in the World Seniors Snooker Championship?

The minimum age to play in the seniors is a relatively youthful 40-years-of-age.

What is the prize money at the World Seniors Snooker Championship 2026?

There is a prize pot of £80,000 up for grabs, with the winner getting a cheque for £30,000. Presumably Ronnie O’Sullivan is also being paid a pretty hefty appearance fee.

What’s the format of the World Seniors Snooker Championship 2026?

16 unseeded players face each other in the first round, with the winners taking on the seeded players in the second round. From then on it’s a straight knockout competition.

Up to and including the quarter-finals the matches will be the best of seven frames, with the semi-final the best of 13 frames and the final the best of 19 frames.

Interestingly there will not be deciding frames, with ties resolved with a black ball shoot out instead.

What’s the order of play for the World Seniors Snooker Championship 2026 today?

Here’s what’s happening in the tournament today (Thursday, May 7).

12pm

  • Peter Lines v Anthony Hamilton
  • Ken Doherty v Gerard Greene

2pm

  • Jimmy White v Daniel Ward
  • Dominic Dale v Wayne Townsend

7pm

  • Robert Milkins v Jimmy White / Daniel Ward
  • Matthew Stevens v Dominic Dale / Wayne Townsend

9pm

  • Alfie Burden v Igor Figueiredo
  • Ali Carter v Roger Farebrother

When is Ronnie O’Sullivan playing in the World Seniors Snooker Championship 2026?

The Rocket will take on the winner of the Ken Doherty v Gerard Greene match on Friday, May 8, at 2pm.

How can I watch the World Seniors Snooker Championship 2026 on television?

You can catch all the action for free on Channel 5 and online on Pluto TV.

Who is favourite to win the World Seniors Snooker Championship 2026?

Unsurprisingly Ronnie O’Sullivan is the red hot 8/11 favourite to win, followed by Ali Carter (23/10), Stuart Bingham (11/2), Matthew Stevens (9/1) and Joe Perry (12/1).

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