Born in Harlow, Essex and raised in Irthlingborough, North Northamptonshire, Murphy turned professional in 1998. His victory at the 2005 World Championship was considered a major surprise as he was only the third qualifier to win the title. His other ranking tournament victories came in the 2007 Malta Cup, the 2008 UK Championship, the 2011 Players Tour Championship Grand Final and the 2014 World Open, while he reached a second World Championship final in 2009, a third in 2015 and a fourth in 2021. He has also won seven non-ranking tournaments, including the 2015 Masters, which completed his career Triple Crown.