After winning the English Under-13 and Under-15 events and reaching the World Under-21 semi-finals, Trump turned professional in 2005, aged 16. He won his first ranking title at the 2011 China Open, beating Selby 10–8 in the final. The following month, he reached the final of the 2011 World Championship, but lost 15–18 to John Higgins. He wis first Triple Crown event later that year when he won the 2011 UK Championship, defeating Mark Allen 10–8 in the final. 