The Six Kings Slam prize money for 2025 is turning heads across the tennis world, setting a new standard for exhibition events. Taking place from October 15 to 18, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the tournament boasts a total purse of $15 million, making it one of the richest competitions in tennis history despite not being part of the ATP calendar.
With a star-studded lineup and Netflix streaming the entire event globally, this year’s Six Kings Slam is not just about thrilling matches — it’s also about unprecedented financial stakes.
Table of Contents
Overview of the Six Kings Slam
The Six Kings Slam is a unique invitation-only tournament featuring six of the biggest male tennis stars. It uses a compact knockout format, played on indoor hard courts at ANB Arena in Riyadh. The event debuted in 2024 and quickly gained traction for its elite lineup, innovative format, and jaw-dropping payouts.
The 2025 edition features:
- Jannik Sinner (defending champion)
- Carlos Alcaraz
- Novak Djokovic
- Alexander Zverev
- Taylor Fritz
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (replacing Jack Draper after his injury withdrawal)
The tournament runs over three active match days with one rest day, keeping the focus on high-stakes matchups between some of the best in the world.
Six Kings Slam Prize Money Breakdown
The financial structure of the Six Kings Slam 2025 is unlike any other tournament in professional tennis. Every participant receives a guaranteed appearance fee, while the champion walks away with one of the largest single paydays in the sport’s history.
| Stage | Prize Money (USD) |
|---|---|
| Participation Fee | $1,500,000 per player |
| Champion’s Bonus | $4,500,000 |
| Total for Champion | $6,000,000 |
| Total Prize Pool | $15,000,000+ |
Each of the six players is guaranteed $1.5 million just for participating. The winner of the tournament pockets an additional $4.5 million, bringing their total to $6 million.
This figure surpasses the prize money offered at any Grand Slam in 2025, making it one of the most lucrative single-event prizes in tennis.
Comparison With Other Major Events
To fully appreciate the magnitude of the Six Kings Slam prize money, here’s a comparison with other major tournaments in 2025:
| Tournament | Winner’s Prize (Men’s Singles) |
|---|---|
| Six Kings Slam | $6,000,000 |
| US Open | $3,500,000 |
| Wimbledon | $3,300,000 |
| ATP Finals | Up to $4,800,000 |
| Masters 1000 Events | Around $1,000,000 |
The Six Kings Slam’s champion payout nearly doubles that of the U.S. Open winner. It’s clear that the Riyadh-based exhibition has positioned itself financially at the very top of the sport.
Why the Prize Money Is So High
The extraordinary prize money is driven by massive investment in global sports, as the event is part of Riyadh’s wider push to host top international competitions. By offering record-breaking payouts, the tournament attracts the very best players while guaranteeing worldwide attention.
Additionally, its Netflix global streaming deal gives it unique visibility, turning it into a premium entertainment product rather than just another exhibition. The event blends elite sport with media spectacle, and the prize money reflects that ambition.
Schedule and Format Recap
The Six Kings Slam uses a simple structure that maximizes excitement and keeps the stakes high at every stage.
- October 15: Quarterfinals
- Taylor Fritz vs Alexander Zverev
- Jannik Sinner vs Stefanos Tsitsipas
- October 16: Semifinals
- Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz enter after receiving byes
- October 17: Rest day
- October 18: Final and 3rd place playoff
Because the draw is so small, the financial incentives are concentrated — meaning every match is effectively a marquee matchup with massive stakes.
How the Prize Money Impacts Players
For Established Champions
For players like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Jannik Sinner, the financial rewards add another layer to their legacy appearances. While these players already earn significantly on tour, a $6 million winner’s purse is hard to ignore, especially in an event with fewer matches than a Grand Slam.
For Rising Stars
For players like Taylor Fritz, who represents the United States, this event offers a rare chance to compete on a global stage for one of the biggest paydays in tennis. A victory would not only be financially significant but also a huge statement of his competitiveness among the world’s elite.
The Bigger Picture: Changing Tennis Economics
The Six Kings Slam prize money highlights a shifting landscape in professional tennis. Exhibition tournaments, once seen as secondary, are now capable of rivaling — and in some cases surpassing — ATP events in terms of financial impact and global exposure.
Key takeaways:
- Player Attraction: Top stars are drawn by massive appearance fees and winner’s checks.
- Broadcasting Evolution: Streaming platforms like Netflix are reshaping how fans watch and how events generate revenue.
- ATP Pressure: Traditional tournaments may face pressure to increase prize pools to remain competitive.
- Global Expansion: Hosting in Riyadh signifies tennis’s growing reach beyond traditional markets.
U.S. Fan Perspective
For U.S. viewers, the Six Kings Slam has the added appeal of Taylor Fritz competing against global superstars like Djokovic, Alcaraz, and Sinner. Matches will be streamed live on Netflix, airing in convenient morning and midday slots for American audiences.
The massive prize money adds intrigue, as Fritz has the opportunity to make both a financial and sporting statement if he performs well.
Looking Ahead
The Six Kings Slam 2025 is not just a flashy exhibition; it’s a glimpse into the future of tennis economics. With unmatched prize money and global streaming, it demonstrates how smaller, invitation-only events can stand alongside — or even surpass — traditional ATP tournaments in importance for players and fans.
As the tournament begins, all eyes will be on who can claim the $6 million prize and join the exclusive list of champions at this groundbreaking event.
Final Thoughts
The Six Kings Slam prize money in 2025 has redefined what a tennis exhibition can be. With $15 million in total payouts and $6 million going to the winner, the stakes are sky-high for every player involved. Whether you’re following for the tennis or the economics, this tournament is setting a new benchmark for the sport. Who do you think will take home the record prize this year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.