8 Players Who Could Surprise at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship

 he PDC World Championship starts on 11th December, and while the favourites will naturally dominate the headlines, every year there are players outside the top bracket who produce big moments, cause early upsets, or go on unexpected runs. This tournament is perfect for that.A long format, set play, the pressure of Ally Pally, and the fact that many players peak at exactly the right time.

Here are eight players who may not be included in the title conversations but could easily make a serious impact this year.

Connor Scutt
A heavy scorer who impressed at the recent Grand Slam of Darts. He’s had a steady season but appears to be hitting form at just the right time. His draw could put him up against Gary Anderson and Jermaine Wattimena, and neither match is beyond him if he settles early. Scutt is dangerous when his scoring phase kicks in, and if the doubles follow, he could go further than many expect.

Dom Taylor
Another big scorer who seems to get punished every time he posts a ton-plus average. His recent loss to Andrew Gilding at the Players Championship Finals summed up his year  with the match in his hands,  missed doubles cost him. Still, when he’s flowing, he can trouble anyone. A potential run-in with Jonny Clayton or Michael Smith awaits, but on his day he has every chance.

James Hurrell
Hurrell enjoyed an excellent Players Championship outing recently and has shown real quality throughout the season. He has openly talked about working on his fitness, and that seems to have improved his consistency and confidence. A potential match with Dirk van Duijvenbode looks tough on paper, but in terms of form, Hurrell absolutely has a chance to progress.

Mervyn King
King could be an interesting outsider this year. He opens with a tricky match against Ian White, but if he comes through that, the path ahead may be kinder than expected. His regular success on the Modus Super Series has helped him maintain that “stage sharpness,” and a possible meeting with Rob Cross is far from unwinnable. If King starts well, the draw really could open up for him.

Bradley Brooks
Brooks finds himself in the same eighth of the draw as Luke Littler, which will deter most players – but he isn’t like most. A former World Youth Champion with genuine 100+ average potential, Brooks plays with confidence and very little fear. If he gets on a roll, he could set up a thrilling clash with Littler. On his day, he’s capable of putting anyone under real pressure.

Charlie Manby
One of the most exciting debutants in the field. Fresh from winning Champions Week at the Modus Super Series, Manby arrives with momentum and belief. He is capable of hitting massive averages when he finds his rhythm. If he can handle the Ally Pally nerves and come through a tricky opener against Cameron Menzies, the draw beyond that could allow him to go deep.

Matthew Dennant
Another debutant, but one who already carries himself like a seasoned pro. Dennant has been steady throughout the year and looks comfortable at Pro Tour level. With Challenge Tour and Modus Super Series experience behind him, he has the temperament for Ally Pally. He faces Kevin Doets first, then potentially Mike De Decker .Neither in their best form ,so Dennant has a realistic opportunity to progress.

Justin Hood
Hood is one of those dangerous floaters who can beat big names if he finds his game. His win over Damon Heta at the Players Championship Finals proved he can rise to the occasion. A strong Pro Tour season and appearances on the European Tour give him plenty of experience. If he overcomes Nick Kenny, he might face Danny Noppert next, but Hood has shown he can lift his level against top opponents.

These eight players may not be top of the betting lists, but each has the game, mindset and pathway to make a real impression. The World Championship always delivers surprises, and don’t be shocked if one or more of these names helps create them.

Thursday Night Round Robin – A Tough One Mentally

 Another Thursday night wrapped up, and this one was a real test of patience. The numbers tell the story quite well:

• Average: 43.92

• First 9 Average: 56.55

• 100+ Scores: 8

• Legs Won: 1

• Legs Lost: 10

The scoring patches were actually decent.A  56.55 first-9 average shows that when I get going, the darts still come out straight and with intent. But once again, the big issue was the same: doubles. They continue to desert me, and at the moment they’re costing me match after match.

I’m going through a strange phase where I’m massively overthinking everything on the oche. Grip, stance, follow-through, tempo… all the things you shouldn’t be thinking about mid-game. Every now and again I relax naturally and the throw feels smooth, but the moment I realise I’m throwing well, I tighten up again. That mental battle is exhausting.

What frustrates me most is that I know the player I am. At home, in practice, and even in isolated legs in matches, I throw like someone with a 60-average game in the tank. But right now, my head is getting in the way more than anything physical. The darts are fine. My mechanics are fine. The mindset is the issue.

But this is part of the sport. Every player at any level goes through these patches.Periods where nothing feels natural and the doubles feel impossible. The important thing is to ride it out, keep putting the work in, and find ways to bring that calmer, freer practice throw into competition.

I’ll be working doubles hard over the next few days. The moment they start landing again, everything else will lift with them.

This spell will pass. It always does.

ADC GLOBAL CHAMPIONSHIP 2025/26 — QUICK GUIDE

The ADC Global Championship is the flagship event of the Amateur Darts Circuit, bringing together 56 players from around the world for the richest prize fund in amateur darts. Every match is broadcast live through the MODUS Super Series on Pluto TV, giving amateur players true TV-level exposure.

Inaugural Champion (2024)

The first-ever ADC Global Championship took place in 2024, and Devon Petersen made history by becoming the inaugural champion. His victory set the tone for what is now one of the most exciting non-professional championships in the sport.

Prize Fund

Total prize pool: £150,000
Winner: £60,000
Runner-up: approx. £20,000
Semi-finals: approx. £8,000
Quarter-finals: approx. £4,000
Prize money is paid out throughout the field, making it a financially significant event even for early exits.

How to Qualify

Players can qualify through multiple routes across different regions.

