World Snooker Tour Start: When Does the 2025 Season Begin?

As another thrilling snooker season draws to a close, fans around the world are already looking ahead to the next chapter of cue sports excellence. A common question on everyone’s mind is: when does the World Snooker Tour start again? The answer lies with the first event of the new season—the BetVictor Championship League Snooker 2025, which kicks off this summer.

Back to the Baize: The 2025/26 Season Opener

The 2025 World Snooker Tour season will begin with the BetVictor Championship League, a ranking event that will take place from June 30 to July 23, 2025 at the Morningside Arena in Leicester, England. As is tradition in recent years, this tournament opens the competitive season and sets the stage for the ranking battles and rivalries to come.

This event is more than just a warm-up—it’s a vital part of the snooker calendar, offering valuable ranking points and a trophy that every professional would be proud to lift.

The Championship League Format: A Unique Challenge

The BetVictor Championship League differs from traditional knockout tournaments. It adopts a group-based format, creating a distinctive and highly strategic competition structure.

The tournament features 128 players, including all World Snooker Tour professionals as well as several standout amateurs who earned entry via Q School or the Order of Merit. These players are initially divided into 32 groups of four, with each group playing a round-robin format. Group winners progress through two further group stages before reaching the final championship group.

This format is designed to maximize competitive play and gives players multiple matches—unlike the sudden-death nature of knockout tournaments. It's a format that rewards consistency and composure under pressure, making it a true test of a player’s all-around game.

Who to Watch This Year

With the start of the new season comes the return of snooker’s biggest names. Reigning World Champion Kyren Wilson will look to continue his momentum, while Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Luca Brecel, and Mark Selby are expected to feature prominently as they chase more silverware.

Emerging talents such as Chatchapong Nasa—a recent Q School graduate from Thailand—are also names to watch. Nasa earned his tour card after years of perseverance and will be making his professional debut this season, aiming to make a strong first impression.

Expect to see an exciting mix of veterans and rookies clash as the battle for early season dominance begins.

Why This Tournament Matters

While some fans may view the Championship League as an undercard event, it carries real significance in the larger tour picture. Firstly, it’s a ranking event, meaning results contribute to the official world rankings. Early wins can help players climb the ladder and potentially qualify for prestigious events like the Masters, Players Championship, and eventually, the World Championship.

Secondly, it’s a chance for players to get match-fit after the offseason. Unlike invitational events, this tournament involves a wide pool of competitors and provides match play conditions that mirror the challenges of the season ahead.

For fans, it offers weeks of continuous snooker—perfect for easing back into the season while enjoying high-quality action from the comfort of home.

A Glimpse at the Season Ahead

Following the Championship League, the tour will move swiftly into other ranking events, including the European Masters and the British Open. These early-season tournaments are crucial in building momentum and confidence, especially for players eyeing qualification for the season’s Triple Crown events.

As always, the full tournament schedule will evolve, with events spanning Europe, Asia, and beyond. The World Snooker Tour is committed to maintaining a global presence, ensuring fans from all regions can experience the drama and magic of professional snooker.

The World Snooker Tour start date is confirmed: June 30, 2025, with the BetVictor Championship League once again opening the season. It’s a date all snooker fans should circle on their calendars.

Whether you're cheering for a legendary icon or an up-and-coming underdog, this event signals the return of world-class competition, drama, and unforgettable moments. With ranking points, reputations, and careers on the line, the race begins in Leicester—and it’s not to be missed.

Stay tuned and visit the official WST tournament page for updated details, match schedules, and ticket information.