Snooker’s Future: Why Judd Trump is the Player to Watch Until 2030
In the world of snooker, opinions among the top players are divided, but one thing is clear: Judd Trump is the player to beat in the next five years. Although the talented Bristol potter has only one World Championship title to his name—achieved in 2019—he has amassed an impressive collection of trophies and currently holds the title of the undisputed world No. 1.
If you take a moment to observe the sport, you might be surprised to learn how much snooker has evolved over the last two decades. Legends like Mark Williams and John Higgins continue to make headlines, with Williams even reaching the World Championship final at the age of 50. Meanwhile, Ronnie O’Sullivan remains the sport’s most recognizable face, captivating fans worldwide.
While some believe that the iconic Class of ’92 players might still dominate in five years, there is a unanimous consensus that Judd Trump will be in contention for top honors. A recent poll conducted by Metro among 15 professional players sought their insights on what snooker might look like in 2030, revealing a mix of predictions.
Mark Selby, one of the sport’s prominent figures, was among the few to suggest that veteran players could still be at the forefront. He remarked, “Probably Williams! I know we sit here laughing, but he probably will! If Ronnie is still active and participating in more tournaments, I’d say he’d definitely remain in the top five.” Selby then listed his top five contenders: Judd Trump, Kyren Wilson, Neil Robertson, Mark Allen, and Mark Williams.
John Higgins, known for his wit, also shared his predictions, naming himself, O’Sullivan, Robertson, Selby, and Williams as potential top players for the future. Interestingly, he and Stephen Maguire were the only two out of the 15 professionals who didn’t include Trump in their lists. Maguire humorously responded, “I couldn’t care less. Five Saudi players we’ve never heard of—what do I know?”
For Trump, who has relocated to the Middle East alongside O’Sullivan, he stands as the clear favorite in the snooker world. Last year’s champion, Kyren Wilson, expressed his thoughts on the future, stating, “In five years’ time, I would probably say myself, Judd, Zhao Xintong. If Mark Williams continues at 55, and if Ronnie is inspired to keep playing, I’d expect to see him in the mix as well.”
Shaun Murphy added his perspective, saying, “Based on history, you’d have to say, in no particular order, O’Sullivan, Higgins, Williams. And let’s not forget Trump, because he’s so far ahead. I’ll throw myself in there because I’m still striving to improve.”
Consensus from players like Elliott Slessor, Barry Hawkins, Jackson Page, Aaron Hill, Michael Holt, Chris Wakelin, Louis Heathcote, Jordan Brown, Joe Perry, and Liam Pullen echoed the same sentiment: Judd Trump is a fixture in their top five predictions for 2030.
As snooker continues to evolve, one thing remains certain—Judd Trump is poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport, making him the player to watch in the coming years.
