Ten Years On: The Underdog Rises Again – Kyren Wilson Crowned Shanghai Masters Champion

Some victories feel like the closing of a chapter. Others? Like the perfect echo of a journey. On the night of August 3rd, 2025, under the lights of Shanghai Luwan Stadium, Kyren Wilson achieved a remarkable feat—not just for himself, but for every snooker enthusiast who knows what it means to fight your way to the top. In a thrilling final, he defeated Ali Carter 11–9 in a nail-biting final and lifted the Shanghai Masters trophy for the second time, a full decade after his courageous performance as a plucky unknown player stunned the snooker world in 2015.

From dark horse to double champion, Wilson’s story is one of grit, timing, and pure cue ball mastery. And if you’ve ever wondered what separates a good player from a great one, this is the article for you.

Back to the Beginning: Wilson’s First Shanghai Triumph

Let’s rewind the clock to 2015. At the time, Kyren Wilson was ranked outside the world’s top 50—a talented young man with immense ambition, but one who hadn't yet fully realized his potential. That year, he arrived in Shanghai unassumingly, unburdened by expectation, and turned the tide, game by game. His 10–9 victory over Judd Trump in the final wasn’t just a surprise—it was a statement.

That win marked his first-ever ranking title, and like a cue ball breaking perfectly off the pack, it launched a new chapter in his career. Wilson’s career shifted gears. He went on to become one of the most reliable competitors of his generation, winning titles, climbing the rankings, and eventually reaching the pinnacle of the snooker world championship in 2024.

But for Wilson, Shanghai meant much more than that. It was never just a tournament; it was his springboard. 

The 2025 Final: A Tug of War in Two Acts

Fast forward to this year's Shanghai Masters final, and another thrilling match was about to unfold. His opponent was Ali Carter, a seasoned and highly motivated professional, and the match was hailed as pure snooker. The result certainly lived up to expectations.

The final was played over two sessions, best of 21 frames. The first half? Neck-and-neck. Wilson racked up breaks of 129 and 96, while Carter countered with four 60+ visits and a composed 86, ending the session at 5–5 – a true snooker clash.

In the second session, Wilson looked to stretch ahead with a smooth 105 break, only for Carter to peg him back with a 76. It was 7–7 and finely poised. Then came the power shots—Wilson surged ahead with classy breaks of 66 and 122, but Carter, ever the fighter, responded with a stunning 140 and levelled at 9–9. 

The ensuing match was filled with drama. In the 19th frame, Wilson remained calm, leading 10-9. Then, in the crucial 20th frame, Wilson narrowly won 57-56, just one point. Cue the applause. Cue the emotion. Cue the champion.

The Road to Victory: No Easy Ride

Wilson's road to the title was arduous. In the last 16, he scraped past young talent Si Jiahui in a tight 6–5 finish. Then came the big one—Ronnie O’Sullivan, five-time Shanghai Masters winner and the man many consider the greatest of all time. Wilson showed no fear, delivering a 6–3 victory that left fans in awe.

Next came the in-form Zhao Xintong, fresh from his World Snooker Championship win. Wilson trailed 4–5, but like a pool player mastering the game, he turned it around spectacularly with six frames on the bounce, sealing a 10–5 win and a place in the final.

Every step Wilson took displayed a steely determination, tactical acumen, and scoring prowess—traits that befit a true champion.

"Jiong Ge" Returns: A Special Connection with Shanghai

You’d be forgiven for thinking this was just another title for Wilson, but he made it clear it meant something. After the match, Wilson said, "This was one of the most dramatic finals I've ever played in. Ali inspired me all the way. To lift the trophy again, here in Shanghai of all places, means the world to me.”

Even more special was the warm welcome he received from the local fans. Over the years, Wilson has earned a quirky nickname in China—"Jiong Ge," roughly meaning "Mr. Helpless," due to the facial expressions he displays during challenging matches. Wilson embraced the nickname with a smile, even learning to write "Jiong Ge" and joking about getting it tattooed someday.

This connection with fans isn’t just PR fluff. It’s real. It’s human. And in today’s era of robotic interviews and sponsor-speak, Wilson’s genuine affection for Shanghai is refreshing.

More Than a Trophy: The Weight of the Moment

Snooker's competition has never been more intense. With the emergence of young snooker stars and legendary players still at the top of their game, winning championships is no easy feat. Wilson knows this better than anyone.

“Winning titles now is getting tougher and tougher,” he admitted. “The young players coming through are fearless. It pushes the rest of us to evolve.”

And he is improving. Wilson says he's adjusting his game, focusing on a more aggressive playing style while still being entertaining. This balance—precision and panache—is what fans love about him.

Inspiration: Why This Matters to You

So, what's the takeaway from this story for you, whether you're a snooker enthusiast, a weekend warrior, or someone aspiring to be a league champion? There are many answers.

Wilson's journey proves that improvement isn't linear, that a single tournament—just like a single shot—can change everything. Whether you’re chasing rankings or simply trying to pot one more red in each frame, the lesson is the same: never underestimate the underdog, and never stop refining your craft.

Just as Wilson needed the right tools to reach the summit, you need the right snooker cue in hand to unlock your potential. A cue stick that feels balanced. That responds to your touch. That gives you confidence when the pressure’s on.

Whether it’s a professional-grade snooker cue or a custom-tailored English pool cue, we believe the right cue can be your turning point—a moment that's yours.

One Point. One Frame. One Cue.

In the end, Wilson won by a single point—57 to 56. The thinnest of margins. And that’s what cue sports are all about. Tiny details. Fine lines. Split-second decisions.

If you’ve ever felt the pain of a missed black or the thrill of a perfect break, then you’re already part of this story. Let's toast to the underdogs, to the comebacks, and to finding your rhythm—even if it takes ten years.

Your game deserves the same commitment. The same passion. The same precision. Let us help you cue up for your next breakthrough.