How the League Works.
The NSL begins at the grassroots level, with participating snooker clubs running their own internal leagues. Each club typically fields 10–20 players, with league operations supported and standardized by the NSL. Click here to sign up.
League Format
Players are divided into groups within their club
In a 20-player league, each player plays 8 matches
Match formats are designed to ensure fair competition and meaningful standings
This structure allows players to compete regularly at their home club while earning a place in the broader national system.
At the conclusion of club league play, the top-performing players from each club advance to a qualifier stage known as “Judgement Day.”
Judgement Day
A knockout-style event
Players compete head-to-head
Winners earn qualification spots for the NSL Championship
This stage ensures that only players who prove themselves under pressure move on to the national level.
The NSL Championship
The season culminates in the National Snooker League Championship, featuring a 64-player seeded knockout field.
Championship Match Formats
Open Division
Early Rounds: Best of 7 frames
Semi-Finals: Best of 9 frames
Finals: Best of 11 frames
Junior Division
Early Rounds: 1-frame knockout
Finals: Best of 3 frames
The progressive increase in match length rewards consistency, endurance, and high-level match play, mirroring professional tournament conditions.
Prize Purse and Payouts
Based on a full 64-player championship field, all prizes are paid in Canadian dollars (CAD).
Championship Prizes
First Place: $50,000
Second Place: $20,000
Top 16 (25% of the field): Paid out
Juniors Total Prize Pool: $5,000
Bonus Club Prize: $3,000
This payout structure ensures that strong performance throughout the championship is rewarded, not just the finalists.
Eligibility and Divisions
The NSL is open to players who meet specific eligibility criteria designed to maintain fair and competitive balance.
Open Division Eligibility
Must reside in Canada or the USA for the previous 12 months
Must not be on the WST Professional List as of January 1, 2026
The NSL reserves the right to refuse entry to any player deemed in violation of eligibility rules.
Key Dates for the 2026 Season
Entry Deadline: January 15, 2026
League Play: March 1 – Mid-May 2026
NSL Championships: Late May – Mid-June 2026
A Clear Path from Local Tables to National Glory
The National Snooker League is built to strengthen the competitive snooker ecosystem across North America. By combining local club leagues, meaningful qualification events, and a professionally structured national championship, the NSL offers players a realistic and exciting pathway to elite-level competition—without needing to leave their home clubs behind.
Whether you’re chasing national recognition, prize money, or simply the highest level of amateur competition available, the NSL delivers a structure that rewards commitment, performance, and passion for the game.