World Masters Boys

Commonly known as “the Winmau”, it remains the longest running TV event of all by the same organisation. It was first played in 1974 and sponsored by Phonogram, with Winmau taking over in 1976. Players qualify by either winning an international ranking event, through their national team or via the British inter-county system.

In 1986 youth tournament is introduced at the World Masters. Until 1998 it is still mixed, but from 1999 there is a separate category for the boys and girls. Harith Lim from Singapore wins the first mixed edition. The only youth player who also wins Seniors World Masters is Stephen Bunting. He is also the only youth player who becomes a senior World Champion for the time being.

In the boys, Englishman Shaun Griffiths wins the tournament twice in succession in 2007 and 2008. Justin van Tergouw from the Netherlands does the same in 2015 and 2016.

In the girl’s competition, Janine Gough from Wales is able to win the tournament back-to-back in 1999 & 2000. Compatriot Kimberley Lewis does the same in 2006 & 2007. Zoe Jones succeeds in 2009 & 2010. The last player to win back-to-back is Beau Greaves in 2017 & 2018.

The first 24 years of the tournament will be held at several locations in London. In 1998 moved the tournament for four years to Frimley Green to move into the Northeast of England to Bridlington in 2002. Between 2010 and 2015, the tournament is held in Hull to Frimley Green to return in 2016. A year later Bridlington is once again the host.