Judd Trump vs Kyren Wilson: As Class of ’92 approach the end, this could become snooker’s biggest rivalry in next decade
Two English superstars are prepared to usher in a new era in the sport as the SNOOKER Class of ’92 fades away.
Judd Trump has stated that he is prepared to fight Kyren Wilson, the current world champion, for “the next 10 years” or longer. The two will face off in a fierce matchup during the UK Championship semifinal.
In October, Wilson defeated World No. 1 Trump in a lopsided final at the Northern Ireland Open.
When the 32-year-old defeated Trump 9–3 in Belfast, he pocketed a cool 100,000.
Trump acknowledged that Wilson’s explosive growth over the past 12 months has “pushed him forward” as a player in spite of the defeat.
“Having someone push me and go away to give their all every single time is nice,” he remarked.
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“It is good to have that kind of rivalry when you reach the top and we are both really enjoying it.”
Wilson defeated Jak Jones 18–14 at the Crucible in May to win his first World Championship.
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Trump, who acknowledged that six years ago, the two were “complete opposites” outside of the table, is also impressed by his opponent’s change.
Trump went on: “He has advanced to a new level from where he was a few years ago.
“You notice a change in him. He moves around the table in a different manner.
After arranging the semi-final in York, the two were equally complimentary of one another.
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Trump stated: “I believe it’s fantastic for everyone that two athletes are doing such amazing things this season.
“My lead at the top of the standings would be enormous if Kyren weren’t present.
“You need someone to keep you motivated and to remind you to return to practice.
“We re both trying to push each other on at the moment.”
Wilson stated: “Even my children are unable to choose who they want to win, therefore I think everyone will love tomorrow’s semi-final matchup with Judd! It ought to be enjoyable.
“I believe it is an excellent promotion for the game, television, and the large number of fans that will attend.
“When the venue is set up with only one table, it really shines. I’ll have a great time on Saturday.
“Judd is one of those players who wants to prove he is the best in the world,” he continued.
“I’ve lately defeated him, but it will just increase his desire to prove a point.
“He isn’t the world’s best by accident. Although he has been the most reliable player in recent years, I’m attempting to keep him on board.”
Wilson has spent a large portion of the last three years working in Trump’s shadow, despite his amazing 2024.
Judd is still the best snooker player in the world, as evidenced by his stellar 2024–25 season results.
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The Ace in the Pack has won 39 of his 46 matches so far this season.
He has won prizes at the Saudi Arabia Masters and the Shanghai Masters, totaling more than 920,000.
World No 2 Wilson has picked up cheques of his own totalling 392,000, hardly a meagre return.
But his 29 wins from 38 matches this season can’t match Trump’s relentless pace, which has left the Kettering native in awe.
Wilson said after his win in Belfast: “I don t know where he gets the stamina from.
“It s got to be applauded, he makes me raise my game and we can t keep relying on the Class of 92 all the time.”
The Class of ’92 refers to the legendary trio ofRonnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams.
With 14 world titles among them, the three players have dominated UK snooker over the past three decades.
But astheir powers begin to fade, Wilson and Trump appear ready to fill the rivalry vacuum.
List of all-time Snooker World Champions
BELOW is a list of snooker World Champions by year.
The record is for the modern era, widely considered as dating from the 1968-69 season, when the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) took control of the sport.
The first World Championships ran from 1927 – with a break from 1941-45 because of World War II and 1958-63 because of a dispute in the sport.
Joe Davis (15), Fred Davis and John Pulman (both 8) were the most successful players during that period.
Stephen HendryandRonnie O’Sullivanshare the record for themost titles in the modern era, with seven each.
- 1969 – John Spencer
- 1970 – Ray Reardon
- 1971 – John Spencer
- 1972 – Alex Higgins
- 1973 – Ray Reardon (2)
- 1974 – Ray Reardon (3)
- 1975 – Ray Reardon (4)
- 1976 – Ray Reardon (5)
- 1977 – John Spencer (2)
- 1978 – Ray Reardon (6)
- 1979 – Terry Griffiths
- 1980 – Cliff Thorburn
- 1981 – Steve Davis
- 1982 – Alex Higgins (2)
- 1983 – Steve Davis (2)
- 1984 – Steve Davis (3)
- 1985 – Dennis Taylor
- 1986 – Joe Johnson
- 1987 – Steve Davis (4)
- 1988 – Steve Davis (5)
- 1989 – Steve Davis (6)
- 1990 – Stephen Hendry
- 1991 – John Parrott
- 1992 – Stephen Hendry (2)
- 1993 – Stephen Hendry (3)
- 1994 – Stephen Hendry (4)
- 1995 – Stephen Hendry (5)
- 1996 – Stephen Hendry (6)
- 1997 – Ken Doherty
- 1998 – John Higgins
- 1999 – Stephen Hendry (7)
- 2000 – Mark Williams
- 2001 – Ronnie O’Sullivan
- 2002 – Peter Ebdon
- 2003 – Mark Williams (2)
- 2004 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (2)
- 2005 – Shaun Murphy
- 2006 – Graeme Dott
- 2007 – John Higgins (2)
- 2008 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (3)
- 2009 – John Higgins (3)
- 2010 – Neil Robertson
- 2011 – John Higgins (4)
- 2012 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (4)
- 2013 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (5)
- 2014 – Mark Selby
- 2015 – Stuart Bingham
- 2016 – Mark Selby (2)
- 2017 – Mark Selby (3)
- 2018 – Mark Williams (3)
- 2019 – Judd Trump
- 2020 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (6)
- 2021 – Mark Selby (4)
- 2022 – Ronnie O’Sullivan (7)
- 2023 – Luca Brecel
- 2024 – Kyren Wilson
Most World Titles(modern era)
- 7 – Stephen Hendry, Ronnie O’Sullivan
- 6 – Ray Reardon, Steve Davis
- 4 – John Higgins, Mark Selby
- 3 – John Spencer, Mark Williams
- 2 – Alex Higgins
Trump has been around slightly longer than Wilson after breaking onto the scene as a teenager back in 2005.
The Bristol native is currently fourth on the all-time list of ranking event winners, with an outrageous 29 titles.
He won his own World Championship back in 2019 and currently edges Wilson on head-to-head records.
Since their first meeting way back in 2013, Trump has won 18 of 32 matches against The Warrior.
He also has the edge in frames, taking 127 to Kyren’s 114.
But one stat that jumps out in Wilson’s favour is his strong record against Trump in tournament finals.
The pair have gone head-to-head for titles on five occasions.
Of those matches, Wilson has emerged victorious four times to Trump’s solitary one.
With both players in their mid-30s, there’s plenty of scope for their budding rivalry to continue well into the next decade.
And The Warrior has shown on multiple occasions he can raise his game when it matters most.
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Clutching his recent 100,000 prize in Belfast, Wilson said: “I m glad I m up there with [Judd] and competing.
“It s good for the future of snooker.”
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