Northern Ireland Open 2026 Draw Released: Snooker's Biggest Names Head to Belfast
The draw for the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open 2026 has been published, with the second leg of the Home Nations Series set to run from October 18 to 25 at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast. Players will compete for the Alex Higgins Trophy and a top prize of £100,000.
Lisowski Returns to the Scene of His Breakthrough
Defending champion Jack Lisowski will be back at the venue where he captured his maiden ranking title last year. In the 2025 final, Lisowski beat Judd Trump 9-8 in a thrilling decider that produced one of the most emotional celebrations the Waterfront Hall has seen.
Reflecting on that triumph, Lisowski said the Belfast crowd made the experience unforgettable and that winning the title remains the greatest achievement of his career.
Opening Days Schedule
The first three days — October 18, 19, and 20 — offer fans the chance to see the sport’s elite up close. Key first-round ties include:
Sunday, October 18. Lisowski opens proceedings at 1pm, followed by Mark Selby. The evening session features Neil Robertson and Shaun Murphy.
Monday, October 19. The afternoon session brings world champion Wu Yize, Ronnie O’Sullivan, and Kyren Wilson to the table. The evening sees Judd Trump and John Higgins in action.
Tuesday, October 20. Mark Williams plays in the morning session, with Mark Allen and world number one Zhao Xintong taking the afternoon slots.
O’Sullivan Set to Return
One of the most notable entries is Ronnie O’Sullivan, who skipped both the British Open and the English Open in recent weeks. The seven-time world champion is pencilled in for Monday, October 19 against a qualifier. John Higgins, another absentee from the English Open, is also in the draw.
Qualifying and Broadcast Details
Qualifying rounds will be held from September 13 to 16 in Leicester. Among those battling for a spot in Belfast are Northern Ireland’s Jordan Brown and Fergal Quinn, Ireland’s Aaron Hill and Leone Crowley, former world champion Luca Brecel, and the evergreen Jimmy White.
The Northern Ireland Open is part of the Home Nations Series and will be broadcast on TNT Sports, HBO Max, Eurosport, WST Play, and other platforms worldwide. Tickets start from £16.50, with all-day passes available from £28.
Trump, who lost last year’s final but remains one of the tournament’s biggest draws, praised the Waterfront Hall as one of the best venues on the circuit, adding that every player looks forward to competing in Belfast.
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