Riley Snooker Tables Return to the Crucible Theatre for the 2026 World Seniors Snooker Championship
World Seniors Snooker is delighted to announce that RILEY, one of the world’s most iconic and prestigious snooker table manufacturers, will return to the Crucible Theatre for the first time in 17 years at the 2026 JenningsBet World Seniors Snooker Championship.
RILEY snooker tables, most notably the legendary RILEY Aristocrat, set the benchmark for professional snooker between 1992 and 2009, including at the World Snooker Championship. During this era, greats such as Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins secured world titles on these Iconic tables. In 2026, a new champion will have the opportunity to add their name to that illustrious list.
The Championship will once again be broadcast live in full by Channel 5 and will expand to a 24-player field. For the first time, a two-table RILEY setup will be installed at the Crucible Theatre, offering more players the chance to experience competing at the spiritual home of snooker. Snooker Fans outside the UK can also enjoy the action on Pluto TV.
Star-Studded Field
The 2026 event will feature an exceptional line-up of snooker legends and debutants, including:
- Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan
- Three-time world champion Mark Williams
- 2015 world champion Stuart Bingham
- Twelve-time World Women’s champion Reanne Evans
They are joined by leading names including Matthew Stevens, Ali Carter, Anthony Hamilton, four-time World Seniors champion Jimmy White, 1997 world champion Ken Doherty and Malta’s Tony Drago.
Defending champion Alfie Burden returns alongside ranking event winners Joe Perry, Robert Milkins and Dominic Dale.
Global Representation
Through collaboration with international federations, the Championship continues to highlight the global strength of the senior game. Confirmed international qualifiers include:
- Pan America Seniors champion Igor Figueiredo
- European Seniors champion Craig Steadman
- African Seniors champion Mohamed Samy Elkhayat
- Pan-Asian Seniors champion Roger Farebrother
Jason Francis, Chairman of World Seniors Snooker, said: “When you think of snooker tables, you think RILEY. Bringing the most iconic table manufacturer back to the Crucible Theatre is incredibly special. The Aristocrat is widely regarded as the industry benchmark and remains a favourite among many of the game’s greatest players.”
Stuart Lacey, Managing Director of RILEY, added: “It is a great pleasure to see the RILEY Aristocrat return to the Crucible Theatre, the home of snooker. The Aristocrat is a truly iconic table with a rich and distinguished history, and this marks a wonderful opportunity for a new generation of fans to experience first-hand the quality and heritage that define RILEY.
The World Seniors Snooker Tour has developed into an outstanding series of events, providing a platform for some of the game’s most celebrated players—many of whom continue to compete at the highest level. The strength of this year’s field is a clear reflection of the importance of a thriving Seniors tour and its place within the sport.”
Limited tickets for the 2026 World Seniors Snooker Championship remain available. Click here to secure your visit to the home of snooker.
