Selby Seeks Historic Three-Peat as 2026 Championship League Invitational Kicks Off in Leicester
The opening professional snooker event of 2026 will be the prestigious Championship League Invitational, set to kick off on Friday, January 2nd, at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester. This marks the start of a new year of snooker action, and with it, the first tournament to be held on the 2026 calendar. The Championship League, a key fixture in the snooker world, has been a staple on the professional circuit since 2008, offering thrilling competition year after year.
This event has evolved over time, with a ranking version introduced in 2020. The 2025 edition was claimed by Stephen Maguire, but for the upcoming weeks, the focus shifts to the invitation-only version, which will feature at least 25 of the world’s top players. Reigning champion Mark Selby, who has dominated the last two editions of the tournament, will return to his hometown of Leicester hoping for a three-peat after his 3-0 victory over Kyren Wilson in the final last year.
The format of the Championship League is unlike many other tournaments, with its distinctive structure. Seven round robin groups will feature seven players each, with the top four from each group progressing to a series of intense playoffs. The top two players from each group face off in the semi-finals, followed by a best-of-five final. The winners of each group advance to the final ‘winners’ group’, where the overall champion will be crowned.
Group one, taking place on January 2-3, will feature a mix of talented players, including Scottish Open champion Chris Wakelin, Elliot Slessor, and Tom Ford, among others. These players will battle it out for a place in the playoffs, with the bottom two eliminated and the remaining players progressing to the next stage.
Following group one, players like Gary Wilson, Xiao Guodong, and Si Jiahui will enter their respective groups, sharpening their skills ahead of the high-profile Masters event, which starts on January 11th. The excitement doesn’t stop there, as the tournament continues into group four, featuring some of snooker’s biggest names: Kyren Wilson, Neil Robertson, and the current world champion Zhao Xintong, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
The drama of the Championship League Invitational will build throughout January, with Mark Selby entering the fray in group five after the Masters finishes. As the tournament progresses, new players will join the competition, and the intensity will only increase. Group seven will be held on January 23-24, and the event will conclude with the highly anticipated winners’ group, scheduled for February 10-11.
The Championship League is more than just a warm-up for the Masters; it’s a crucial part of the snooker calendar, offering a unique format and high-level competition. Players will use this tournament to hone their skills, build momentum, and prepare for the upcoming season’s challenges. Who will emerge victorious in 2026 and claim the coveted title? Only time will tell.
