Kyren Wilson Triumphs Over John Higgins In Masters Final

Kyren Wilson has finally claimed the Masters snooker crown at Alexandra Palace, London, after two previous heartbreaks, defeating John Higgins 10-6 in a gripping final on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The Englishman, who lost the 2018 and 2025 Masters finals, made it third time lucky as he lifted the Paul Hunter Trophy and pocketed the £350,000 champion’s prize. For Higgins, 50, the defeat was a tough blow as he sought to become the oldest ever winner of a Triple Crown event and complete a special Masters hat-trick, having previously triumphed in 1999 and 2006.

This year’s Masters final was set up by two dramatic semi-finals the day before. Wilson, the world number two and 2024 world champion, staged a remarkable comeback against Wu Yize, overturning a 5-4 deficit and sealing victory with a sublime break of 116 in the decider. Meanwhile, Higgins rolled back the years to edge out world number one Judd Trump 6-5, having trailed 5-3. Both men had survived scares and looked destined for a classic showdown.

The final itself did not disappoint. Higgins, nicknamed the Wizard of Wishaw, drew first blood with a break of 58 in the opening frame. But Wilson responded with trademark grit, pinching two close frames to surge into a 3-1 lead. The Scot, with all his experience, fought back to level at 3-3, but Wilson finished the afternoon session in style—producing back-to-back century breaks to end the first session 5-3 up. It was a statement of intent from a player desperate to shake off the ghosts of Masters finals past.

As the evening session got underway, Higgins dug deep, winning two of the first three frames with runs of 71 and 61 to close the gap to 6-5. The tension was palpable inside the Ally Pally, with the crowd sensing they were witnessing a battle between two relentless competitors. But it was Wilson who seized the initiative, capitalizing on uncharacteristic errors from Higgins to win the next two frames and extend his lead to 8-5.

Higgins wasn’t finished yet. In the 14th frame, he produced a break of 76 to stay in touch, but Wilson responded immediately, moving to the brink of victory at 9-6. The Scot gave himself a lifeline with a 70 break in the next, but Wilson wasn’t to be denied. In the 16th frame, he held his nerve to complete a 10-6 triumph, finally getting his hands on the prestigious trophy after years of near misses.

After the match, an emotional Wilson reflected on his journey: “It was an absolute honor to share the table not with just a legend but an idol of mine,” he told reporters. “The 2018 final I lost and cried like a little girl and I’m trying not to cry now. It was an absolute dogfight. I just tried to be as dogged as John has been over the years. It means so much to me to win this. It’s a game that frustrates the life out of me. Even when I’m struggling I’ll fight until the end until I get my hands on silverware and thankfully I’ve done that.”

Wilson’s resilience has been tested over the past year. After winning the world title in 2024, he endured a difficult end to 2025, struggling with off-table issues and a dip in form. Yet, he arrived at Alexandra Palace looking revitalized and played some of his best snooker of the season. His victory here is testament to his determination and mental toughness—qualities that have defined his rise to the top of the sport.

For John Higgins, the defeat was a bitter pill to swallow. The four-time world champion, who last won a major title 15 years ago, had played some inspired snooker to reach the final, dispatching both the reigning world champion Zhao Xintong and world number one Judd Trump in the process. But in the final, Higgins admitted he could not produce his best. “I was rubbish. But not to take credit away from Kyren. He was totally dominant. It wasn’t a 10-6 match. It’s disappointing because the last two finals I’ve competed. It’s been a good week, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m just disappointed with how I’ve performed in the final. Congratulations to Kyren because he’s a great champion,” Higgins said in his post-match interview, echoing the sentiments of many in the snooker community who recognized Wilson’s achievement.

Higgins’ run to the final, however, was historic. At 50, he became the oldest player to reach a Triple Crown final, surpassing records and inspiring fans with his longevity and class. His head-to-head record against Wilson was formidable—20 wins from 27 main tour meetings, and a favorable 8-3 when excluding Championship League matches. In their four World Championship clashes, Higgins had prevailed three times, with Wilson’s sole victory coming in 2024 en route to his Crucible triumph. Yet, on this occasion, it was Wilson who had the edge when it mattered most.

The 2026 Masters began in relatively subdued fashion, with all eight first-round ties ending 6-2, but the drama ramped up significantly during the semi-finals and final. The Alexandra Palace crowd witnessed not just high-quality snooker, but also the emotional rollercoaster that defines the sport at its highest level. The final itself was a showcase of attacking flair, tactical nous, and sheer determination—qualities embodied by both finalists.

Wilson’s maiden Masters title marks a significant milestone in his career and cements his status as one of the game’s elite. For Higgins, the wait for a third Masters crown continues, but his remarkable run this week—defeating the world’s best and pushing Wilson all the way—serves as a reminder of his enduring greatness.

As the lights dimmed at Alexandra Palace and the new champion hoisted the Paul Hunter Trophy aloft, it was clear that this Masters final would be remembered for years to come—not just for the snooker, but for the stories of resilience, respect, and redemption that unfolded on the baize.