Ready
The Snooker Shoot Out has firmly established itself as one of the most distinctive and entertaining tournaments on the professional snooker calendar, and it will return to Blackpool from 9 to 12 December 2026 at the Tower Circus inside The Blackpool Tower.
Unlike traditional ranking events, which are played over multiple frames and extended sessions, the Shoot Out uses a single-frame format with a strict 10-minute time limit per match. A shot clock operates throughout, typically allowing 15 seconds per shot during the first half of the frame and reducing to 10 seconds during the closing stages. The compressed format forces players to adopt a more attacking approach, often leading to bold shot-making, dramatic momentum swings and unexpected outcomes. The event also stands apart in presentation. Players compete without traditional waistcoats, and the crowd is actively encouraged to be vocal and engaged rather than remaining silent during play. The atmosphere inside the Tower Circus is lively and theatrical, closer in tone to a major indoor entertainment event than a conventional snooker tournament. A randomised draw takes place after each round, adding further unpredictability, while wildcard entries — including promising amateurs — have the opportunity to test themselves against established professionals.
The tournament traditionally features a field of 128 players, all competing for ranking points and prize money in a format that rewards quick thinking, nerve and composure under pressure as much as technical precision. Blackpool’s connection with the Shoot Out runs deeper than recent editions. The tournament was originally staged at the Blackpool Tower Circus from 2011 to 2015, a period widely regarded by many players and supporters as the defining era of the event. The unique setting beneath the Tower’s ornate ceiling, combined with the enthusiastic and close-up crowd, created an atmosphere unlike any other on the snooker circuit. Even after the tournament moved elsewhere for several years, many within the sport continued to describe Blackpool as the perfect home for the format.
The event returned to the Tower Circus in 2025, reaffirming that historic link. The 2025 edition, held from 10 to 13 December, proved to be a highlight of the town’s winter sporting calendar. Over four days, the fast-paced format once again delivered thrilling matches in front of lively crowds. Alfie Burden emerged as champion, claiming his first professional ranking title in a memorable victory that underlined how the Shoot Out format can produce breakthrough moments. The decision to host the tournament again in 2026 reinforces Blackpool’s status as a natural venue for the event. The intimate yet electric setting of the Tower Circus complements the rapid-fire style of play, while the December dates strengthen Blackpool’s programme of year-round attractions and sporting events.
For snooker fans and casual spectators alike, the 2026 Snooker Shoot Out promises four days of high-octane competition, dramatic finishes and a uniquely vibrant crowd experience. Its blend of sporting tension, unpredictability and entertainment continues to make it one of the standout fixtures on the professional tour and a significant occasion in Blackpool’s annual events calendar.
Watch the video below for the highlights of 2025 Snooker Shoot Out.
Images by © World Snooker Tour (WST)
