Judd Trump Headlines Contenders as UK Snooker Championship Returns to York
York, UK - November 19, 2025 - The UK Championship, one of snooker’s most prestigious and lucrative tournaments, begins today at the Barbican in York. World No.1 Judd Trump is among the 32 players vying for the £250,000 first-place prize from a total fund of just over £1.2m.
The tournament boasts a rich history, dating back to 1977 when Irishman Patsy fagan claimed the inaugural title, defeating Doug Mountjoy. Since then, a pantheon of snooker legends have lifted the trophy.Ronnie O’Sullivan holds the record with eight UK Championship wins,most recently in 2023,when he also became the tournament’s oldest champion,surpassing Mountjoy’s 1988 victory.
Steve Davis has secured six titles, while Stephen Hendry has five, alongside five runner-up finishes. Ding Junhui, Neil Robertson, and John higgins each have three wins, and Mountjoy, Mark Williams, Mark Selby, and Trump have all won twice.
The tournament’s early years saw some memorable moments.In 1979, John Virgo won despite being docked two frames for arriving late to the final session – a outcome of a schedule change to accommodate live BBC coverage on Grandstand. despite the penalty, Virgo defeated Terry Griffiths 14-13, though the concluding frames weren’t televised due to a BBC staff strike.
The UK Championship has moved venues throughout its history, beginning at the Guild Hall in Preston (untill the late 1990s), then to the BIC in bournemouth (1998), and York (2001). A four-year period at the Telford International Center preceded its return to the Barbican in 2011.
A special edition publication profiling the world’s top 16 players, featuring interviews with leading contenders like Trump, and examining the current state of the game is available for purchase online and in participating retailers.
