The German Masters trophy was named after Brandon Parker in 2021 (Image: Getty)
Brandon Parker was immortalised by the BiltBet German Masters in 2021 when the tournament renamed their trophy in his honour. The World Tour director passed away after a battle with kidney cancer in July 2020, after making tremendous contributions to the sport over a 20-year span – also working as an events promoter and a player-manager to the likes of Quinten Hann, Paul Hunter, and .
The former WST head took the German Masters to the Berlin Tempodrom for the first time in 2011, with at-the-time WST Chairman Barry Hearn and WPBSA Chairman Jason Ferguson noting in 2021 how it was fitting that the trophy was renamed in tribute to a man who had done so much for the competition.
In a joint statement, Hearn and Ferguson said: “To name the German Masters trophy after Brandon is a very fitting tribute because this event was such an important part of his life. He dedicated so much energy and enthusiasm towards building this into one of the greatest events on the circuit.
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
“As our European Operations Director, Brandon did so much to develop snooker across the continent. Driven by Eurosport’s coverage, the expansion of snooker into this region has been an incredible success story over the past decade and Brandon played an integral role.”
In the wake of Parker’s passing, Murphy also took to social media to share a touching tribute of his own to his former manager. Taking to X, he wrote: “As we deal with grief, remember that there are no rules.
“Losing someone is difficult. Beyond terrible. As I write this, with tears streaming down my face I feel completely heartbroken Brandon won’t be there for the German Masters. His event. His legacy. Love you mate.”
Barry Hearn and Parker, who passed away from kidney cancer (Image: PA)
After working as a technical sales executive in the chemical industry, Parker – who was a champion in snooker at his local Conservative Club in Manchester – began working for the Wheels In Motion snooker management team in the 1990s, pursuing his dream full-time while entering the world of player management.
He then made the journey into tournament promotion in the 2000s, setting up a German event which later became the Paul Hunter Classic – in tribute to the player who died of cancer in 2007. When Matchroom Sport took the reins of World Snooker in 2010, Parker became one of Hearn’s first appointments as a European Operations Director.
In the role, Parker promoted a series of new events across Europe – including the German Masters that snooker fans know today. Parker was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2018, undergoing surgery and several rounds of treatment. However, he became ill while at his home in Portugal in July 2020, sadly passing away at the age of 55.
His undeniable legacy lives on through the German Masters, which is currently taking part at the Berlin Tempodrom. The grand final of the event takes place on Sunday, where the trophy in Parker’s honour will be lifted once more.