Snooker creates 'fourth major' in Saudi Arabia and the prize money is huge

Saudi Arabia will host snookers 'fourth major' where players will compete for an enormous prize pot in Riyadh.

A ranking event with head to the Gulf state's capital in August for the first ever Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters.

The tournaments £2million winnings is only behind the World Championship in terms of prize money, with World Snooker Tour branding it ‘the fourth major’.

The World Snooker Tour, in partnership with Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation and the Ministry of Sport for Saudi Arabia, announced the new competition on Tuesday.

A statement read: "Alongside the traditional Triple Crown events, a prize pot of over £2million will be at stake in what is the second richest event on the prestigious World Snooker Tour schedule in 2024.

"The Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters will be a world ranking event open to all 128 tour players, plus six local wild cards from the Saudi Arabian Billiard & Snooker Federation."

The event will run from August 31 to September 7 in Riyadh and be open to the entire tour, alongside six local wild cards, with a 10-year deal agreed.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Saudi Minister of Sport, said: "Saudi Arabia is an ever-emerging home to all sports and we’re excited by the opportunity to add new world-class events in snooker."

The Saudi Arabian tournament is being dubbed as a 'fourth major' (Getty)

While Matchroom Sport chairman Eddie Hearn added: "The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has forged a reputation for growth and creating new opportunities for sports to grow in a new market to new fans.

"The country has hosted some of the world’s premier sporting events in recent years, welcoming visitors from all over to experience its passion for sport and unique culture. The addition of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters over the next decade further enhances that as it heralds an exciting chapter for snooker."