Northern Ireland Open praised as Waterfront Hall secures snooker tournament until 2029
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has praised the success of the Northern Ireland Open snooker championship, highlighting the importance of Belfast’s Waterfront Hall as a venue for international sporting events.
The Minister made the comments following a visit to the BetVictor Northern Ireland Open, which is taking place at the Waterfront Hall from 18 to 25 October 2026.
The tournament, which attracts leading professional players from around the world, will continue to be staged at the Belfast venue until at least 2029 under an agreement announced last year.
Gordon Lyons praises Northern Ireland Open
Speaking during his visit, Mr Lyons highlighted the significance of the tournament to Belfast and Northern Ireland’s sporting reputation.
“Snooker has a rich heritage in Northern Ireland and this world ranking event staged in Belfast attracts top players, officials and fans alike, bringing many visitors to the city each year,” he said.
The Minister also praised the Waterfront Hall’s standing within professional snooker.
“The Waterfront Hall has proved to be a fantastic arena for snooker. It has firmly established itself as one of the premier venues in the sport.”
Mr Lyons thanked World Snooker Tour and ICC Belfast for their work in organising the annual championship and expressed hope that the event would continue for many years.
Waterfront Hall recognised as leading snooker venue
Jason Ferguson, Chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association and a director of World Snooker Tour, praised the Belfast venue and its atmosphere.
He said players, officials and supporters regarded the Waterfront Hall as one of the leading venues on the international snooker circuit.
Mr Ferguson highlighted the arena’s atmosphere and backstage facilities, describing Belfast as a fantastic city for the sport.
He also expressed enthusiasm for the tournament’s long-term future in the city.
The Northern Ireland Open was first staged in 2016 and moved to the Waterfront Hall in 2017.
Since then, the championship has become a regular fixture on the World Snooker Tour calendar, with previous winners including Mark Allen, Judd Trump, Ronnie O’Sullivan and Mark Williams.
Belfast to host Northern Ireland Open until at least 2029
Rob McConnell, Chief Executive of ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall and Ulster Hall, welcomed the tournament’s return and highlighted its importance to the city’s events programme.
He said the competition had become an established part of Belfast’s sporting calendar, attracting leading international players and supporters from around the world.
Mr McConnell also pointed to Belfast’s designation as European City of Sport 2026, describing the championship as an opportunity to showcase the city as a destination for major international events.
He confirmed that an agreement reached with World Snooker Tour last year will keep the Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall until at least 2029.
The venue will continue working with World Snooker Tour to develop the event and provide an experience for both players and spectators.
Northern Ireland Open celebrates ten years
This year’s championship marks the tenth anniversary of the Northern Ireland Open, which has become one of the established ranking tournaments on the professional snooker calendar.
The competition features players competing for the Alex Higgins Trophy, named in honour of the two-time world champion from Belfast.
The 2026 tournament carries a total prize fund of £550,400, with £100,000 awarded to the winner.
The championship continues at the Waterfront Hall throughout the week, with the final scheduled for Sunday 25 October.
The event provides another opportunity for Belfast audiences to watch world-class snooker while reinforcing the city’s reputation as a host for major sporting occasions.
External links:
World Snooker Tour — Northern Ireland Open
Waterfront Hall — Northern Ireland Open 2026
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