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Kyren Wilson to lose nearly half of 350k earnings after Masters title win

Kyren Wilson defeated John Higgins 10-6 to win the Masters 2026 title and 350,000 prize money at Alexandra Palace

[Kyren Wilson]

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Kyren Wilson is the champion(Image: Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Kyren Wilson clinched the Masters 2026 title on Sunday evening, overcoming John Higgins 10-6 at Alexandra Palace. The match in London was a nail-biter, with both players making significant blunders at crucial moments.

Nonetheless, Wilson emerged victorious and, along with the title, pocketed 350,000 for his performance at the table. However, due to taxes, fees and tour structure, the English player is set to lose a substantial portion of this sum. The largest deduction from his prize money comes from tax. As a UK resident, Wilson's 350,000 is considered income.

Being a high earner, well above the 125,140 threshold, the money is subject to a 45% additional rate, meaning around 157,000 will go to the taxman - assuming the entire prize is taxed at this rate.

Next, the World Snooker Tour will take their own slice - a 2.5% levy. The funds they deduct are typically reinvested into the sport and its facilities. This will result in Wilson losing another 8,750, bringing the total loss to 133,890.

Top stars like Wilson will have to account for professional expenses, including management and agent fees. Additional costs for travel and accommodation during the tournament also need to be considered.

The team around him could charge between 5% and 10%, which equates to between 17,500 and 35,000. If it's the latter, the total comes to a staggering 168,890, leaving his take-home pay at approximately 180,000.

[Kyren Wilson]

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Kyren Wilson has claimed his first Masters title(Image: Getty)

An intriguing loss comes in the form of ranking points rather than cash. Unlike other major tournaments that add ranking points, the Masters is an invitational event with only 16 participants, meaning the prize money doesn't contribute towards the Official World Rankings.

Currently ranked second, Wilson would have been within reach of top-ranked Judd Trump if the points had counted.

After the match, an emotional Wilson spoke to the BBC about his victory. "In 2018 I lost in the final and cried and I'm trying not to cry now as it means so much to me," he shared.

"It was an honour and privilege to share the table with an idol of mine. It was just an absolute dogfight and I tried to be as dogged as John has been over the years, and that is why he has been so successful. I'm glad he's managed to give me one for a change.

"I never make it easy for myself. I always seem to do it the hard way. I don't know why, it frustrates the life out of me but I will always give it my all. Even if I'm struggling I will fight until the end until I finally get my hands on some silverware."

The snooker world is now gearing up for the German Masters, set to take place in Berlin from 26 January to 1 February. With the Masters now concluded, the last major event of the 2025/2026 season is the World Championship, scheduled for April at the Crucible in Sheffield.

Wilson, who clinched the 2024 World Championship, will be aiming to replicate his success from two years ago. Despite his recent Masters triumph, a ' Triple Crown ' in majors is out of reach this season, as Mark Selby claimed the UK Championship title in December.

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