The 2025 Masters was the 51st edition of one of snooker’s most prestigious invitational tournaments, held at the iconic Alexandra Palace in London. The second Triple Crown event of the snooker season, it produced a memorable final and a historic moment for one of the game’s most tenacious competitors.
Quick Facts
| Champion | Shaun Murphy |
| Runner-up | Kyren Wilson |
| Final Score | 10-7 |
| Venue | Alexandra Palace, London |
Tournament Recap
Shaun Murphy claimed his second Masters title at Alexandra Palace, defeating world champion Kyren Wilson 10-7 in the final to cement his place among the greats of the invitational era. It was not a straightforward victory. Wilson, who arrived at Ally Pally as the reigning World Championship title holder, mounted a determined fightback at stages of the match, testing Murphy’s nerve in a final that swung in momentum more than once. But Murphy held firm, producing the kind of composed, grinding snooker that has defined his career at its best. For a player who has never quite received the fanfare his results deserve, this was a statement win.
The tournament had an unusual pre-event storyline before a ball was potted. Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew for medical reasons, removing the most decorated player in Masters history from the field. O’Sullivan holds the record for outright titles at the event with eight, and his absence was felt. It opened the draw in a way that gave genuine contenders a clearer path, and it also underlined just how much the Masters had missed genuine competition for the top spot in recent editions when O’Sullivan was at his peak. Neil Robertson was among the top-16-ranked players who took their place in the field alongside the other elite invitees, making the draw as competitive as any recent edition.
One of the defining sub-plots of the 2025 Masters had nothing to do with the final itself. Shaun Murphy made a maximum break of 147 during the tournament, a feat that added his name to a remarkably short list of players to have achieved that landmark at Alexandra Palace. According to tournament records, Murphy’s maximum was the sixth ever made at the Masters, joining Allen’s back-to-back 147s at the 2024 event in what has become a rare but increasingly celebrated milestone at this particular venue. A maximum at the Masters carries a special weight given the prestige of the stage, the pressure of an invitational format, and the calibre of opponent waiting at the other end of the table. Murphy producing one en route to the title made the achievement feel entirely earned rather than incidental.
The 2025 edition reinforced what makes the Masters so compelling as a tournament concept. Unlike ranking events, only the top 16 players in the world are invited, which means every match from round one onwards features elite-level snooker with no margin for a soft draw. The atmosphere at Alexandra Palace, which has hosted the event since 2012, remains unmatched in snooker. The venue’s Great Hall gives the tournament a theatrical quality that suits the drama of a one-table invitational format. Murphy’s victory there, his second at this venue, showed that experience of the occasion counts for something when Wilson’s youthful title hunger was not quite enough to overcome a seasoned campaigner at his sharpest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 2025 Masters snooker?
Shaun Murphy won the 2025 Masters, defeating Kyren Wilson 10-7 in the final at Alexandra Palace. It was Murphy’s second Masters title.
What was the final score of the 2025 Masters snooker final?
The final ended 10-7 in favour of Shaun Murphy. Kyren Wilson pushed hard with a fightback but Murphy closed out the match to take the title.
Where was the 2025 Masters snooker held?
The tournament was held at Alexandra Palace in London, which has been the home of the Masters since 2012. The venue’s Great Hall is widely regarded as one of the finest settings in the sport.
Did Ronnie O’Sullivan play in the 2025 Masters?
No. Defending champion Ronnie O’Sullivan withdrew from the 2025 Masters for medical reasons before the tournament began. O’Sullivan holds the record for the most Masters titles with eight victories.
Was a 147 maximum break made at the 2025 Masters?
Yes. Shaun Murphy made a 147 maximum break during the 2025 Masters, the sixth maximum ever recorded at the event. Murphy went on to win the tournament, making the achievement even more significant in the context of his week.