Snooker’s New Frontier: Saudi Arabia Masters Ignites Middle East Revolution
As the 2025 Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters prepares to break off in Jeddah from August 8–16, WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson has shared his vision for the sport’s growth in the Middle East, underlining the tournament’s significance in snooker’s global expansion.
Hosted at the Green Halls in collaboration with the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation and under the guidance of the Ministry of Sport, the event will feature a massive field of 144 players. Now officially recognized as the sport’s Fourth Major — joining the iconic Triple Crown events — the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters has already made its mark as a premier fixture on the global snooker calendar.
Ferguson emphasized that this tournament is more than just a marquee event; it is a crucial component of a long-term strategy to embed snooker into the sporting fabric of the Middle East. “This region holds tremendous potential for snooker,” he said. “We are incredibly grateful for the support of the Ministry of Sport. Their involvement ensures we’re not just staging an elite tournament, but laying the foundations for sustained growth.”
He drew parallels with snooker’s development in China, where major events sparked national interest and eventually produced world-class talent — including a World Champion. “China’s journey is proof that when elite-level snooker is combined with the right grassroots infrastructure, the results can be transformational. We believe the same can happen here in the Middle East.”
Ferguson also stressed the importance of legacy — ensuring that the sport continues to thrive long after the final ball is potted. “It’s about more than just one event. We’re working to ensure that young players across the region are inspired, facilities are improved, and regular competition becomes the norm.”
With global ambitions and a clear development plan, the WPBSA sees the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters not just as a tournament, but as a catalyst for a new era in the sport — one that could see the next generation of snooker stars emerging from the Middle East.
