The Masters kicks off the 2025 snooker calendar as 16 of the best players in the world have gathered at Alexandra Palace to compete for one of the sport’s biggest prizes.
The Masters celebrates its 50th anniversary this year and the tournament is one of snooker’s triple crown of events, along with the World Championship in April and the UK Championship won by Judd Trump last month.
Trump is the favourite to lift the trophy come next Sunday for the third time in his career, especially after Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the event at short notice on medical grounds, and the Bristolian began his campaign in style with a statement 6-1 first-round win over Barry Hawkins.
Defending champion O’Sullivan was set to face old rival John Higgins in a blockbuster clash to kickstart the Ally Pally tournament, but was replaced by two-time winner Neil Robertson (who was ranked 17th at the seeding cut-off). The Australian will have real ambition to win the event after an incredible comeback win, as will the likes of Mark Selby, reigning world champion Kyren Wilson and Mark Allen.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2025 Masters:
When is the tournament?
The Masters begins on Sunday 12 January at Alexandra Palace, and the final will be played on Sunday 19 January.
How to watch
The entire championship will be live on the BBC, with BBC Two, BBC Four, the BBC red button, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website showing every match across the eight days. The tournament is also broadcast on Eurosport in the UK. Subscribers can also stream the match online via the Discovery+ app.
Masters snooker schedule
Thursday January 16
Neil Robertson 2-6 Shaun Murphy
7pm: Quarter-final – Mark Allen vs Mark Selby
Friday January 17
1pm: Quarter-final – Judd Trump vs Ding Junhui
7pm: Quarter-final – Kyren Wilson vs Luca Brecel
Saturday January 18
1pm: Semi-final – TBC
7pm: Semi-final – TBC
Sunday January 19
1pm & 7pm: Final – TBC
What is the prize money?
Winner: £350,000
Runner-up: £140,000
Semi-finals: £75,000
Quarter-finals: £40,000
Last 16: £25,000
Highest break: £15,000
Total prize pot: £1,015,000
