The British Open is a professional snooker tournament, established in 1980 and held as a ranking tournament from 1985. Originally known as the British Gold Cup, the event has had various sponsors and venues over the early years, until the 2005–06 season where it was initially dropped. The "FA Cup-like" flat draws format was introduced in 1990 from the last 32 stage of the event and has differentiated itself from the other regular knock-out events; the unique format was retained when the tournament was reinstated from the 2021–2022 season, where draws in every round of this event are now randomised.