Global Snooker Spotlight Turns to Gandía as Spain Hosts 2026 WPBSA Q Tour Play-Offs

Published on November 26, 2025

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association has officially confirmed that Gandía, Spain will host the WPBSA Q Tour Global Play-Offs from 15–17 March 2026. Positioned alongside the European Billiards and Snooker Association European Championships, the event has been set to transform the coastal city into a dynamic destination for sports tourism. With three two-year World Snooker Tour cards available for the 2026/27 season, the Play-Offs are expected to draw international visitors ranging from athletes and coaches to fans seeking both world-class competition and the cultural appeal of a Mediterranean travel experience.

This announcement follows a year in which the Q Tour expanded its international footprint, attracting amateur players from multiple continents and creating wider global access to professional snooker pathways. The previous edition highlighted the competitive standard of the tournament when Steven Hallworth, Liam Highfield, and Florian Nuessle secured professional status. Their success underscored the transformative potential of the Play-Offs for players seeking to elevate their careers on the global stage.

A Showcase of Competitive Snooker for Traveling Fans

The 2026 Play-Offs will feature a field of 24 players, each aiming to progress through a demanding competitive structure that mirrors the intensity of professional tournaments. Sports tourists visiting Gandía will be able to watch players compete across three rounds, beginning with best-of-nine matches, followed by best-of-11 semifinals, and concluding with a best-of-19 final stage. This extended match format has been designed to test not only technical skill but also endurance, composure, and strategic decision-making.

The player lineup will include a minimum of 16 athletes from the Q Tour Europe Series. Event winners Hammad Miah, Peter Lines, Simon Blackwell, and Jamie Clarke have already secured their places, unless any of them earn the automatic tour card awarded to the season’s top-ranked competitor. Their performances throughout the year have positioned them as key contenders who will likely attract considerable fan interest during the Play-Offs.

Up to eight additional players will arrive from regional circuits across the Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East, determined through regional ranking lists. This global qualification structure enhances the Play-Offs as a sports tourism attraction, as supporters from multiple regions may travel to Spain to follow rising talents from their home countries.

Snooker’s Expanding Global Pathway Enhances Travel Appeal

The Q Tour Global system has been developed to provide amateur athletes with an accessible route into professional snooker while supporting the sport’s growth worldwide. This international layout creates opportunities not only for players but also for fans who seek to combine their passion for snooker with travel. The 2026 Play-Offs will mark the third consecutive year in which the finals are staged alongside the EBSA European Championships, reinforcing the synergy between competitive snooker and sports tourism.

This collaboration between the WPBSA and EBSA strengthens the consistency and quality of event delivery, encouraging international spectators to attend multiple tournaments in one location. The pairing of the two events provides traveling fans with extended itineraries that merge sports, cultural experiences, and leisure exploration within the same trip.

The Q Tour’s expansion continues to gain momentum, with increased prize money and larger participation numbers contributing to its appeal. As more countries establish regional circuits, a broader and more diverse community of fans travels to support emerging talent. This growth enhances snooker’s presence as a global tourism driver, encouraging supporters to follow their favorite players across international venues.

Event Partnerships Elevate the Professional and Tourism Experience

The EBSA has confirmed that all matches during the Play-Offs in Spain will be contested on Xing Pai tables, following a newly announced partnership. This upgrade reinforces the professional standard of the event and contributes to a polished viewing experience for sports tourists attending the competition.

The partnership builds on recent developments such as the inclusion of a Q Tour Europe event during the EBSA European Championships in Albania for the first time. Such expansions demonstrate a growing emphasis on collaboration, organization, and event quality—factors that attract both high-level competitors and traveling audiences seeking premium sporting experiences.

Together, these coordinated efforts support a broader ecosystem in which competitive snooker and travel-based engagement coexist. With consistent presentation and elevated technical standards, spectators visiting Gandía can expect a seamless combination of professional competition and destination-focused appeal.

Gandía Positioned as a Rising Destination for Snooker Enthusiasts

Gandía’s selection as host city is expected to boost its visibility within the international sports tourism market. Known for its Mediterranean coastline, cultural heritage, and vibrant urban offerings, the city provides an attractive setting for attendees who wish to combine competitive snooker with leisure travel. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore its beaches, historic quarters, local gastronomy, and scenic routes while attending one of the most anticipated qualifying events of the snooker season.

By welcoming players, support teams, and fans from across Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Americas, and the Middle East, the city strengthens its reputation as a destination capable of hosting high-level international events. This hosting opportunity further cements Gandía’s potential to attract future tournaments and sports travelers seeking immersive experiences that blend athletic competition with cultural exploration.

The event also contributes to the city’s economic, cultural, and tourism development by drawing visitors who support local hotels, restaurants, and transportation services. As a result, the Play-Offs serve not only as a major sporting occasion but also as a catalyst for tourism-driven activity across the region.

Anticipation Builds for the 2026/27 Season

With three World Snooker Tour cards at stake, the 2026 Play-Offs are set to influence the composition of the upcoming professional season. Rising talents from across the globe will have the opportunity to advance from amateur circuits to the highest level of snooker competition. For sports travelers planning future trips to WST events, the Play-Offs serve as an early glimpse of new players who may soon appear in major tournaments worldwide.

As participation continues to grow and partnerships expand, the WPBSA Q Tour Global system represents a key step in shaping the future of international snooker. Through the 2026 Play-Offs, both the WPBSA and EBSA aim to strengthen global engagement with the sport while fostering new opportunities for players and promoting sports tourism across international markets.

[Image Credit: WPBSA]