A ranking event is a professional snooker competition that awards ranking points based on prize money earned. Results from these events determine player rankings, seedings, and tour status.
Ranking events form the competitive backbone of the professional snooker season.
How ranking events work
In a ranking event:
- Players earn ranking points according to how far they progress
- Ranking points are tied directly to prize money won
- Results are added to a rolling rankings list
Performances in these events affect qualification for future competitions and long-term career security.
Full list of ranking events and champions →
Open entry and qualification
Most ranking events are open-entry competitions.
- All tour card holders are eligible to enter
- Lower-ranked players often begin in earlier qualifying rounds
- Higher-ranked players may receive byes into later stages
This structure allows players to climb the rankings through performance rather than invitation.
Prize money and rankings
Snooker rankings are calculated using prize money earned over a fixed rolling period.
- Only prize money from ranking events counts
- Invitational events do not contribute to rankings
- Older earnings drop off as new results are added
This system rewards sustained success rather than isolated results. However, strong (or weak) performances in tournaments with large prize funds can have a significant effect on a player’s ranking.
Role within the professional tour
Ranking events are central to professional snooker.
- They determine who retains professional tour status
- They influence seedings and entry stages
- They shape qualification for invitational events
Consistent performance across ranking events is essential for long-term tour survival.
Ranking events versus invitational events
Not all professional competitions carry ranking status.
- Ranking events are open and points-bearing
- Invitational events have restricted fields
- Invitational results do not affect rankings
Prestige and prize money may be high in invitational events, but they generally do not carry the same career impact.
Changes over time
The role of ranking events has expanded significantly.
In the early professional era, the World Snooker Championship was the only event that counted towards the official rankings. Over time, additional tournaments were added, and the modern tour now features a large number of ranking events each season.
This expansion has shifted rankings away from a single annual result toward consistent performance across the calendar.
Common misunderstandings
Winning any professional event improves rankings
Only ranking events award ranking points.
Ranking events are invite-only
Most ranking events are open to all tour professionals.
One big win guarantees long-term ranking security
High-value events can secure a player’s position for an extended period, but rankings are still based on rolling prize money and must be defended over time.