In 2007, he was runner-up to John Higgins at the World Snooker Championship. After winning three Masters titles in 2008, 2010, and 2013, the UK Championship in 2012, and the World Championship in 2014, he became the ninth player to win all of snooker's Triple Crown events at least once. His other ranking titles include the Welsh Open in 2008, the Shanghai Masters in 2011, the German Masters in 2015, and the China Open in 2015.
Known as a tough competitor, Selby is also a prolific break-builder and has compiled more than 400 century breaks in his professional career. His nickname, "The Jester from Leicester", was given to him by snooker compere Richard Beare after Willie Thorne came up with it during commentary. Selby is also a pool player. He is the 2006 WEPF eight-ball pool world champion and the 2015 Chinese Pool World Championship finalist.