Kyren Wilson Wins Masters One Month After Losing His Cue

Just six weeks ago, Kyren Wilson thought his career might be over.

The snooker champion was struggling in the dark corridors of York Barbican after losing at the UK Championship in December. His beloved cue, the same one he used to win the 2024 world title, had been destroyed in a freak accident. Wilson, 34, says he was close to a mental breakdown.

"I honestly didn't know if I was ever going to be back in the winners' enclosure," Wilson admitted. Behind closed doors, he was suffering in ways fans couldn't see.

Then Father Christmas arrived with an unexpected gift. Wilson found a replacement cue just in time for the holidays, and something shifted.

On Sunday, Wilson lifted the Paul Hunter Trophy at Alexandra Palace, claiming his first Masters title. He defeated four-time world champion John Higgins in the final, making it third time lucky after two previous final defeats.

The win came just one month after switching cues. For a snooker player, changing cues is like a guitarist switching to a completely different instrument. Everything feels wrong until it suddenly feels right.

Why This Inspires

Wilson's journey wasn't just about finding new equipment. He was dealing with family health issues while watching his form crumble. The UK Championship loss left him questioning everything.

But Wilson made a beautiful decision with his damaged cue. Instead of keeping it as a sad reminder, he auctioned it for a children's cancer charity, raising £5,250. Letting go of what he lost helped him embrace what came next.

His family never stopped believing. Wilson promised his mum she would have "that bit of crystal" on her dining room table, and he delivered.

The victory makes Wilson the 26th Masters champion and gives him his second Triple Crown title. His route to glory included wins over top players Si Jiahui, Neil Robertson, and Wu Yize before facing Higgins.

"To pick up a new cue and, after one month, to go and win the second biggest major is an incredible achievement," Wilson said. The understatement of the year, perhaps.

Sometimes the tools we think we can't live without are just preparing us for something better. Wilson's story proves that rock bottom can be the foundation for your greatest comeback.