World Snooker Championship 2026: Shaun Murphy Seeks New Lucky Charm After Nephew’s Pants Inspired 2005 Title

2005 world champion Shaun Murphy will be searching for a new lucky charm as he prepares to face Wu Yize in the 2026 World Snooker Championship final. 

Following his high-intensity semi-final against four-time champion John Higgins, the ‘Magician’ shared a hilarious story from his 2005 World Championship triumph, revealing that his nephew, amateur player Joshua Cooper, once believed his uncle’s success came down to a pair of “lucky pants.”

Cooper, Murphy’s sister’s son, supports him whenever possible and was in the crowd at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre as Murphy overcame the Scottish veteran in the first semi-final to conclude.

“He comes to as much as he possibly can,” Murphy responded, when asked about the support from his nephew.

“Lucky pants” myth from 2005 resurfaces

Murphy went on to recall the amusing misunderstanding that followed his 2005 victory, when his nephew, then a child, became convinced that a particular item of clothing had helped deliver the title.

“And I'm pleased to say that 21 years after he made his debut here as a child, he was totally under the belief that it was his lucky pants that won me that championship.”

He explained how the superstition took hold throughout the fortnight in Sheffield.

“My sister was washing his underpants in the hotel room all week. He was convinced it was his lucky pants. I don't think that's what's got me to this stage this week. I hope not.”

Childhood memories and changing habits

Reflecting on the moment 21 years ago, Murphy said his nephew would have been around eight or nine at the time, joking that now he’s a fully grown man, he’s likely developed some new habits.

“Eight or nine. I have a lovely picture of him sat in my seat in the Crucible. And, you know, he's got these three-quarter length cargoes on.”

Looking at how much time has passed, he added: “He's a different man these days. I think he changes his pants at least once a week.”

Credit: Shaun Murphy

Higgins admiration steals the spotlight

Murphy went on to add that, despite the supposed magic of the lucky pants, his nephew wasn’t particularly fussed about his uncle after the trophy was lifted.

Instead, he was completely starstruck by the presence of Higgins, Murphy’s semi-final opponent and his idol, who was also at the same after-party celebrating.

“The funny thing was that John Higgins was and is his absolute idol. And at the after-party dinner, because it was the last Embassy, we were all in the party. Joshua sat there all night, not bothered about me, his uncle, who just won the World Championship, not bothered about the trophy, but bothered about John Higgins, who was sat two tables away. He just stared at John all night.”

No lasting souvenir 

Keeping the light-hearted tone, Murphy was asked whether his nephew’s “lucky pants” had been preserved as a piece of memorabilia, perhaps even worthy of a place in a snooker museum.

However, like many items from more than two decades ago, they have long since disappeared.

“I don't think so, no. There's so much that wasn't kept from 2005. But the pants, I think, have gone. I think they've walked themselves home,” he concluded.