Kyren Wilson triumphed at the 2025 German Masters, edging out Barry Hawkins 10-9 in a thrilling final at Berlin's Tempodrom on Sunday. This nail-biting contest, celebrated for its dramatic swings and high-level play, solidified Wilson's status as one of snooker's elite competitors.
The match unfolded with Wilson initially taking the lead before finding himself trailing 5-4 at the conclusion of the first session. Both players began energetically, exchanging frames and remarkable century breaks. Wilson charged out of the gate, winning the first two frames but surrendered the advantage, displaying how razor-thin the margins are at this level of competition.
Wilson's determination shone through as he fought back during the evening session, reclaiming the lead at 6-5. Yet, the resilient Hawkins showcased his own prowess, winning the tightly contested 12th frame on the black to even the match once more. With the score tied at 9-9, Wilson seized the moment and executed a decisive break of 59, clinching his second title of the season and the coveted Brandon Parker Trophy, along with £100,000.
“It’s such a good feeling, especially after the disappointment of losing the Masters just weeks ago,” Wilson stated after his victory. “I’ve overcome some personal challenges, and this title means the world to me and my family.”
The 2025 German Masters marked the 12th ranking tournament of the season, showcasing some of the best talent the sport offers. Judd Trump entered the event as the defending champion but faced notable challenges, including the absence of Ronnie O'Sullivan, who skipped the tournament for health reasons.
This year’s German Masters featured an increased prize fund exceeding £550,000—an enticing boost especially for the top players. Aside from the champion's prize of £100,000, the runner-up, Hawkins, pocketed £45,000, reflecting the tournament's growing prestige. The semi-finalists received £21,000 each, with quarter-finalists taking home £13,200.
The significance of the German Masters within the snooker calendar cannot be understated. Trump highlighted its status, stating: “Berlin is probably third place in terms of the crowd interaction and how good the crowds are... The crowd deserve something bigger. It’s excellent to have a tournament there.” This sentiment resonates as players expressed appreciation for the passionate and engaged German audience.
With the conclusion of the tournament, there were notable movements within the snooker rankings. Wilson’s victory strengthened his position as the world number two, now only trailing the top-ranked Judd Trump, whose earnings exceed £500,000 this season. Meanwhile, Barry Hawkins's runner-up finish has propelled him to 11th place, highlighting his consistent performance on the circuit.
Additional shifts within the top 16 included Mark Allen dropping four places to eighth following the deduction of points from prior victories. Other notable players, including Chinese talents Ding Junhui and Wu Yize, also saw rankings changes; Wu rose to number 22 after reaching the quarter-finals, demonstrating the increasing competitiveness of the sport.
The snooker calendar continues with the Welsh Open, the last of the Home Nations events, scheduled to be held from February 10th to 16th at Venue Cymru, Llandudno. Players are gearing up for what promises to be another exciting contest.
Wilson’s lifestyle and challenges were also revealed throughout the championship buildup. He recounted family adversities, including his partner's health scares linked to her epilepsy, thrusting personal life to the forefront amid the intense demands of professional snooker. “Snooker had to take a backseat this year,” he noted, indicating how family pressures can intersect with sporting commitments.
On the financial side, Wilson’s revenue from various tournaments has placed him firmly among the sport's profitable figures. With last year's earnings surpassing £1 million, which included his first World Championship win, Wilson's financial future looks promising. He also boasts luxury cars, including his prized Bentley Continental V8 S, showcasing his success on and off the table.
The dramatic conclusion of the German Masters has set the stage for the upcoming season, highlighting the talent and resilience needed to compete at the highest levels of snooker. With every tournament hosted providing more excitement and big moments, players and fans alike eagerly await upcoming matches.