Barry Hawkins clinches the 2026 Welsh Open snooker – his fifth ranking title and what it means

Llandudno's Venue Cymru was brimming with atmosphere on Sunday evening as the 2026 Welsh Open drew to a close. Every seat in the house was filled, and the reason was clear: the final showcased two completely contrasting narratives. One was an established veteran, the other a perpetual promise finally breaking free from the shackles of expectation.

Ultimately, it was Barry Hawkins who hoisted the trophy aloft, defeating Jack Lisowski 9–6. This marked Hawkins' fifth ranking title victory, and by no means the easiest. The Hawk has always been a player capable, on his day, of challenging anyone, yet his name is rarely mentioned in the same breath as dominance. Perhaps that is precisely his strength: an unassuming consistency that chips away at an opponent's confidence, piece by piece. In the final, Hawkins didn't dazzle; he simply got on with the job – and that was enough.

Lisowski's career reads like an unfinished autobiography

Had the final been judged on flair alone, Jack Lisowski would have taken the trophy home on Saturday. But snooker isn't figure skating. Lisowski's path to the final was straight out of a thriller: in the semi-final, he once again looked the underdog against John Higgins, only to stage an incredible comeback from behind. The Scot led 5–2, but Lisowski struck back like a wily old fox – or in this case, a young fox finally learning the tricks of the trade. The final scoreline of 6–5 doesn't tell the full story of that battle's quality.

Lisowski's journey has been much like the protagonist of Running: The Autobiography: full of rapid sprints, but also stumbles on the final lap. If anyone deserves to escape the trap of being a 'perennial promise', it's Jack. In the final, however, he couldn't quite get Hawkins by the throat, despite occasionally flashing the shots that have earned him a reputation as one of the finest entertainers in televised snooker.

• Hawkins' route to victory: Following the qualifiers, convincing wins over Zhou Yuelong and Mark Williams.
• Lisowski's remarkable rise: Mark Allen defeated in the quarter-finals, the comeback against Higgins in the semis.
• Home Nations Series bonus: A win would have secured the bonus for Lisowski, but he has to settle for silver and a substantial ranking payout.

Where are today's Finnish players?

Although no Finnish players graced Llandudno this year, the Live: Welsh Open Snooker broadcasts still attracted thousands of viewers back in Finland. Snooker thrives there on a strong amateur base, and the audience appreciates tactical prowess. Perhaps a Finnish company might consider whether there's potential in a bit of Nordic visibility – the tournaments are watched closely not just in the British Isles but across mainland Europe, and a logo flashing on screen can work wonders for brand recognition.

It's interesting, by the way, to compare this year's tournament with the 2023 Welsh Open. Back then, the title went to Robert Milkins, another seasoned pro like Hawkins. Now, two years on, the top tier is more competitive than ever: anyone in the top 16 can have a good week and take the trophy. It might be a nightmare for punters, but for us spectators, it's a goldmine.

In the end, you have to tip your hat to Barry Hawkins. He's like that colleague who never makes a fuss but always has his projects finished on time. A fifth ranking title is a deserved reward for a man who has remained at the top quietly and steadily. And Jack Lisowski? His story is still being written – perhaps the next chapter will be penned as early as the World Championship in the spring.