Jack Lisowski finally ended his long wait for a ranking title, edging best friend Judd Trump 9–8 in a dramatic final-frame decider at the 2025 Northern Ireland Open. The victory at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast, watched by a record crowd of 1,435, delivered one of the most emotional moments of the season as Lisowski dedicated the triumph to his late father, who passed away in March.
It was Lisowski’s seventh ranking final—having lost all six previous attempts, including three to Trump—and for long spells it looked as though the script might follow a familiar path. Trump controlled frame 16 to force a decider, but Lisowski summoned a crucial run of 46 in the final frame to finally lift the Alex Higgins Trophy and the £100,000 winner’s cheque. It was a victory that 15 years of professional snooker had been building towards.
For Trump, it was his 50th ranking final—a remarkable number that underlines his dominance of the modern era—but he was characteristically gracious in defeat, admitting he was pleased for his close friend. The triumph also continued the season’s extraordinary run of different winners—Lisowski became the eighth different champion from eight ranking events, a sequence that speaks to the breathtaking depth of talent across the sport.
Key facts:
Venue: Waterfront Hall, Belfast
Dates: 19–26 October 2025
Final score: Jack Lisowski 9–8 Judd Trump
Winner’s prize: £100,000 (ranking event)
