Over the decades, darts has seen many remarkable players who not only dominated the oche but also shaped the sport’s evolution. These darts champions, through their skill, resilience, and charisma, raised the game’s profile and inspired countless fans and players.
In this article, we’ll look at ten influential darts players who changed the game forever, each contributing uniquely to darts history.
1. Phil Taylor – The Power
- Legacy: With a record-breaking 16 World Championships, Phil Taylor is widely considered the greatest darts player of all time. His precision, consistency, and competitive spirit set a standard that revolutionized professional darts.
- Impact: Taylor’s success in the 1990s and 2000s brought mainstream attention to darts and elevated it to a serious sport. His sheer dominance inspired a generation of players to improve their games and pursue professional careers.
2. Eric Bristow – The Crafty Cockney
- Legacy: Known as one of darts’ first true superstars, Bristow captured five World Championship titles and charmed fans with his charisma and swagger.
- Impact: Bristow’s personality and skill helped popularize darts in the 1980s, particularly in the UK. He played a crucial role in the sport’s growth, inspiring young players and laying the groundwork for televised darts.
3. Raymond van Barneveld – Barney
- Legacy: Barney is a Dutch legend with five world titles to his name. His rivalry with Phil Taylor helped elevate the sport and expand its fanbase in Europe, especially in the Netherlands.
- Impact: Van Barneveld’s success helped solidify darts as a beloved sport in the Netherlands and fostered a wave of talented Dutch players who would follow in his footsteps.
4. Michael van Gerwen – Mighty Mike
- Legacy: Known for his lightning-fast throws and explosive play style, van Gerwen has secured multiple World Championship titles and remains one of the most dominant figures in modern darts.
- Impact: Van Gerwen’s speed and precision redefined competitive darts, and his confidence on stage electrified audiences. His success has ensured a continued Dutch presence at the highest levels of darts.
5. John Lowe – Old Stoneface
- Legacy: Lowe was the first player to hit a televised nine-dart finish, which earned him instant legend status. With three world titles, he was a consistent force in darts over several decades.
- Impact: Lowe’s professionalism and longevity set a standard for future players, and his nine-dart finish on television proved that darts could deliver thrilling, high-stakes moments.
6. Gary Anderson – The Flying Scotsman
- Legacy: Known for his silky smooth throw, Gary Anderson has won multiple World Championships, and his effortless style has earned him a loyal fanbase.
- Impact: Anderson’s success has elevated Scottish darts and showcased the importance of technique and consistency. His achievements have also influenced the technical aspects of the game for aspiring players.
7. Dennis Priestley – The Menace
- Legacy: Dennis Priestley, a two-time world champion, was known for his methodical approach and ability to deliver under pressure.
- Impact: Priestley’s victories over Phil Taylor in their early years added to the competitive depth of the sport. His tenacity and unique style of play set him apart and made him a role model for players focusing on mental toughness.
8. Adrian Lewis – Jackpot
- Legacy: With two consecutive World Championships early in his career, Lewis established himself as one of the sport’s brightest stars. Known for his aggressive play and confidence, he brought a fresh energy to darts.
- Impact: Lewis’s success in his early career showed young players that they could compete at the top level. His influence is seen in the increased number of young, talented players taking up darts professionally.
9. Jocky Wilson – The People’s Champion
- Legacy: Known for his unpredictable style and passionate personality, Wilson won two world titles and became one of the most beloved figures in darts.
- Impact: Jocky Wilson’s working-class roots and unorthodox style endeared him to fans. His presence highlighted the inclusive nature of darts, and his success inspired many from humble beginnings to pursue the sport.
10. Gerwyn Price – The Iceman
- Legacy: Price’s 2021 World Championship win was groundbreaking, and his powerful presence on stage continues to make waves. A former rugby player, Price brings athleticism and a fierce competitive spirit to the game.
- Impact: Price’s journey from rugby to darts has drawn new fans to the sport. His emotional performances have also sparked debates about passion versus professionalism, and he has become a divisive but influential figure.
Conclusion
These ten champions each brought something unique to the world of darts. From Phil Taylor’s unmatched dominance to Jocky Wilson’s relatable spirit, these players have redefined what it means to compete in darts. Their contributions have not only shaped the sport but also inspired future generations of players and fans alike. As darts continues to grow globally, the legacies of these champions remind us of the sport’s thrilling evolution and the players who paved the way.
