Shaun Murphy won the 2005 World Snooker Championship after entering the tournament as a qualifier.
Murphy defeated Matthew Stevens 18–16 in the final at the Crucible Theatre. He was only the second qualifier to win the title at the Crucible, following Terry Griffiths in 1979. Murphy’s victory was therefore both a major personal breakthrough and an important part of the championship’s qualifying history.
At the time of his triumph, Murphy was 22 years old. His attacking style, long-potting ability and fluent cue action made him one of the tournament’s standout performers.
The result is sometimes confused with Peter Ebdon’s 2002 championship, which also involved a final against Stephen Hendry. Murphy’s 2005 title was his first world crown.