BetVictor English Open 2026: Full Preview — Draw, Prize Money, Favourites & Key Storylines

The snooker conveyor belt doesn’t stop. Less than 24 hours after Jak Jones lifted the Clive Everton Trophy in Cheltenham, the world’s best are already unpacking their cues in Essex. The BetVictor English Open 2026 — the fifth ranking event of the season and part of the prestigious Home Nations Series — begins today, September 7, at the Brentwood Centre and runs through to September 13.

This is the 11th English Open in history and the fifth consecutive year at Brentwood. Players compete for the Steve Davis Trophy, named after the six-time World Champion. Defending champion Mark Allen has withdrawn, as have Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins — meaning the draw is wide open and the battle for the title promises to be fierce.

Prize Money

Format

• Last 64 to Last 16: best of 7 (first to 4)
• Quarter-finals & semi-finals: best of 11 (first to 6)
• Final: best of 17 (first to 9)

Full Round of 32 Draw

Top Half

Bottom Half

Three High-Profile Absences

Mark Allen — the defending English Open champion — has announced his withdrawal. The Northern Irishman will not defend the title he won last year by edging Zhou Yuelong 9-8 in a dramatic final.

Ronnie O’Sullivan — withdrawn for a second consecutive tournament after the British Open. The seven-time World Champion, who spoke candidly about the technical “disease” in his game, continues his battle with the consequences of the SightRight method. Liam Davies advances via walkover.

John Higgins — the four-time World Champion also skips the tournament. For the 51-year-old Scot, this is a second successive ranking event missed.

Top 10 Storylines

1. Jones — The Champion With Hot Hands

Jak Jones arrives straight from his British Open triumph (Selby 10-6 in the final). He faces Chang Bingyu — the player who beat O’Sullivan in the Wuhan Open semi-final. A tough opener for the new champion, especially with his wife Inna due to give birth to their second son imminently.

2. Selby vs Walden — Recovery After the Final

Selby lost the British Open final less than 24 hours ago. Now he faces the experienced Ricky Walden immediately. After the China Open (champion), British Open (finalist) and now the English Open — three tournaments in a month — the question of stamina becomes critical.

3. Trump — The Main Favourite

Trump, who fell to Jones in the British Open semi-final, looks the strongest contender for the title. His form across recent tournaments has been devastating (twin 4-0 whitewashes of Slessor and Gilbert). He faces Jordan Brown.

4. Xintong — The World Number One With Intent

Zhao Xintong heads the rankings and showed strong form at the British Open with confident victories throughout. He faces Oliver Lines.

5. Robertson — Last Chance Saloon

Neil Robertson is enduring the worst crisis of his career: 1-6 to Selby at the China Open, 1-4 to Pang at the British Open. He faces Luo Zetao — and he needs a win more than ever.

6. Zhou Yuelong vs Moody

Stan Moody — the man who eliminated Zhang Anda and Higgins in one day at the British Open — immediately faces the strong Zhou Yuelong. Can his fairy tale continue?

7. Wakelin’s Season of Dreams Continues

Chris Wakelin — hero of the China Open (Ford) and British Open (Brecel) — faces Louis Heathcote. His season is already historic, but he clearly wants more.

8. Bingham vs McGill

Stuart Bingham — 2018 English Open champion, China Open 2026 semi-finalist — meets Anthony McGill. Two battle-hardened competitors in round one — a brutal draw for both.

9. Former English Open Champions in the Draw

Three former champions are in the draw: Trump (2019, 2023), Selby (2022), and Bingham (2018). Robertson, the two-time champion (2020, 2024), is also present, though his current form is a shadow of his title-winning years.

10. The World Number One Race

Xintong leads, Selby is second. With £100,000 for the winner, the English Open could significantly shift the balance of power at the top of the rankings.

Tournament Details

• Tournament: BetVictor English Open 2026 (11th edition);
• Series: Home Nations Series;
• Dates: September 7–13, 2026;
• Venue: Brentwood Centre, Essex, England;
• Trophy: Steve Davis Trophy;
• Prize fund: £550,400;
• Winner’s prize: £100,000;
• Defending champion: Mark Allen (not defending);
• Broadcast (Europe): Eurosport / HBO Max.

About the Author

Luke Stevenson

Administrator

Luke Stevenson is the founder and editor-in-chief of snooker.news, a main publication about snooker. He has been writing about snooker since 2020 and has personally attended the World Championship in Crucible, as well as the Masters and UK Championship tournaments. He produces news stories, match analysis, and player profiles; his work has previously been published in sports media.

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