From the Brink of Retirement to UK Champion: Mark Selby’s Triumphant Comeback Fueled by Family, Grit, and Unwavering Love
Mark Selby’s triumphant victory at the 2025 UK Championship felt like a lifeline after a period of profound personal and professional struggle. Just 18 months before his remarkable win, Selby had been teetering on the edge of retirement. In a candid post-victory reflection, he admitted that he had been battling with a loss of enjoyment for the game that had defined his life. “I’ve always said… the time I stop enjoying it is the time I’ll stop playing,” Selby shared. “For a while, I wasn’t enjoying it… I thought to myself: ‘Maybe I should start looking at something else.'” With no formal qualifications to fall back on, he found himself stuck in a dilemma, but after some soul-searching, he decided to continue, realizing that snooker, despite the grind, had been a good way to make a living.
However, the true test of Selby’s resilience came outside of snooker. In 2023, his wife, Vikki, was diagnosed with breast cancer, a blow that “multiplied” his existing struggles with depression. “She’s been stronger than me throughout it,” Selby confessed. “When it was first announced, I was completely blown apart.” Yet, in the face of this personal crisis, Vikki’s strength became his anchor. Her resilience, coupled with their unwavering support for each other, helped Selby rediscover his focus and love for the sport.
Selby’s UK Championship win in 2025 was not just a sporting achievement; it was a testament to his grit, the support of his family, and his determination to overcome mental and emotional hurdles. As snooker veteran Ken Lim put it, “If anyone deserved it, it was definitely Mark Selby.” This triple-crown title was the culmination of a long, challenging journey—a victory that stood as a symbol of endurance, therapy, and the power of love and family.
