German Masters 2024: Why Berlin Tempodrom is best snooker venue in world amid Ronnie O'Sullivan and Ali Carter tributes
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Updated 28/01/2024 at 19:00 GMT
The German Masters enjoys one of the greatest venues in snooker history with a number of the sport's leading figures saluting the unique atmosphere contained within the 2,500-seat Tempodrom in Berlin. Former winners Ronnie O'Sullivan, Mark Williams, Mark Selby and Ali Carter have all paid tribute to the tournament, which runs between Jan 29-Feb 4 live on Eurosport and discovery+.
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The 14th staging of the German Masters will see the iconic ranking event extended from five days to a full week for the first time inside the teeming Tempodrom in Berlin.
While it might not be as celebrated as the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield or the Masters at Alexandra Palace in London, the Tempodrom is widely regarded as arguably the greatest snooker venue on the professional circuit.
A number of leading names in the sport have been effusive in their praise of the 2,500-seat venue for atmosphere, acoustics and passionate snooker knowledge of the German public in supporting the event with sell-out crowds the norm for the country's leading tournament.
World No. 11 Ali Carter is defending the Brandon Parker Trophy – named after the dedicated and popular snooker promoter who brought the event to Berlin 13 years ago – and is chasing a record third title triumph after his first victory in 2013.
The German Masters has never been short of fans, whether watching or playing, since Mark Williams defeated Mark Selby 9-7 in the inaugural Tempodrom final in 2011 to begin a long and storied association with the country's capital.
Ronnie O'Sullivan has described the venue as the best in the sport, Ali Carter compares the competition to the World Championship and Masters, while Shaun Murphy believes the tournament grows in stature every year.
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"How can you not try your best playing here in front of this crowd? This is now the best venue we play at, like the old Wembley Conference Centre used to be. The atmosphere we play in here is the best. It is brilliant to play here, and get to the final.– Ronnie O'Sullivan after his 9-7 victory over Stephen Maguire in 2012 German Masters final.
"There’s no better tournament than this, this is right up there with the Masters and the World Championship. The German fans are magnificent, they’re such polite people and appreciate us being here." – Ali Carter after claiming his second German Masters title with a 10-3 win over Tom Ford in the 2023 final.
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“I am so happy to be in the semi-finals in the best venue in the world. I hope that I can play well and I will enjoy it." – 2022 German Masters champion Zhao Xintong after a 5-1 win over Judd Trump in the quarter-finals during his run to the title two years ago.
"All the tournaments I enter I want to win, but especially in one of the biggest arenas we play in. When it gets down to the one-table setup here it is very special. The fans are amazing." – Judd Trump after his 9-6 win over Neil Robertson in the 2020 final.
"My mum and dad were here for the first time, I just wanted them to see me play here once before I retire because it's one of the best venues we've got. And how lucky that I ended up winning the tournament." – Anthony Hamilton reflects on his maiden ranking title with a 9-6 win over Carter in 2017 final.
“It’s amazing for me. Every time I come to Germany, the fans are absolutely amazing. They make the atmosphere electric every year. As a snooker fan, we are very lucky to play in a venue like this.” – Kyren Wilson defeats David Gilbert 9-7 to claim the title in 2019.
"It has been a privilege to watch snooker grow at this venue - there were 2,500 die hard fans out there today. When it goes down to one table it becomes the best snooker arena on the tour. You can hear and taste the atmosphere - your senses are on fire." – Shaun Murphy after completing a 6-4 win over Liang Wenbo in the 2015 semi-finals.
"What more can you ask playing in front of all these people, and in this arena. Every player has got to experience it once." – Mark Williams after securing his second German Masters crown with a 9-1 final win over Graeme Dott in 2018.
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"It’s brilliant, it’s the best tournament by far. I thought that before I won it, I’m not just saying it because of that. Every year I really want to get to Germany because the gaff is the best, but now it sounds like I’m only saying it because I won it. The Germans, they’ll watch the snooker even if you’re not playing well, they’ll still love it." – Anthony Hamilton speaking after the 2021 tournament was moved to Milton Keynes due to the pandemic.
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The German Masters starts on January 29 and is live on Eurosport and discovery+.
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