Three players poised to overtake world no.1 Judd Trump in rankings race

Judd Trump enters the 2026/27 snooker season occupying the world number one spot, a position he has held for nearly two years. However, this fourth term at the top of the rankings is under immediate threat. As the professional circuit resets, the Englishman faces a significant point deficit that could see him displaced from the summit before the end of August.

The Deficit Dilemma

While Trump currently holds a lead of more than £400,000 over his nearest rivals, the structure of the two-year rolling ranking system works against him in the coming weeks. He is set to lose £576,000 from his tally by the end of August, a consequence of points earned during the 2024/25 campaign that cannot be defended.

The removal of the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters from the calendar—after only two of its planned ten editions—has effectively erased the opportunity for Trump to defend the £500,000 he earned for winning that inaugural event. Coupled with the loss of points from his 2024 Xi’an Grand Prix final appearance, his total is projected to drop significantly.

Did You Know? Since the implementation of the rolling two-year ranking format in 2010, only Mark Selby has spent more time as the sport’s highest-ranked competitor than Judd Trump.

The Chasing Pack

The situation for Neil Robertson, Zhao Xintong, and Wu Yize stands in stark contrast to the leader. These competitors have far fewer points coming off their totals in the early months of the season, positioning them to capitalize on Trump’s decline.

Zhao Xintong, who was not on the main tour during the 2024/25 season, is arguably in the strongest position, as he has virtually no points to defend until the World Championship. If the current projections hold, provisional rankings suggest that Zhao could become only the second player from China to reach world number one in the history of the sport.

Expert Insight: The sheer volume of points evaporating from Trump’s total represents a rare structural vulnerability. In professional snooker, the ability to defend earnings is the true test of longevity; when a major event is removed from the calendar, a player’s ranking is exposed to the volatility of the field. The upcoming August events are no longer just ranking opportunities—they have become a high-stakes defensive battle for the world number one status.

Looking Ahead

The opening of the 2026/27 calendar with the Championship League Snooker is unlikely to drastically alter the landscape due to its traditionally low prize fund and the absence of several top players. However, the subsequent return of the China Open—with £250,000 for the winner—and the Wuhan Open will be critical.

Snooker rankings update: Judd Trump ends 2025 as world number one

Whether Trump can maintain his grip, or if the mantle will pass to Robertson, Zhao, or Wu, remains one of the most compelling narratives of the early season. With three players capable of overtaking him by autumn, the window for a change at the top is wide open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Judd Trump likely to lose his world number one ranking?
Trump is set to lose £576,000 in ranking points by the end of August, largely because the Saudi Arabia Snooker Masters has been removed from the calendar, preventing him from defending his previous earnings.

Who are the main challengers for the top spot?
Neil Robertson, Zhao Xintong, and Wu Yize are the primary challengers, as they have significantly fewer points to defend compared to Trump during the same period.

What upcoming events could shift the rankings?
The China Open (August 8-16) and the Wuhan Open (August 23-29) are the key events that could determine who holds the world number one position as the season progresses.

Which of the current top-ranked players do you believe is best positioned to hold the number one spot by the end of the year?