The World Snooker Tour (WST) has confirmed that the Northern Ireland Open will remain at Belfast’s iconic Waterfront Hall for at least a further four years, extending its current agreement through to 2029.
The move follows a hugely successful 2025 tournament week, which once again showcased the city’s passionate fans, world-class facilities, and growing reputation as a home for major sporting events.
The Northern Ireland Open has been staged at the Waterfront Hall since 2017 and the venue in the heart of Belfast has become widely recognised as one of the best on snooker’s global circuit, as many of the sport’s leading stars have praised the atmosphere and facilities.
This year’s tournament was won by Jack Lisowski, who won his first ranking title by beating world number one Judd Trump 9-8 in a dramatic final, watched by a crowd of 1,435, the biggest for any UK event other than the Masters. Trump himself has lifted the famous Alex Higgins Trophy four times in recent years while home favourite Mark Allen has won it twice. Trump said:
The people are so friendly in Belfast, I get a lot of support. We go to a lot of places but the Waterfront Hall is definitely one of the best venues on the tour and everyone is always excited to play in the event.
The extension builds on the momentum of a landmark year for WST in Northern Ireland and reflects the widespread positive feedback from players, spectators and partners, with 11,000 people attending the tournament while hundreds of millions watched on television and streaming platforms around the globe.
Rob McConnell, Chief Executive, ICC Belfast, Waterfront Hall & Ulster Hall said:
Belfast has proved time and again that it delivers an atmosphere unlike anywhere else, and we’re delighted that the World Snooker Tour has chosen to deepen its roots in the city.
“Extending the Northern Ireland Open at the Waterfront Hall through to 2029 is a strong endorsement of our venue and our fans, and of Belfast’s ambition, as the European City of Sport for 2026, to be a leading host of major international events.
"This long-term commitment gives us the opportunity to further enhance the fan experience and strengthen the tournament’s legacy through meaningful community initiatives that reflect the core values of our organisation. After another outstanding year, we are proud to secure this partnership for the years ahead and excited for what it will bring to the city.”
Nicola Moloney, Operations Director, World Snooker Tour, said:
The Northern Ireland Open has become one of the standout tournaments on the WST calendar, and the Waterfront Hall plays a central part in that success.
“The attention to detail in production, the welcome, and the energy from the Belfast crowd are second to none. We’re delighted to confirm our commitment to the venue through to 2029 and we look forward to more memorable years ahead.”
