Snooker star Shaun Murphy heads to Alexandra Palace this month with a renewed sense of purpose, aiming to defend his prestigious Masters title against the world's elite. The 43-year-old Englishman, who clinched victory against Kyren Wilson in last year's final, is in a profoundly different place both personally and professionally compared to recent years.
The Magician's Fortune: A £5.3 Million Net Worth
Through a successful career at the pinnacle of snooker, Shaun Murphy has amassed an estimated net worth of £5.3 million. This substantial wealth has been built not only through tournament prize money from victories like the 2025 Masters and the British Open, but also from his regular work as a respected television pundit. Murphy frequently appears on screens when he is not competing or has been eliminated from events, providing expert analysis that supplements his income.
A 'Life-Saving' Transformation: Gastric Sleeve Surgery
In 2022, Murphy underwent a procedure that he credits with changing his life. After his weight reached 20 stone, the player found himself in a dark place mentally. He opted for gastric sleeve surgery, which he has since described as "life-saving".
Speaking candidly to EuroSport, Murphy revealed the depth of his struggle. "I think whilst I did not go to see a doctor, had I have done I think someone would have signed me off with complete full depression," he admitted. "I was in a very, very bad state mentally. My self-esteem was through the floor... I don't think it is too extreme to say it was life-saving for me." The surgery dramatically boosted his confidence, allowing him to return to the table with a fresh perspective.
Finding Love and Stability After Two Divorces
Murphy's personal life has also seen a remarkable upturn. Following two difficult divorces, first from Clare in 2009 and then from Elaine in 2023, he has found happiness with musician Jo Rochell. Murphy and his second wife had tried "absolutely everything" to save their marriage, even relocating to Dublin, before parting amicably to focus on co-parenting their two children, Harry and Molly.
Now, Murphy is engaged to Jo, having proposed in November 2025. Announcing the news on social media, his fiancée wrote fondly of their journey, which began when he booked her for a gig four years prior. The couple are a regular and affectionate presence online, and Jo has been a significant inspiration to Murphy, even motivating him to take up running as she trained for the London Marathon.
As the Masters tournament gets underway at Alexandra Palace, Murphy will have Jo's support from the sidelines. The event itself makes history this year by featuring five Chinese players for the first time in its 51-year existence, with challengers like Zhao Xintong, Judd Trump, and John Higgins all vying for the crown. With his health restored, his personal life joyful, and his game sharp, Shaun Murphy is poised to face the world's best, defending his title with a newfound resilience and peace.
