Stephen Maguire is a Scottish professional who rose to number two in the world rankings during the mid-2000s, winning multiple ranking titles including the UK Championship and establishing himself as one of the most formidable competitors of his era.
Stephen Maguire – Career Snapshot
| Date of birth: | 13 March 1981 |
| From: | Scotland |
| Turned professional: | 1998 |
| Highest world ranking: | No. 2 |
| Ranking titles: | 7 |
| World Championship titles: | 0 |
| Triple Crown titles: | 1 |
| Masters appearances: | 16 |
| Maximum 147 breaks: | 3 |
Stephen Maguire’s Snooker Career
Stephen Maguire first turned professional in 1998, but it was during the 2003/04 season that he announced himself as a genuine force at the top of the game. Victory at the European Open proved to be the catalyst for a memorable UK Championship triumph later that year, where he defeated Ronnie O’Sullivan among others on his way to lifting the title in York.
That success propelled Maguire rapidly up the world rankings, and by the latter part of the decade he was widely regarded as the second best player in the world behind O’Sullivan. He reached a career-high ranking of number two and added further silverware with wins at events such as the Northern Ireland Trophy, the China Open, and the Welsh Open.
Despite his success, Maguire often struggled to translate his form to the Crucible Theatre. Although he reached the World Championship semi-finals in 2007 and again in 2012, expectations frequently outweighed results, with several early exits punctuating his record in Sheffield.
Known for his volatile temperament and fearless attacking style, Maguire remained capable of producing outstanding performances. In 2020, he enjoyed a resurgence at the COVID-impacted Tour Championship, defeating Neil Robertson, Judd Trump, and Mark Allen in succession to claim his first ranking title in seven years.
Team success also materialised when he partnered friend and countryman John Higgins to victory at the World Cup in 2019 while representing Scotland, and in 2025 he returned to the winners circle once more by capturing the Championship League Snooker title at the age of 44.
While inconsistency prevented him from fully capitalising on his immense talent, Maguire remains one of the most gifted and enigmatic players of his generation.
Stephen Maguire’s Ranking Titles
Stephen Maguire has won 7 ranking titles during his professional career.
| Year | Tournament |
|---|---|
| 2004 | European Open |
| 2004 | UK Championship |
| 2007 | Northern Ireland Trophy |
| 2008 | China Open |
| 2013 | Welsh Open |
| 2020 | Tour Championship |
| 2025 | Championship League Snooker |
Other Major Titles and Notable Wins
- World Cup (2019)
- Six Red World Championship (2014, 2019)
- Minor ranking events (2012 FFB Snooker Open, 2012 PTC 1, 2014 Lisbon Open)
Stephen Maguire and the Triple Crown
Stephen Maguire won one Triple Crown title during his professional career, lifting the UK Championship trophy in 2004.
- World Championship: 0 titles
- UK Championship: 1 title (2004)
- Masters: 0 titles
SHQ Star Rating: ★★★★★
SnookerHQ uses a seven-point star scale based on the scoring values of snooker balls, with a black (7) representing the highest career classification. Ratings are assigned using career achievements, longevity, and historical impact.
Stephen Maguire: ★★★★★
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Featured photo credit: WST