Saturday, November 15, 2025

High Stakes at the Under-55 Average Tournament Today

 Today’s a big one — the High Stakes Under-55 Average Tournament.

It’s capped at 55, which means for once I’ve actually got half a chance!


We’ve got 32 players battling it out, and with a larger £20 entry fee, the payouts are much bigger than the usual mid-week comps. Definitely worth a go and and it should make every leg feel like a proper pressure moment.


I’ll add the live match link here so you can follow along from 11.00am (UK time)

Under 55 High Stakes


As always, I’m just praying I can keep my head for once.

If I can settle early, find a rhythm, and stay around that 50+ mark, then who knows? Maybe tonight’s the night for a deep run or even the final.


Let’s see what happens....

Friday, November 14, 2025

Grand Slam of Darts Quarter-Finals: My AI-Model Predicts the Winner

 

The 2025 Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts is down to the final eight, and it’s one of the most wide-open quarter-final line-ups we’ve seen in years.

So I decided to put my Philpot AI-Style Prediction Model to work.

This model blends:

  • recent three-dart average

  • checkout %

  • 180s and scoring bursts

  • big-stage experience

  • bookmakers’ odds (converted into a rating)

  • and a final Philpot Form Boost' for players trending upwards

It’s early days for the model, but it gives a fun, stats-based look at who’s most likely to lift the title this weekend.


Philpot AI Ratings (Out of 100)

1. Luke Littler – 95/100

The defending champion, the strongest scorer in the field, and the most explosive leg-player in the world right now.
Elite 180 power + rock-solid temperament = the model’s outright favourite.

2. Luke Humphries – 90/100

Still the best all-round player on the planet when he hits top gear.
A slightly lower form rating keeps him behind Littler, but his stage experience and consistency mean he is right in the mix.

3. Gerwyn Price – 88/100

Nobody brings Grand Slam pedigree like Price.
Big-stage factor + finishing quality keep him in the top tier of contenders.

4. Danny Noppert – 85/100

Quietly in great form.
Strong doubling numbers, improved scoring, and a high “danger of causing an upset” rating in the model.

5. Michael Smith – 82/100

Still posting big numbers but hasn’t quite had the major-run consistency this season.
His ceiling is massive — but his floor can be low.

6. Josh Rock – 80/100

Momentum, yes. Experience deep in TV majors, not as much.
The model loves his long-term curve but sees this as “maybe one tournament too soon”.

7. Ricky Evans – 78/100

Playing freely and enjoying the moment.
A live danger in patches, but model marks him down on consistency and doubling.

8. Lukas Wenig – 75/100

What a story.
Huge power, fearless, but low Grand Slam / TV experience keeps the model cautious.
Still very capable of a shock.


🏆 🏆 Philpot AI Champion Prediction

The numbers pick:

🏆 Luke Littler – 95/100

Everything points to a deep run: the scoring, the timing, the pressure handling, and last year’s title. The model says Littler is the man to beat.


🌑 Next Best Pick

Luke Humphries – 90/100

If Littler slips even slightly, Humphries is the most likely to punish him. His consistency over long formats remains elite.


Surprise Candidate

Danny Noppert – 85/100

The stats favour him more than many fans realise.
If Price or Littler have an off night, Noppert has the game to pounce.


📈 What’s Next for the Model?

I’ll update this after the quarter-finals to see how well the predictions performed and adjust the model for the semi-finals and final.

Let me know in the comments who your pick is!

Thursday Night Round Robin – A Shift in Mindse

 

Last night’s round robin felt different and in a good way. I didn’t make it out of the group, but I walked away feeling far more positive than I did on Wednesday. The difference? I stopped stressing and just let myself enjoy the game.

Instead of overthinking every dart or chasing perfection, I focused on rhythm and staying relaxed. That shift made a huge impact. I still had a bit of double trouble, but I played with more confidence and composure throughout.

My Stats:

  • Average: 45.61
  • First 9: 53.22
  • 100+ scores: 6
  • 140+: 1
  • 180s: 0
  • Legs Won: 10
  • Legs Lost: 8
  • Breaks: 1
It’s easy to get caught up in results, but last night reminded me that mindset matters just as much. Playing with a clear head and a bit of joy goes a long way. I’ll take that forward into the next session.

Great News: DartsWarehouse 10% Discount Continues

 

Great News: DartsWarehouse 10% Discount Continues!

We’re thrilled to announce that DartsWarehouse have agreed to extend the 10% discount originally introduced at the start of the year! That means more savings for you, whether you’re stocking up on flights, trying out new barrels, or just topping up your accessories.

Where to find it?
Head over to the Offers & Discounts page on my site to grab the deal and see what else is available.

This is just the beginning,with more exclusive offers are on the way, so if you’re looking to get more value for your minsey and expand your darting arsenal, you’re in the right place. Keep checking back regularly to stay ahead of the game.

Thanks for your continued support and happy throwing!

Thursday, November 13, 2025

No Pressure, Just Darts - Tonight’s Open Tournament

 It’s an open event tonight, which means anyone can turn up from former tour players and county throwers to improving players like me just trying to keep pushing forward.No average restriction in place. 

