Ronnie O’Sullivan British Seniors Open 2026 Derby, Digi Mart USA News (Derby, England): Ronnie O’Sullivan will compete at the British Seniors Open 2026, which takes place on December 27 and 28 at the Vaillant Live in Derby. The 50-year-old has joined the field for the two-day event, giving snooker fans in his British homeland a rare opportunity to watch the seven-time world champion in action during the days between Christmas and New Year.
Because O’Sullivan now rarely competes in tournaments in Great Britain, his appearance is a particular highlight for supporters. He arrives as the reigning senior world champion, having won the title in May of this year for the first time.
In the final he defeated Joe Perry, adding another trophy to his already remarkable career. Although he has not won a title on the main tour since 2024, the senior tour offers him his next chance at silverware.
In Derby, O’Sullivan will face a strong field. Among the other entrants are defending champion Joe Perry, last year’s finalist Jimmy White, and Ken Doherty, Reanne Evans, Stephen Maguire and Mark Davis.
One final place in the eight-player event remains open.
Perry returns as defending champion after beating Jimmy White 7-5 in last year’s final. White, who has four world championship titles and numerous other achievements, is regarded as the most successful player in the history of the World Seniors Snooker Tour.
Known as “The Whirlwind,” he hopes to add another trophy to his collection but faces a demanding task against such strong competition.
O’Sullivan’s confirmation adds extra intrigue to the tournament, particularly given his final victory over Perry at the senior world championship. A rematch between the two in Derby is possible, as are contests with former world champion Doherty or former UK champion Maguire.
O’Sullivan has fond memories of Derby from the early years of his professional career and looks forward to his return. In his words: “In my early years, Derby was a regular fixture on the annual tournament calendar.
The Assembly Rooms were a fantastic venue – and the Vaillant Live looks even better! I am really looking forward to returning there at Christmas for the British Seniors Open.
Derby has always loved snooker.”
For the city, the event is another opportunity to welcome professional snooker during the holidays. Last year’s tournament drew huge interest both locally and on television.
Jason Francis, chairman of World Seniors Snooker, hopes O’Sullivan’s participation will raise the event to a new level this year. He said: “Last year the sport of snooker celebrated its comeback in the city.
Derby welcomed us fantastically, and more than four million viewers tuned in on TV. It is hard to imagine how the atmosphere will be this year with the reigning senior world champion taking part.
I expect many fans will now spontaneously add to their Christmas wish lists – so tickets should be bought quickly!”
