Top five badminton tournaments with highest prize money ft. Malaysia Open

Published at :September 20, 2024 at 4:07 PM

Modified at :September 20, 2024 at 4:07 PM

China hosts two of the five events on the list.

Badminton is a sport that combines agility, power and finesse, drawing in athletes and fans from all over the world. Over the years, it has evolved into a global spectacle, with top tournaments offering substantial prize money to attract elite players.

The financial rewards at major events reflect the sport’s growing popularity and competitiveness. The prize money has been growing at a steady pace. From Malaysia to China, these tournaments represent the pinnacle of the sport, offering life-changing sums of money for the champions. Here’s 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 substantial prize pool of $13,00,000. Held annually in Kuala Lumpur, it attracts top players from around the world. The tournament has a rich legacy, dating back to 1937 and is known for the electric competition that it has in store. However, for players, it’s not only about the prize money but also about cementing their place among badminton’s elite.

Legend Lee Chong Wei has won the men’s singles event at the Malaysia Open a record 12 times, while Cecilia Samuel has won the women’s singles title nine times. Anders Antonsen is the reigning champion in men’s singles and An Se-young holds the women’s singles title at the Malaysia Open 2024.

4. All England Open Badminton Championships – $13,00,000

The All England Open Badminton Championships, often referred to as the ‘Wimbledon of badminton’ is one of the oldest and most prestigious tournaments in the sport’s history. With a hefty prize pool of $13,00,000, it remains a key stop for top players. Held annually in Birmingham, this tournament has been a staple since 1899, showcasing the best of global badminton.

Indonesian shuttler Rudy Hartono has won the men’s singles title eight times; out of which seven wins came back-to-back from 1968 to 1974 while in the women’s events, Judy Devlin is the most decorated player winning the tournament 17 times (10 in women’s singles and seven in women’s doubles).

India’s Pullela Gopichand and Prakash Padukone have won the prestigious tournament once each in men’s singles.

3. Indonesia Open – $13,00,000

The Indonesia Open, also part of the BWF World Tour Super 1000, boasts a prize pool of $13,00,000 and is held annually in Jakarta. First played in 1982, the tournament has a reputation for producing some exciting matches. Winning the tournament not only comes with financial rewards but also a place in the hearts of some of badminton’s most passionate fans, which is exactly what makes it one of the sport’s most exciting stops.

Lee Chong Wei is the most decorated men’s singles player while Susi Susanti is in the women’s singles category, both having won it six times. Indian shuttler Saina Nehwal has also won the Indonesian Open women’s singles three times (2009, 2010 & 2012). In 2017, Srikanth Kidambi beat Kazumasa Sakai to get his hands on the men’s singles title. Power-duo Satwiksairaj Rankireddy/Chirag Shetty won the men’s doubles title in 2022.

2. China Open – $20,00,000

The China Open is one of the wealthiest tournaments in badminton, offering a prize pool of $20,00,000. It’s a crucial part of the BWF World Tour Super 1000 series and is held annually across different cities in China. With its large prize pool, the China Open consistently attracts the world’s best players. China’s longstanding dominance in badminton means the tournament is highly-competitive, with local players often being among the favourites to win.

Also Read: Badminton players with most appearances at Olympics

Lin Dan, often regarded as one of the greatest players of all-time, has won the men’s singles competition five times. Saina Nehwal and PV Sindhu both won the tournament in 2014 and 2016 respectively. However, the most noteworthy Indian performance certainly has to be that of Kidambi Srikanth in 2014, when he stunned everyone to lift the title, beating Lin Dan in straight games in the process.

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.

The World Tour Finals is known for its competitive atmosphere, where only the best of the best qualify to compete. Winning this tournament is a significant achievement, solidifying the winner’s status as the top player of the year. Having only started 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 won the women’s singles event at the inaugural edition of the tournament.

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