There’s something great about nights like this. No pressure  just pure darts. You never quite know who’ll be on the oche next to you or who you might draw, but that’s part of the buzz. I’m not putting any pressure on myself to qualify through the group stage or chase a particular average; I just want to walk away feeling like I threw well and made good decisions.

For me, that’s what these tournaments are about: testing yourself, learning from better players, and enjoying the competitive atmosphere. Every leg against stronger opposition is a chance to grow.

Hopefully I’ll get a few solid scores on the board, settle early, and maybe cause a little upset along the way. Either way, I’ll post an update tomorrow with how it went!

A bit about Red Dragon Darts

 Over the last few months I’ve been playing with my setup and trying to find that balance between grip, flight path, and feel. I've found Red Dragon Darts very useful.

Their darts always seem to have that bit of extra quality in the finish, the balance, and the consistency ,especially considering the price. Even their accessories feel solid: flights don’t tear as quickly, stems don’t snap as easily, and their grip patterns are some of the best around.


It’s also the brand a lot of the top players trust including Gerwyn Price, Peter Wright, Jonny Clayton, Luke Humphries… and many more coming through.


So, now that I’m partnering with Red Dragon through their affiliate programme (a small commission helps me keep this blog and the games free), I’ll be keeping an eye on their offers and sharing them when they’re actually worthwhile.


If you’re looking to upgrade your setup  or just fancy grabbing a few new bits then  here’s the link to browse their latest deals:


Click the banner on the right to see Red Dragon’s current offers

(Affiliate link — thanks for supporting the blog!)


I’ll also be adding a NEW Darts Deals Page vet soon with verified discounts and partner codes, so check back if you’re looking for good value.


Let me know what kit you’re throwing with at the moment.Im always interested to hear what others are using and wh

What Is the Vault National Finals?

 

The Vault National Finals is the pinnacle of the Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC) Vault series — a fast-paced, structured darts competition that serves as a springboard for amateurs aspiring to break into elite levels. With a £65,000 prize fund, this one-day knockout showdown brings together the top 12 performers from each regional Vault circuit, making it a who's who of top-tier talent outside the Pro Tour (yet often including former Tour card holders). There will be over 300 competitors battling it out on Saturday 15th November at the fantastic Bradmoor Farm, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

Play starts at 10.00am (UK time)  and you can follow the scores here : https://www.dartsatlas.com/tournaments/yupSwmOPq9Je


Qualification takes the form of a Seven-week 'Vault' series runs across regions, featuring round-robin group stages (best-of-3 legs), leading into best-of-5 knockouts.This year's finals will attract over 300 players, showcasing consistent top-level play spanning multiple regions. It’s a marquee event, not just for the cash but also for national ranking points and potential entry into televised competitions like the Modus Super Series. On that note, it is a shame that this is not televised. In my opinion, this would make excellent viewing (even if just the highlights were aired)

Why This Matters

A key event for darts progression: players gain national ranking points, major cash rewards, and playing opportunities beyond the Vault. It has widespread representation from former pro players, the Finals truly blur the line between amateur and professional competition. For anyone tracking darts talent beyond the PDC Tour, this event is where rising and returning stars make their mark.

There are so many names that could potentially take the top prize of £10,000. Previous winners Neil Duff (WDF World Champion 2022) and current title holder, Thomas Banks will both be there. 

Here's just six potential contenders, but the list could be ten times that number:

Jack Tweddell

Jack has had an outstanding year.  He finished 7th on the PDC Challenge Tour and has played on the Pro Tour on a number of occasions this year, due to that high position. He has also been a regular on Modus Super Series stage,so has all the right credential for a good run.

Tyler Thorpe 

Those inside darts will be aware of the emergence of Tyler Thorpe. He recently broke a record at Modus, with the highest overall leg difference in a final group. He seems to be improving all the time and is a player in form.

Tom Sykes

Had a great and consistent couple of years. Always there or thereabouts, he is a heavy scorer and tough to get ahead of. He has gained a lot of Modus experience and is the sort of player that could easily handle the Pro Tour, as and when it comes his way. 

Shaun Fox

Shaun would be my tip to win. He seems to have been overlooked on the Modus Super Series stage, despite being one of the country's top amateur players. He showed some early season promise, by qualifying for the UK Open and he has had some good results throughout the year on the ADC circuit. Another player capable of very large averages and I expect to see him at the latter stages of this tournament. 

David Pallett

Another successful season on the WDF circuit, in particular, David has what it takes to win this. Ultra consistent and bags of stage and TV experience. Someone who could win the WDF World title this year, so this would be a great stepping stone. 

Gary Stone

Although Gary Stone is a very successful player, I always feel he has the ability to win so much more. He has a wealth of WDF and Modus experience, and is always thought of one of the main contenders in any event he enters. He has the ability to win this, just whether he can remain consistent is the key. 

A few of my local friends are in this tournament too, and I hope to see them progress. A few have a fair chance, so will be keeping a keen eye. 

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