Royal Classic 2026 – When snooker becomes a mini European Championship

The Int. Patricks Royal Classic once again lived up to its name in 2026. A full house, an international atmosphere, thrilling matches, big names – and right in the thick of it, a 16-year-old Swiss player who almost turned the tournament on its head.

The field of participants? Almost absurdly strong. Multiple German, Swiss, Ukrainian and Italian champions came thick and fast in Rankweil. Anyone expecting an easy start here was brought brutally back down to earth after the first few frames at the latest.

But that is precisely what makes the Royal Classic so special. It’s not just about playing snooker here. It’s about discussing, analysing, laughing, philosophising and networking internationally. Countless conversations took place between players, organisers and guests about the sport, future events and the development of European snooker. It is precisely this blend of top-class sport and a friendly atmosphere that has made Patricks Rankweil something special for years.

Organisationally, too, the event ran almost flawlessly. A full field of participants, smooth proceedings, an excellent atmosphere and impressive figures for the LIVE STREAM ensured that the tournament was followed far beyond Vorarlberg. Added to this was an attractive prize fund, which brought additional international quality to Rankweil.

On the sporting front, one name in particular provided the talking point: Jenson Schmidt.

The 16-year-old Swiss player stormed his way into the final with incredible maturity and nerves of steel. Just a few years ago, the young player could barely get past the group stage – now he is suddenly marching through a top international field and, on his way to the final, even knocked multiple German champion Diana Stateczny out of the tournament. The likeable German still managed a strong 3rd place, however.

Paul Schopf also finished in third place, proving once again why he is held in such high regard within the scene as a particularly fair and sportsmanlike player. This time, however, his run came to an end against the eventual winner.

One of the most emotional matches of the tournament, however, was an internal club clash: Querkinaj versus Manser. What looked on paper like a case of “they just know each other” turned into a nerve-wracking thriller with superb rallies and immense tension. Exactly the sort of match that makes spectators suddenly forget they’d only intended to “watch for a bit”.

In the final, however, a player awaited them who was simply in a class of his own this weekend: Wienold.

Jenson Schmidt was more than a match for him, particularly in the first frame, and impressively demonstrated why the future could well belong to him. Yet in the end, the top player’s experience, composure and routine prevailed. Wienold controlled the final with impressive precision and was crowned, in a thoroughly deserved victory, the winner of the Int. Patrick’s Royal Classic 2026 for the third time.

He thus draws level with Sari Soner, who had to contend with health issues during this tournament.

What remains is more than just a ranking list.

The Royal Classic has once again shown that in Rankweil, top-class international snooker is not only possible – it is lived. With passion. With style. And with an atmosphere that cannot simply be explained. You have to have experienced it.
Ranking>>>

The next two high-level tournaments:
– Int. Rheintal Snooker Open 2026 >>>
– Int. 3 Kings Snooker Open >>>