Igor Figueiredo Secures First 2026/27 Snooker Tour Card with Pan American Open Victory

Igor Figueiredo is set to make a professional snooker comeback in the 2026/27 season after clinching the Pan American Open Championship title last weekend in Sacramento. The victory grants the Brazilian a two-year tour card, marking his return to the sport’s elite circuit.

Figueiredo, a former world No. 65, dominated the event from the group stage where he won all three matches 3–0. He continued his strong form into the knockout phase, defeating Jason Williams of Canada 4–1 in the quarter-finals and sweeping compatriot Victor Sarkis 4–0 in the semis.

In an all-Brazilian final against Fabio Anderson Luersen, Figueiredo built a 2–0 lead before being pulled back to 2–2. He then claimed a tense fifth frame and sealed a 5–2 win with a break of 57, adding a second Pan American title to his 2019 triumph.

The win also completed a notable double for Figueiredo, who had earlier in the week won the seniors event at the same venue.

Figueiredo previously competed professionally between 2010 and 2022 but relinquished his tour card due to pandemic-related travel complications. Along with several last-16 runs in ranking events, he also won the World Seniors Championship in 2024.

While many Pan American champions have struggled on the main tour, Figueiredo—known for his fluent potting—is considered a credible threat if he commits fully to the tour.

He becomes the first amateur player to secure a professional card for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 seasons. Other amateur pathways include regional championships in Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Africa, as well as the Q Tour and Q School.