Mark Selby is an English professional snooker player widely known for his resilience and strategic play.
Known as “The Clown from Leicester”, Selby achieved considerable success in snooker, winning multiple world championship titles and consistently ranking among the world’s top players.
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- – Full name: Mark Anthony Selby
- – Nickname: The clown from Leicester
- – Date of birth: June 19, 1983
- – Age: 41 years old
- – Gender: Male
- – Place of birth: Leicester, England
- – Nationality: British
- – Occupation: Professional Snooker player
- – Height: 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm)
- – Parents: David Selby, Shirley Selby
- – Siblings: None
- – Spouse: Vikki Layton
- – Children: Sofia Maria Selby
- – Relationship status: Married
- – Religion: None
- – Ethnicity: White
- – Net worth: $10 million
Early life and education
Mark Selby, now 41, was born on June 19, 1983, in Leicester, England. His childhood was challenging, marked by the death of his father, David Selby, when Mark was 16, and his mother, Shirley Shelby, leaving the family when he was eight.
Despite these difficulties, Selby found solace in snooker. He began practicing at Willie Thorne’s snooker club in Leicester, where he received guidance from Thorne and support from family friend Alan Perkins.
Selby excelled in the sport from an early age, winning the England Under-15 Championship in 1998. Although information about his education is not widely documented, his early dedication to snooker significantly shaped his career path.
Personal life
Mark Selby married Vikki Layton, a former Irish international snooker player, in May 2011. The couple first met on the professional circuit and began dating in 2006. They have a daughter, Sofia Maria Selby, born in 2014.
Vikki has been a vital support system for Mark, especially as he has publicly struggled with mental health issues. The family live in Leicester, where Selby continues to balance his professional and personal lives.
Career
Mark Selby’s professional snooker career began in 1999 when he turned professional at the age of 16. His early career saw steady progress, including reaching the final of the 2003 Scottish Open.
Selby’s breakthrough came in 2007 when he reached the final of the World Snooker Championship. He eventually lost to John Higgins but achieved considerable recognition.
His first major title came in 2008 when he won the Masters, followed by his first World Championship in 2014. Since then, Selby has won numerous titles, including the UK Championship and further World Championship victories in 2016, 2017 and 2021. His career has been highly regarded for his ability under pressure and strategic approach to the game.
Prize
- – Four-time World Snooker Champion (2014, 2016, 2017, 2021)
- – Three-time Masters champion
- – Two-time UK Championship winner
- – Multiple ranking titles, including Welsh Open and China Open
- – 888.com’s first Silver Chip Award for Outstanding Performance (2007)
Net worth
Mark Selby’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. His income comes primarily from tournament winnings, sponsorships, and endorsements. Notable earnings include significant prize money from winning the World Championship and other major tournaments.
Social media
- – Instagram: @markselby_
- – Twitter: @markjesterselby
