Judd Trump, a dominant force in professional snooker for over two decades, has shared his personal selection of the five greatest players of his era. While refraining from naming an all-time best, Trump, who turned professional in 2005 at the age of 15, meticulously crafted a list based on players he competed against or observed during his extensive career. His own inclusion in the fifth spot highlights his remarkable achievements and perspective on the sport’s elite.

Judd Trump’s Snooker Career Highlights

Having been a professional for more than 20 years, Judd Trump has amassed an impressive 31 ranking titles, placing him among the most decorated players in snooker history. His accolades also include two Masters titles, and he recently held the world number one ranking for two years. Despite this stellar record, Trump acknowledges the immense talent that has populated the sport during his tenure, leading him to place himself fifth in his chosen quintet.

Criteria for Selection: The Player’s Era

Trump explained his reasoning for focusing on his own era, stating, “Only in my era, I’d say, I struggle to put people in who I didn’t really get the chance to see in their prime.” This approach acknowledges the difficulty in comparing players across different generations and emphasizes the importance of direct observation and competition.

The Top Five Snooker Players According to Judd Trump

Trump’s selection is as follows:

• Number 1: Ronnie O’Sullivan – Widely considered one of the greatest, O’Sullivan’s longevity and unparalleled skill set place him at the pinnacle of Trump’s list.
• Number 2: John Higgins – The “Wizard of Wishaw” is recognized for his exceptional all-around game and consistent high-level performance throughout Trump’s career.
• Number 3: Mark Williams – Another stalwart of the sport, Williams’s enduring class and multiple world titles earn him a high position.
• Number 4: Mark Selby – Known for his tenacious playing style and strategic brilliance, Selby is acknowledged as a formidable opponent and a top-tier player.
• Number 5: Judd Trump – Trump humbly places himself in the final position, a testament to his own significant contributions and success within the sport.

Excluding Stephen Hendry

Notably, Trump excluded seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry from his top five of his era. While acknowledging Hendry’s legendary status and historical significance, Trump felt he did not witness Hendry in his absolute prime. “He would be in the top five. Probably two or three,” Trump conceded, but added, “Not really, no,” when asked if he watched Hendry at his peak. He recalled seeing Hendry’s later career matches, such as the 2002 World Championship final loss to Peter Ebdon, rather than his dominant winning periods. “I feel like I’ve seen his bad losses rather than his big wins,” Trump commented, suggesting that players slightly older than him might be better positioned to judge Hendry’s prime.

The Rise of Zhao Xintong

The conversation also touched upon the current generation of talent, particularly world number one Zhao Xintong. Trump recently faced Zhao in the quarter-finals of the British Open, securing a 5-1 victory. This match was particularly significant for Trump, who admitted to being highly motivated to compete against the player who had recently dislodged him from the top ranking. Trump acknowledged Zhao’s exceptional form over the preceding months, noting his consistent performances and multiple title wins.

Trump on Competing Against the Best

Trump expressed that having a top player like Zhao to challenge provides a strong impetus for his own game. “He’s just someone to go at. He’s been the best player in the world over the last seven or eight months,” Trump stated. He elaborated on the psychological advantage of having a clear target, explaining, “When you’ve got that kind of person to go at, no matter who it is, no matter who’s number one, I feel like you really have got to get up for them games.” He admitted that after a couple of years without being in that chasing position, he felt he had “a little bit more to prove,” adding a competitive edge to his recent performances.

Conclusion: A Legacy in the Making

Judd Trump’s candid assessment offers a fascinating glimpse into the competitive landscape of modern snooker, as viewed by one of its most prominent figures. His list, anchored by contemporaries like Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins, and culminating with his own inclusion, reflects a deep respect for sustained excellence and a pragmatic approach to ranking players based on direct experience. As younger talents like Zhao Xintong continue to emerge, Trump remains a key player, driven by the challenge of competing against the best and solidifying his own place among snooker’s elite.