Top five badminton tournaments with highest prize money
Badminton is a sport that combines agility, power and finesse, drawing in athletes and fans worldwide. Over the years, it has developed into a global spectacle, with top tournaments offering substantial prize money to attract elite players.
The sport's increasing popularity and competitiveness are reflected in the cash prizes at major events. The prize money has been steadily increasing. These competitions, which span from Malaysia to China, are the highest level of the sport and provide winners with enormous sums of money.
In this article take a look at the most lucrative badminton tournaments on the international circuit.
5. Malaysia Open – $13,00,000
The Malaysia Open, part of the BWF World Tour Super 1000 series offers a sizable $13,00,000 prize pool. It is held in Kuala Lumpur every year and draws elite athletes from all over the world. With a rich history that dates back to 1937, the tournament is well-known for the intense competition it promises. However, for players, it’s not only about the prize money but also about cementing their place among badminton’s elite.
Legend Cecilia Samuel has won the women's singles title at the Malaysia Open nine times, while Lee Chong Wei has won the men's singles event a record twelve times. Anders Antonsen is the current men's singles champion, while An Se-young is the current women's singles champion at the Malaysia Open 2024.
4. All England Open Badminton Championships – $13,00,000
One of the oldest and most prominent badminton competitions in history is the All England Open Badminton Championships, which is frequently referred to as the "Wimbledon of badminton." With a substantial $13,00,000 prize pool, it continues to be a popular destination for top players. Held annually in Birmingham, this tournament has been a staple since 1899, showcasing the best of global badminton.
In the women's events, Judy Devlin is the most decorated player, having won the tournament 17 times (10 in women's singles and 7 in women's doubles). Rudy Hartono, an Indonesian shuttler, has won the men's singles title eight times, with seven of those victories occurring back-to-back from 1968 to 1974.
3. Indonesia Open – $13,00,000
Held yearly in Jakarta, the Indonesia Open, which is also a part of the BWF World Tour Super 1000, has a prize pool of $13,00,000. First played in 1982, the tournament has a reputation for producing some exciting matches. It is one of the most thrilling stops in badminton because winning the tournament not only earns you money but also a place in the hearts of some of the sport's most ardent supporters.
With six titles, Lee Chong Wei is the most decorated player in men's singles, while Susi Susanti is in women's singles. Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has also won three Indonesian Open women's singles titles (2009, 2010, and 2012). In 2017, Srikanth Kidambi beat Kazumasa Sakai to get his hands on the men’s singles title. In 2022, the power duo of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy won the men's doubles titles.
2. China Open – $20,00,000
With a $200,000 prize pool, the China Open is one of the most lucrative badminton competitions. It takes place every year in various Chinese cities and is an essential part of the BWF World Tour Super 1000 series. The top players in the world are regularly drawn to the China Open because of its substantial prize fund. Due to China's historical dominance in badminton, local players are frequently favored to win, making the competition extremely competitive.
Lin Dan, who has won the men's singles tournament five times, is frequently considered one of the best players of all time. Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu both won the tournament in 2014 and 2016 respectively. The most remarkable Indian performance, though, must undoubtedly be Kidambi Srikanth's in 2014, when he defeated Lin Dan in straight games and shocked everyone by winning the title.
1. BWF World Tour Finals – $25,00,000
The BWF World Tour Finals is the pinnacle of the badminton season, featuring the top eight players or pairs from the World Tour standings. With a prize pool of $25,00,000, it is the richest event in badminton. Held every December, the tournament’s round-robin format adds a strategic element, with players needing to win multiple high-stakes matches to claim the title.
Only the best of the best make it to the World Tour Finals, which is renowned for its competitive atmosphere. Winning this tournament is a major accomplishment, solidifying the winner’s status as the top player of the year. Having only begun in 2018, Viktor Axelsen (men’s singles) and Tai Tzu-ying (women’s singles) are the players with the most titles (two each). PV Sindhu emerged victorious in the women’s singles event at the inaugural edition of the tournament.
Cover Credits - BWF Official
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