In an exciting development for sports enthusiasts across the Middle East, HE Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), has unveiled an enhanced collaboration between Riyadh Season and the World Snooker Tour (WST). This strategic agreement aims to broaden the reach of snooker in the region, promising an immersive experience for fans and aspiring talents alike.

Riyadh Season, known for its commitment to fostering diverse entertainment experiences, has solidified its support for the World Snooker Tour by becoming an official partner of snooker's premier tournament. This partnership underscores Riyadh Season's dedication to bolstering the WST and expanding the sport's footprint in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and beyond.

HE Turki Alalshikh also announced a landmark three-year ambassadorial agreement with Ronnie O'Sullivan, the world's number one snooker player renowned for clinching 23 Triple Crown titles. As part of this agreement, O'Sullivan will participate in all WST events in Saudi Arabia and undertake special visits to the Kingdom to nurture budding talent through coaching sessions. This collaboration aims to inspire a new generation of snooker enthusiasts and elevate the sport's profile in Saudi Arabia.

Image credit: WST

Following the triumphant debut of the Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker last month, which saw O'Sullivan emerge victorious, Riyadh Season has confirmed the event's return in the 2024/25 calendar. The upcoming tournament will feature the world's top ten players along with two wildcard entries. Notably, the event will reintroduce the innovative golden ball, known as the Riyadh Season ball, offering players the chance to achieve a record-breaking score of 167 and win a doubled prize of $1 million.

HE Turki Alalshikh emphasised that these initiatives mark significant strides in advancing snooker in Saudi Arabia, nurturing a new cohort of fans and talent who aspire to follow in the footsteps of their sporting idols. Riyadh Season's commitment to diversifying its entertainment offerings through sporting events like snooker reflects its dedication to fostering a vibrant community where enthusiasts can pursue their passions.

Expressing delight at the burgeoning partnership, HE Alalshikh further highlighted Riyadh Season's anticipation for the upcoming World Snooker Championship, scheduled to commence on Saturday and continue until May 6th at Crucible in Sheffield. This event serves as a testament to the growing collaboration between Riyadh Season and the World Snooker Tour, promising an exhilarating experience for fans worldwide.

WST Chairman Steve Dawson echoed HE Turki Alalshikh's sentiments, emphasising their shared vision of expanding snooker's reach across the Middle East and nurturing grassroots talent. Dawson lauded the success of the inaugural Riyadh Season World Masters of Snooker and expressed enthusiasm for the forthcoming Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters, the first-ever world ranking event in the region, which will further elevate the sport's stature and provide lucrative opportunities for players.