Ich Liebe Snooker

By Elliott West

“The Germans, they’ll watch the snooker even if you’re not playing well, they’ll still love it”

Anthony Hamilton

Introduction

As the German Masters begins in Milton Keynes, let’s take a moment to reflect on this tremendous tournament and the firework of a fan base that Germany offers. This year, a sombre shadow was cast over the tournament as the pandemic forced organisers to move the event from the Tempodrom to the Marshall Arena. The usual twisting, corkscrew crowd, assembling outside the venue is missing and the roar of the capacity German audience has been temporarily silenced. A phenomenon that is hopefully a temporary measure. An event that has produced winners such as Ronnie O’Sullivan, Martin Gould, Anthony Hamilton, Mark Williams, Kyren Wilson and last year, Judd Trump.

The German Formula

Having experienced the German Masters firsthand, I can only fractionally describe the spectacle that this snooker explosion presents to the onlooker. Walking towards the Tempodrom, you are instantly struck by the buzz that surrounds the building. Multitudes of fans crowd in the surrounding area in the bracing cold of Berlin’s weather, ready to parade into the building and show their tickets to the stewards.

I was lucky enough to get an extensive pass on my visit and probably visited most of the areas that few got to see. Tucked around the back of the building and where some fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite players, a door let me straight in to the player’s area. There, players,referees and commentators milled around, drinking tea or coffee, before and during play and a seamstress sat sewing logos onto players’ waistcoats.

Moving through the corridor that separates the back of house to the main arena, you are struck by the number of people that glance at you, just because you have a pass around your neck, hoping you are one of the snooker elite with their phone at the ready for a selfie. Entering the arena itself, your jaw just drops. I can honestly say I have been to some great snooker venues including the Crucible but personally this is the best experience I have had in this sport. The arena is like a dripping tap that fills a basin, filling up gradually to the point that the venue is full to the rafters with an audio applause that has to be witnessed to be believed.

In the early rounds, the event is awash with snooker tables, the players being walked on to a fanfare of music, reserved usually for rockstars. With a seating plan that allows the eye to wander from table to table, it is initially had to train your vision to concentrate on one match and you can often be confused from where the applause or roar of the crowd is aimed at.

Recently touted by some as an alternative venue for the World Championship, the Tempodrom encapsulates everything that is so special about the German Masters and the mesmerising city of Berlin. It is like a drug that once experienced, will draw you back for more. The pull is electric and leaves you with memories that are long lasting. The players are almost engulfed by the crowd as they walk down the stairs and make their meteoric entrance to the main stage. A phenomenon where the underdog is encouraged and skill is applauded from the rafters.

Summary

The German Open may not be in Berlin this year but its spirit has followed it across the waters. This tournament has existed in many guises since its inauguration in 1995. The fans may be absent but the memories fill the space where the audience were once seated. The razzmatazz will return again when this event returns to its home but for now, we must embrace the fact that snooker is being played at all and especially this treasured snooker event.