Home soil snooker heroes disagree on location of Welsh Open: “as good as anywhere” due to bad disaster 

Home soil snooker heroes disagree on location of Welsh Open: “as good as anywhere” due to bad disaster

 

The debate over the future home of the Welsh Open has sparked mixed emotions among Wales’ leading cuemen, with some insisting the current venue is “as good as anywhere” while others believe the tournament should return to one of its traditional heartlands.

For several seasons, the Welsh Open has been staged at Venue Cymru in Llandudno, a picturesque coastal town in North Wales. The modern arena, overlooking the Irish Sea, has drawn praise for its facilities and atmosphere.

Former champions and home favourites have publicly disagreed on whether it should remain there. Some players argue that Llandudno offers top-class playing conditions and strong local support.

One Welsh professional noted that the setup in Llandudno is “as good as anywhere we play,” pointing to the arena’s lighting, practice facilities and enthusiastic crowds. They argue that while the town may not have the population of larger Welsh cities, the event feels special there, with fans travelling from across the country to attend.

However, others feel the tournament’s identity is rooted elsewhere — particularly in Cardiff, where the event was held for many years at the iconic Cardiff International Arena.

Cardiff has long been associated with major snooker events, and for some players the capital city provides a bigger stage and greater visibility. They believe hosting the tournament in South Wales makes it more accessible to larger populations and could potentially attract bigger crowds and sponsorship opportunities.

One prominent Welsh star suggested that while Llandudno has done a fine job, the Welsh Open “belongs in Cardiff,” highlighting the tradition and energy that previous editions in the capital generated.

The discussion also reflects a broader issue in Welsh sport — balancing national representation across North and South Wales. By staging the tournament in Llandudno, organisers have brought elite snooker to a region that does not often host major sporting events. Supporters of the current venue argue this spreads opportunity and inspires young players in different parts of the country.

The Welsh Open, first held in 1992, remains one of the longest-running ranking events on the snooker calendar and forms part of the Home Nations Series. Over the decades it has crowned multiple Welsh champions and delivered memorable finals, cementing its status as a cornerstone of the professional tour.

Ultimately, the decision on location rests with promoters and governing bodies, who must weigh commercial considerations against tradition and player sentiment. With strong arguments on both sides, the debate is unlikely to disappear any time soon.

For now, one thing is certain: whether played on the north coast or in the capital, the Welsh Open continues to showcase Welsh snooker passion at its finest — and, as one player put it, the current venue is “as good as anywhere.”