Selby Stuns World No One on Home Soil to Win His First Champion of Champions

In a roaring Leicester home crowd, Mark Selby delivered a near-perfect masterpiece, defeating World No.1 Judd Trump 10–5 to lift his first Champion of Champions title — a milestone moment sealed on home soil.

This showdown was not just a clash of titans but a fateful reunion. The two had not met in a title match since the 2011 final that launched Trump’s rise on the world stage. Trump came out firing, opening with a clinical 111 and stretching his lead to 3–1. Selby steadied himself with a 102, then capitalised on Trump’s defensive lapses and long-pot errors, including a clinical 99, to pull level at 3–3 and drag the match firmly back into his territory.

From deadlock to dominance, Selby showcased his trademark patience and precision. He edged a pair of grinding tactical frames to move 5–3 ahead. Trump fought back bravely to 5–5, but Selby immediately regained control, punishing a costly in-off to retake the lead.

From that moment on, it became “Selby Time.” He produced the tournament’s highest break — a stunning 138 — followed by back-to-back centuries of 101 and 136. Riding the momentum, he powered through multiple frames to seal a commanding 10–5 victory.

After the match, an emotional Selby said: “To win at home means everything. Against Judd you can’t switch off for a single shot. The crowd pushed me all the way, and lifting the trophy in Leicester is something I’ll never forget.”

Trump also praised his rival: “Selby has been the best player all week. He absolutely deserved this win.”

Speaking about age and longevity, the four-time World Champion joked: “We’re both from the ’80s generation, but I’m a fair bit older — I’m in my early forties and Judd’s only in his mid-thirties. He’s still young and will win plenty more titles.” As for his own ambitions, he was unequivocal: “A fifth World Championship.”

Selby began the week as Leicester’s favourite and ended it as the city’s undisputed king — a victory etched not only in his career, but in the wider history of snooker.