Stephen Maguire Silences Critics with Championship League Victory After Controversial Cue-Switching Tactic
Stephen Maguire has hit back at critics after employing an unconventional cue-switching tactic during the 2025 Championship League — a move that ultimately led to him lifting the trophy.
The Scottish snooker star secured a 3-1 victory over Joe O’Connor in the final, earning himself a £33,000 payday and a spot at the prestigious Champion of Champions event later this year. The triumph marked a significant rebound for the 2004 UK Championship winner, whose decision to use two different cues throughout the tournament had raised eyebrows among fans and fellow players alike.
Maguire’s unique approach stirred debate in the snooker community, with many questioning whether such a strategy could yield consistent results at the elite level. The most vocal criticism came from snooker legend Jimmy White, who commented on the cue-switching method following Maguire’s crushing 6-0 loss to Kyren Wilson at the UK Championship last November. That match, in which Maguire’s highest break was a mere 32, left many wondering if the cue experiment was doomed to fail.
But Maguire has now silenced the doubters in emphatic fashion. “People that say you can’t use different cues are full of nonsense,” he stated following his latest win in Leicester. The victory not only vindicates his unusual approach but also proves that innovation still has a place in the traditionalist world of snooker.
Known for his gritty style and willingness to go against the grain — including the bizarre moment he accidentally ate a fly during the World Championships — Maguire has often found himself in the spotlight for more than just his gameplay. However, with this latest title under his belt, it’s clear that he’s letting his performance do the talking, no matter how unorthodox the path.
In the end, Maguire’s cue experiment has paid off, and with a place now secured in the Champion of Champions, all eyes will be on whether his method continues to break boundaries — and records — in the coming months.
