The second Asia-Oceania Q-School is still in relatively early stages but actually the new season is only just over two weeks away.

Just like this season, it will start with the ranking Championship League Snooker. The event got a lot of criticism but it has its merit. For a start it’s an event that guarantees every player at least three streamed matches against opponents of various abilities and experience and that’s invaluable for those who are debutants on the main tour. There is no crowd and there isn’t too much pressure either.

Here is the WST announcement:

2023/24 Season Starts With BetVictor Championship League

The 2023 BetVictor Championship League Snooker Ranking Event will return this June and July at the Morningside Arena, Leicester as the first ranking event of the 2023/24 World Snooker Tour season.

Star names in the field will include Ronnie O’Sullivan, Judd Trump, Neil Robertson, Shaun Murphy, Kyren Wilson, Mark Williams and Ali Carter. The draw is set to be made next week.

The tournament takes place over three stages, starting on Tuesday, 26 June. Winners’ Week will run from Monday 17, July concluding with Finals Day on Friday, 21 July. The eventual winner will also receive an invite into the 2023 Champion of Champions in November.

Please note there is no access for fans at this event. However, wherever you are in the world, you can follow the action live online. Table 1 will be available on Viaplay Extra in the UK. Fans in Scandinavia, Baltics, Netherlands, and Poland will be be able to watch on Viaplay. The tournament will also be live on betting websites around the world, as well as on global OTT platforms and Matchroom.Live.

The Stages

Stage 1:
26 – 30 June
3 – 8 July
10-14 July

Stage 2:
17, July to 20, July

Stage 3:
21, July

Prize Money
Stage 1
#1 – £3,000 – Winner
#2 – £2,000 – Runner-up
#3 – £1,000 – 3rd Place

Stage 2
#1 – £4,000 – Winner
#2 – £3,000 – Runner-up
#3 – £2,000 – 3rd Place
#4 – £1,000 – 4th Place

Stage 3
#1 – £6,000 – Winner
#2 – £4,000 – Runner-up
#3 – £2,000 – 3rd Place
#4 – £1,000 – 4th Place

The Final
#1 – £20,000 – Winner
#2 – £10,000 – Runner-up

Luca Brecel, the reigning World Champion is also the defending champion but is not currently listed amongst the “confirmed” top players who entered.