Stephen Maguire Roars Back to Glory with Thrilling Championship League Triumph After Five-Year Drought
Stephen Maguire has made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle, capturing his seventh career ranking title and his first in five years by claiming the 2025 Championship League crown in Leicester. The 44-year-old Scot showcased grit, tactical sharpness, and vintage flair in a marathon event that began on June 30 and stretched across several grueling group stages.
Maguire’s path to the title was anything but easy. He had to navigate through three group stages, competing in ten matches and emerging victorious in eight of them. Along the way, he dispatched some tough opposition, including Thailand’s Thepchaiya Un-Nooh, China’s Zhang Anda, and experienced Englishman Matthew Selt. Each match served as a testament to Maguire’s determination and adaptability — traits that had seemed to fade in recent seasons but were back on full display throughout this tournament.
The final, held on Wednesday night, saw Maguire take on Joe O’Connor, who was in exceptional form himself. O’Connor had cruised through the group stages with a perfect record, winning all nine of his matches and positioning himself as the man to beat. However, in the decisive clash, Maguire’s experience and tactical nous proved the difference. He produced breaks of 85, 61, and 89 in a commanding 3-1 victory that reminded fans of the form that once made him a mainstay in the top tier of snooker.
This title marks Maguire’s first piece of silverware since 2020, rekindling belief in his ability to compete at the highest level. Known for his aggressive style and heavy scoring, Maguire admitted to tweaking his approach and focusing more on consistency — a change that seems to have paid off handsomely.
With the first ranking title of the new season under his belt, Maguire has not only ended his drought but also signaled that he’s not done yet. If this performance is anything to go by, the veteran Scot could well be set for a resurgent campaign.
