Who is Mark Selby?
Mark Anthony Selby MBE, born on June 19, 1983, in Leicester, England, is a renowned English professional snooker player. Known as “The Jester from Leicester,” Selby has achieved significant success in the sport, including multiple world championships and ranking titles. His strategic play and resilience have earned him a reputation as one of the sport’s most formidable competitors.
Early Life and Education
Mark Selby had a challenging upbringing in Leicester. He began playing snooker at the age of eight, inspired by his father, David Selby, who introduced him to the sport. His early years were marked by adversity; after his mother left when he was young, his father passed away from cancer when Mark was just 16. Despite the hardship, Selby was determined to succeed and found refuge and focus in snooker.
Selby’s dedication paid off early. He turned professional at the age of 16 in 1999. With the support of his mentor and coach Malcolm Thorne, brother of snooker legend Willie Thorne, Selby continued to rise through the ranks with a tenacious spirit and relentless practice.
Career
Mark Selby’s career is a tapestry of major victories and milestone achievements. He won his first ranking title at the Welsh Open in 2008, followed by his first Masters title in 2008. In 2014, he secured his first World Snooker Championship by defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan in a gripping final.
Selby went on to claim additional world titles in 2016, 2017, and 2021, joining the elite group of four-time champions. Known for his methodical style, Selby is a master of safety play and break-building under pressure. He has also won multiple UK Championships and Masters, making him one of the select few to have achieved snooker’s Triple Crown multiple times.
He has accumulated over 20 ranking titles and has represented England in international competitions. Selby also briefly pursued a career in professional pool, showcasing his versatility across cue sports.
Career Achievements Table
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Professional Debut | 1999 |
| First Ranking Title | Welsh Open (2008) |
| World Snooker Championships Won | 4 (2014, 2016, 2017, 2021) |
| UK Championships Won | 2 (2012, 2016) |
| Masters Titles Won | 3 (2008, 2010, 2013) |
| Triple Crown Titles | 6 (World Championship, UK Championship, Masters) |
| Career Ranking Titles | 24 (as of 2025) |
| Highest World Ranking | 1 (Multiple times) |
| First World Number One | 2015 |
| Career Earnings | Over £10 million GBP (approx.) |
| Notable Rivalry | Ronnie O’Sullivan (multiple high-profile encounters, including the 2020 semi-final) |
| Most Successful Year | 2016 (winning the World Championship, UK Championship, and Masters) |
Suzan Lamens, a rising star in Dutch tennis, has been making headlines with her impressive performances on the WTA Tour. Born on July 5, 1999, in Berkel en Rodenrijs, Netherlands, Lamens achieved a career-high singles ranking of World No. 64 as of March 3, 2025. Her breakthrough came in 2024 when she clinched her first WTA singles title at the Japan Women’s Open, propelling her into the top
Family
Mark Selby’s early life was heavily influenced by his father, David Selby, who introduced him to snooker. After his father’s untimely death, Selby faced many personal battles but remained committed to honoring his memory through success in snooker.
His wife, Vikki, and their daughter are now central to his life, providing him with the emotional strength and support he needs both on and off the table.
Personal Life
Off the table, Mark Selby is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He is married to Vikki Layton, a former Irish pool player. The couple shares a strong bond and has a daughter together. Selby often credits his wife for being a supportive force behind his successful career. In public appearances and interviews, he frequently expresses the importance of family and personal balance in his life.
Selby has also been open about his struggles with mental health, courageously speaking out about his experiences with depression. His openness has inspired many and added a deeper dimension to his public image beyond the snooker arena.
🧬 Detailed Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mark Anthony Selby |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Leicester, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Height | 6 ft 0¼ in (1.83 m) |
| Parents | Father: David Selby |
| Spouse | Vikki Layton (married in 2011) |
| Children | One daughter |
| Profession | Professional Snooker Player |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approximately $10 million |
📱 Social Media Accounts
📰 Latest News: 2025 World Snooker Championship
As of April 23, 2025, Mark Selby is actively competing in the first round of the 2025 World Snooker Championship at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre. Seeded fourth, Selby faces fellow Leicester player Ben Woollaston in a match scheduled to conclude this evening. This encounter is particularly noteworthy given the recent upsets in the tournament, including defending champion Kyren Wilson’s early exit. Selby’s performance is closely watched, especially with the potential of a high-stakes quarter-final clash against long-time rival Ronnie O’Sullivan. Their history includes a contentious semi-final in 2020, adding intrigue to the possibility of another face-off. Fans can follow the live action through BBC and iPlayer broadcasts or listen via talkSPORT platforms.
📏 Height & Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet 0¼ inches (1.83 meters), Mark Selby has a commanding presence on the snooker table. His athletic build and focused demeanor contribute to his strategic gameplay and endurance during matches.
💰 Net Worth as of 2025
Mark Selby’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million in 2025. His earnings stem from tournament victories, sponsorships, and endorsements. Notably, his multiple World Championship titles and consistent performance in ranking events have significantly contributed to his financial success.
FAQs
What is Mark Selby suffering from?
Mark Selby has openly discussed his struggles with mental health, including diagnoses of anxiety and depression. He has admitted to experiencing suicidal thoughts in the past and has been candid about the challenges he faced during particularly low points in his career. The Independent
What happened to Mark Selby and his wife?
In early 2024, Mark Selby revealed that his wife, Vikki Layton, was diagnosed with breast cancer. He described the news as “completely blown apart” but expressed relief that she is now recovering. World Snooker Tour
Does Mark Selby have a relationship with his mother?
Mark Selby has had a strained relationship with his mother. He was abandoned by her at the age of eight and has not been in contact with her for many years. Selby has mentioned that he never asked her why she left, indicating a complex and unresolved relationship. TNT Sports
How rich is Mark Selby?
As of 2025, Mark Selby’s net worth is estimated to be around £10 million (approximately $12.5 million USD). This wealth has been accumulated through his successful snooker career, including 24 ranking titles, and various sponsorship deals
