"A magical few days" Jack Lisowski reveals his maiden title celebrations after emotional Belfast glory

Lisowski became professional snooker’s newest ranking event champion last week after ousting close friend and world number one Judd Trump 9-8 in a thrilling final to win the 2025 Northern Ireland Open title.

Having previously lost in six ranking finals - including three to former housemate Trump - a slip down the rankings in recent seasons, and come to terms with the unexpected death of his father earlier this year, Lisowski’s maiden triumph at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast was a deeply emotional and popular one.

In lifting The Alex Higgins Trophy, 34-year-old Lisowski collected £100,000 - the biggest payday of his career, so far - and rose five places in the world rankings to 24th. Ranked tenth in the world in 2022, the Englishman will now be looking upwards as he tries to get back into the elite top 16 over the coming months.

After so much heartache on and off the table, Lisowski kept his first professional title celebrations measured, enjoying festivities with his close family, the next day.

Speaking to the World Snooker Tour in Nanjing, ‘Jack-Pot’ said: “I’m still on cloud nine. I didn’t fly here, I floated here. It’s still not sunk in. I wasn’t really expecting it. The question of when I’m going to win an event is done. It has taken such a weight off my shoulders.

“I was so relieved after the final. I just wanted to soak it up, I only had a couple of Guinness’ at the party afterwards. I wanted to remember the feeling. I flew back early the next day and to see my mum was so special. My sister also drove back from London to see me. My auntie and uncle also came round and we had a day for the close family. My mum got some balloons and made it feel really special. It has been a magical few days.”

As is the nature of the busy professional snooker circuit these days, there isn’t much time for Lisowski to reflect on his achievement as he has made the long trip to the Far East for the £825,000 International Championship.

And Lisowski won’t be taking it easy, aiming to build on his recent success over the coming days in China. “It isn’t like I’ve completed snooker. I’m back on the wheel. It is cool to be at another tournament” he said.

“I hope that reflects in my snooker and I can start playing well more regularly. I’ve practised hard before coming out here. I’m trying to keep it going. I could have gone on holiday but I thought I had to strike while the iron is hot. Everyone coming up and saying well done has been great and is a bit different!”

Lisowski - who defeated Bulcsu Revesz 6-2 in qualifying a few weeks ago - will play his first match as a ranking event winner against Louis Heathcote in a best of 11 frames encounter on Monday.

Should he and Ronnie O’Sullivan both win their round of 64 matches, the two would face each other in the last 32 on Tuesday.

The day after the International Championship finishes, the Champion of Champions in Leicester begins, and Lisowski is set to make his debut in that prestigious invitational.

He has been drawn against world number two Kyren Wilson in round one; Lisowski defeated then defending champion Wilson in the last eight en route to his Belfast glory.

Visit our tournament information centre here for details on the 2025 International Championship including the draw, results, schedule and how to watch.