Barry Hawkins wins 2026 Welsh Open – secures fifth ranking title and what it means for the snooker world
Llandudno's Venue Cymru was buzzing with electric atmosphere on Sunday evening as the 2026 Welsh Open drew to a close. There wasn't an empty seat in the house, and for good reason: the final showcased two completely contrasting narratives. On one side, a seasoned pro with a solid track record; on the other, the eternal promise, finally breaking free from the chains of high expectations.
In the end, it was Barry Hawkins who lifted the trophy, defeating Jack Lisowski 9–6. This marks Hawkins' fifth ranking title of his career, and certainly not the easiest one. 'The Hawk' has always been a player capable of challenging anyone on his day, but his name is rarely mentioned in the same breath as dominance. Perhaps that's his secret weapon: an unassuming consistency that chips away at an opponent's confidence, piece by piece. In the final, Hawkins didn't necessarily dazzle; he just got the job done – and that was enough.
Lisowski's career reads like an unfinished autobiography
If the final were 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 found himself the underdog against John Higgins, but staged an incredible comeback from behind to snatch victory. The Scot led 5–2, but Lisowski struck back like a seasoned pro – or in this case, a young gun finally learning the ropes of the hunt. The final scoreline of 6–5 doesn't tell the full story of that battle's intensity.
Lisowski's journey has been like the protagonist of Running: The Autobiography: filled with rapid sprints, but also stumbles on the final lap. If anyone deserves to escape the 'promising' tag, it's Jack. In the final, however, he couldn't quite get a grip on Hawkins, despite occasional flashes of those breathtaking shots that have earned him the reputation as one of TV snooker's greatest entertainers.
- Hawkins' road to victory: Impressive wins against Zhou Yuelong and Mark Williams after the qualifiers.
- Lisowski's miraculous run: Overcame Mark Allen in the quarter-finals and staged a comeback against Higgins in the semis.
- Home Nations Series bonus: Lisowski would have claimed the bonus with a win but had to settle for silver and a substantial ranking prize.
Where are the Finns today?
Although no Finnish players graced Llandudno this year, the Live: Welsh Open Snooker broadcasts attracted thousands of viewers back in Finland. Snooker thrives there on a strong amateur base, and the audience appreciates tactical prowess. Perhaps some Finnish businesses could consider the potential in small Nordic visibility – these tournaments are keenly watched not only in the British Isles but also in mainland Europe, and a fleeting logo on screen can work wonders for brand recognition.
It's also interesting to compare this year's tournament with the 2023 Welsh Open. Back then, the title went to Robert Milkins, another experienced campaigner like Hawkins. Now, two years on, the top tier is even more competitive: anyone in the top 16 can have a good week and walk away with the trophy. This makes it a nightmare for bookmakers, but for us viewers, 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 about himself, but the project on his desk always gets finished on time. A fifth ranking title is a deserved reward for a man who has stayed at the top quietly and steadily. And Jack Lisowski? His story is still being written – perhaps the next chapter will unfold at the World Championship this spring.