The 2026 British Open Champion will not only lift the iconic Gold Shield Trophy in triumph at Symphony Hall next month but will also win a first prize of £6,000 — the largest cash prize in current major championship contesting.

It marks a further increase in the prize money for the winner, which had been £3,000 from 1998 to 2023.

In the past two years it has risen to £5,500, with the further increase this year in line with the Mortimer family's aim of rewarding performance excellence linked to the event's long-term financial sustainability.

Pinnacle

In confirming the news to 4BR, Karyn Mortimer said: "The decisions made in respect to the British Open will always look to modernise as well as enhance the attraction of the contest to competitors, audiences and sponsors alike.

The event stands at the pinnacle of worldwide contesting and we believe the award of the first prize should reflect this. Our long-term aim is to further enhance rewards for performance excellence, but always linked to the financial sustainability of the contest."

Broadcast

She added: "We have been hugely encouraged by the advance ticket sales for this year's competition as well as the take-up of people across the world signing up for our in-house live-stream broadcast.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to Symphony Hall on Saturday 12th September where we are sure they will enjoy the outstanding performances of Philip Sparke's 'Music of the Spheres'."

Tickets and live stream

British Open Tickets:
https://bmusic.co.uk/events/the-172nd-british-open-brass-band-championship

Live stream broadcast:
https://thebritishopen.net/the-british-open-event/