Jimmy White to Compete at Crucible in World Seniors Snooker Championship

Key facts

• The 2026 JenningsBet World Seniors Snooker Championship is scheduled for May 6-10.
• The event will be held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
• Jimmy White is confirmed to participate.
• Alfie Burden is the reigning champion.
• Channel 5 will broadcast the championship in the UK.
• Pluto TV will stream the event internationally.
• Rigour Media will broadcast all matches in China.

Iconic Venue Hosts Elite Senior Field

Sheffield's legendary Crucible Theatre is set to host the 2026 JenningsBet World Seniors Snooker Championship between May 6 and May 10. This prestigious event will see a record-breaking line-up of snooker's most celebrated veterans compete for the title. Among the confirmed participants is the enduringly popular Jimmy White, a six-time World Championship finalist whose presence always draws significant attention. He will be joined by a host of familiar names from the sport's recent history. Reigning champion Alfie Burden will be present to defend his crown, aiming to secure back-to-back titles at the home of snooker. The championship promises a compelling display of skill and experience.

A Global Audience for Senior Snooker

A new simulcast partnership between Channel 5 and Pluto TV is set to bring the JenningsBet World Seniors Snooker Championship to a worldwide audience. This collaboration marks a significant expansion in the event's reach. In the United Kingdom, Channel 5 will broadcast the championship for the third consecutive year, continuing its commitment to showcasing senior snooker. Pluto TV, meanwhile, will provide live streaming coverage across a broad international footprint. This international streaming will extend to the USA, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Brazil, Mexico, Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Australia, ensuring fans across continents can follow the action.

Extensive Broadcast Reach

The commitment to global accessibility is further underscored by Rigour Media's agreement to broadcast every match of the tournament in China. This move acknowledges the significant snooker fanbase in the region. The tournament's broadcast strategy aims to maximize viewership, reflecting the enduring appeal of its star players. Coverage is scheduled to commence at 7pm on Wednesday, May 6, with the full match schedule to be released in due course.

Star Power on Display

The line-up for the 2026 event boasts an impressive array of talent, including former world champions and seasoned professionals. Alongside Jimmy White and defending champion Alfie Burden, other notable players confirmed include Ronnie O’Sullivan, Stuart Bingham, and Ali Carter. This gathering of snooker royalty at the Crucible guarantees a high level of competition and entertainment for fans. The championship is positioned as the flagship tournament for World Seniors Snooker (WSS), underscoring its importance within the senior circuit.

The bottom line

• Jimmy White will compete in the 2026 JenningsBet World Seniors Snooker Championship.
• The tournament is scheduled to take place at the Crucible Theatre from May 6-10, 2026.
• Alfie Burden is the defending champion.
• Channel 5 and Pluto TV will broadcast and stream the event in the UK and internationally.
• A record number of players are expected to participate.
• The event will be broadcast in China by Rigour Media.