The game of darts has produced plenty of surprising, unexpected, and downright bizarre moments over the years. While it’s typically associated with the intense focus, high scores, and thrilling matchups, darts history is also peppered with strange incidents, unusual events, and moments that make you shake your head in disbelief.
Let’s take a trip through some of the most bizarre moments in darts history, where truth is truly stranger than fiction.
1. The “Broken Arm” Victory of Alan Evans
One of the earliest bizarre moments in darts involved Welsh player Alan Evans, known for his fiery temperament and skill. In 1977, Evans was playing a match with a fractured arm, which would be challenging enough for most. However, in an amazing turn of events, Evans not only played with the injury but managed to secure a stunning victory, beating his opponent despite his limited range of motion. This feat is still talked about in darts circles, showing Evans’s incredible grit and determination.
2. The Infamous 180 Taunt
In 2004, British darts player Wayne Mardle went down in history for his humorous reaction to hitting a 180. Typically, players maintain a calm demeanor and save celebrations for the end of the match, but Mardle had other ideas. In one match, after hitting a perfect 180, he turned to his opponent and mockingly celebrated. While it’s common for darts players to add a little personality to the oche, Mardle’s bold move made headlines and earned him a reputation for being one of the game’s funniest characters.
3. Paul Lim’s Historic Nine-Dart Finish and Disqualification
Paul Lim, a player known as “The Singapore Slinger,” made history in 1990 by achieving the first televised nine-dart finish at the World Championship. This was a monumental feat, celebrated worldwide and earning Lim instant fame. However, Lim’s success story took a strange turn years later when he was disqualified in another match due to a series of unusual missteps. The disqualification was caused by him allegedly ignoring certain tournament protocols, a mistake that cast a shadow on his otherwise stellar career. Lim’s career illustrates both the highs and lows that come with professional darts.
4. The Michael van Gerwen Vanishing Dart
Michael van Gerwen, one of the sport’s most dominant players, had his share of strange moments. In 2017, Van Gerwen threw a dart that disappeared completely. The dart hit the dartboard, but as he walked up to retrieve it, the dart had simply vanished, leaving commentators, referees, and fans baffled. This strange incident still sparks discussion, with fans speculating on the “disappearing dart mystery” and adding it to Van Gerwen’s storied career.
5. Adrian Lewis’s “Headbutt” Incident
In 2018, two-time World Champion Adrian “Jackpot” Lewis found himself in the middle of one of the most bizarre altercations in darts history. During a UK Open qualifier match, tensions boiled over between Lewis and his opponent, Jose Justicia. Lewis allegedly headbutted Justicia, leading to a heated argument. The strange incident resulted in Lewis receiving a suspension from the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the incident quickly went viral. This marked one of the few times in darts history where a player faced penalties for physical aggression, and it remains a cautionary tale about keeping cool under pressure.
6. The “Player Streaker” at the World Championship
In 2018, the World Championship saw another shocking moment when a fan decided to make a memorable entrance by streaking across the stage during a live match. Streakers have occasionally interrupted sports, but in darts—a game known for its sportsmanship and focus—the incident was particularly shocking. The streaker was quickly apprehended, but the incident became infamous as one of the sport’s most unusual interruptions.
7. Gary Anderson and the “Fartgate” Incident
Gary Anderson, known as “The Flying Scotsman,” was involved in one of the most bizarre stories in recent darts history. In 2018, Anderson faced Dutch player Wesley Harms in a heated match. After losing, Harms alleged that Anderson had “created a foul smell” on purpose to distract him. Anderson denied the claim, and the incident became known as “Fartgate.” The scandal received unexpected media attention and is still joked about today as one of darts’ strangest moments.
8. The 2001 “Miscount” by Ted Hankey
The BDO World Championship in 2001 saw Ted Hankey, “The Count,” make a truly bizarre mistake. Hankey, known for his intense style and Dracula-inspired image, was on his way to what seemed like a straightforward win. But in a strange twist, Hankey miscounted his score at a crucial moment, thinking he had won the match when he hadn’t. The miscalculation allowed his opponent to take the lead, leaving Hankey stunned and fans in disbelief. The mishap serves as a reminder of the intense mental focus required in darts—and how a simple mistake can shift the outcome of a game.
9. James Wade’s Emotional Outburst in the 2018 World Championship
James Wade, known for his impressive scoring and competitive spirit, had a strange outburst during a World Championship match in 2018. After missing a crucial shot, Wade let out a scream that surprised fans, commentators, and even his opponent. Wade later revealed that he was dealing with personal issues, and his emotional outburst was a moment of stress release. The incident highlighted the intense emotional pressure that players experience, as well as the importance of mental well-being in the sport.
10. The “Dart on the Floor” Incident
In a 2015 PDC match, a dart thrown by Dave Chisnall bounced off the dartboard and landed directly on the floor. While unusual, it’s not entirely unheard of—until the referee ruled the throw as valid. As the crowd laughed, Chisnall picked up the dart and threw it again. This peculiar ruling added a comedic touch to the serious tournament, demonstrating how sometimes, even referees can get it wrong. Chisnall’s ability to keep his composure was praised, and the incident remains a funny moment that fans still talk about.
Conclusion: A Game Full of Surprises
The world of darts is filled with more than just skill and strategy; it’s a sport rich in quirky, strange, and often unbelievable moments. From disappearing darts and unexpected outbursts to infamous altercations, these bizarre incidents remind us that even a game as focused and disciplined as darts can have its wild side. For players and fans alike, these moments add a layer of unpredictability and excitement that keeps the sport entertaining and engaging. Darts may be a game of precision, but sometimes, the most unforgettable moments are the ones that catch everyone off guard.