UK & Ireland

Regional ADC titles
Major ADC Open winners
MODUS Super Series event winners
National ranking positions
Last-chance knockout qualifiers

International Pathways

Qualification varies by region but typically includes national ADC rankings, regional championships, standout invitations, and global member qualifiers. Participating regions include Europe, Africa, Asia, Oceania, North America, and emerging Middle Eastern setups.

Tournament Format

Stage 1 – Group Stage (56 players)
8 groups of 7, round-robin, best of 7 legs. Top 4 from each group progress.

Stage 2 – Second Group Phase (32 players)
8 groups of 4, usually double round-robin, best of 7 legs. Only the group winners go through.

Stage 3 – Finals (Last 8)
Quarter-finals (best of 11), semi-finals (best of 13), final (best of 17).

Where to Watch

All matches are shown live on:
MODUS Super Series
Pluto TV (free worldwide)

This gives amateur players unprecedented exposure on a professional broadcast platform, complete with walk-ons, interviews, and full production value.

Why It Matters

It’s one of the highest-paying amateur events in darts. It’s global. It’s televised. And it provides a genuine stepping stone towards the PDC or WDF professional systems. For many players, qualification alone is a huge achievement. 

I will write a preview once we get to Stage 3 and the final 8 competitors.

Wednesday Under 55 Average Comp – December 3rd Round-Up

Another Wednesday night, another chance to put some practice into competition  and this time there were definite signs of progress.

I played in the Under 55 Average Competition, and although I went out in the quarter-finals, there were a lot of positives to take. My scoring felt sharper, and I actually hit a 79 first-9-dart average in my opening match, easily one of my best starts in recent weeks.

What really pleased me was how relaxed I felt compared to previous tournaments. I wasn’t fighting my throw or overthinking too much, and that showed in the way the darts were grouping. My overall average for the night was 44.86, which, while not spectacular, reflected a much steadier rhythm.

If there was one frustration, it was finishing. The doubles didn’t come as easily as I’d like, a familiar story for most of us! But the scoring foundation was there, and that’s what I’m taking forward. I hit ten 100+ scores and two 140+ scores, so was happy with that. 

The plan now is to carry that confidence into Thursday’s Open Competition and, hopefully, be a bit more clinical on the outer ring. If I can combine that same relaxed mindset with a sharper eye on doubles, I’ll be moving in the right direction.

Step by step  it’s coming together.

How Do You Know Which Darts Are Right for You?

Choosing the right set of darts can feel like guesswork at first. With so many weights, barrel shapes, shaft lengths and flight styles available, it’s easy to wonder whether there’s a simple way to figure out what suits you. The truth is that darts are extremely personal: the way you throw, grip and feel the dart matters far more than what any pro uses.

I’ve gone through this myself. I’ve tried different designs, shapes and styles, but I always seem to drift back to my scalloped Mervyn King darts. They just fit the way I grip the dart  right in the middle of the barrel and give me a sense of control I struggle to find with anything else. That in itself tells you something: the 'right' darts aren’t necessarily the most expensive or the most popular. They’re the ones that feel natural in your hand.

Weight – the Starting Point

Most players settle somewhere between 18g and 26g, but the important part is how the dart behaves when you release it.

• If you tend to throw quickly, a lighter dart might suit you because it won’t drag through the air.

• If your throw is slower or more deliberate, a slightly heavier dart often feels steadier.

There’s no magic number. You simply want a dart that lands where you expect it to land without feeling like you’re forcing it.

Barrel Shape and Grip – Matching Your Hold

This is where things become much more individual. Some players hold right at the front, some in the middle, some at the rear. The barrel should support that natural grip.

• Front-grippers often prefer darts with more shape or grip at the nose.

• Rear-grippers might like a design that tapers backwards.

• Middle-grippers (like me) often get on well with a scallop or a ringed grip in the central section.

If you pick up a dart and feel your fingers naturally lock in without slipping or readjusting, that’s usually a good sign.

Shaft and Flight – Fine-Tuning the Flight Path

Once you’ve found a barrel you like, the shaft length and flight size help influence how the dart moves through the air.

• Shorter shafts can make the dart behave quicker and are often chosen by players with a snappier motion.

• Longer shafts and bigger flights can add stability and help straighten the dart in flight.

This is the part that’s often overlooked but can completely change how the dart behaves, even if the barrel stays the same. Sometimes swapping to a different flight shape solves an issue you thought was caused by the dart itself.

So… Is There a Way to 'Know' Which Darts Are Right?

Not instantly. But there is a pattern:

• Choose a comfortable weight to start.

• Let your natural grip guide the barrel shape.

• Use shafts and flights to tidy up the flight path.

• Stick with a setup long enough to develop confidence before making big changes.

It’s also worth paying attention to what you reach for without thinking. I’ve tried plenty of darts, yet I always go back to the Mervyn Kings. That alone tells me they suit my hand, my grip, and my throw. Very often, the dart you feel most relaxed with ends up being the right one.

Final Thought

The perfect dart doesn’t exist, but the perfect dart for you does. It’s the one that feels natural, doesn’t force you into an unfamiliar grip, and allows you to forget about the equipment and simply throw. That’s when the good darts start to follow.

Practice Update – Reset Week Before the New 4-Week Plan

 After a strange spell recently, I’ve decided this week is all about resetting, relaxing, and finding the feel again. The proper restart of my 4-week improvement plan begins next Monday, but for now I’m keeping things simple: no drills, no pressure, just throwing.

I’ve gone back to my trusty Mervyn King darts (22g). Every time I drift too far into experimenting, these seem to be the ones that bring me back to myself. I’m not running through routines or playing training games at the moment,  just throwing naturally, trying to rediscover that smooth, unforced rhythm.

And honestly… it’s starting to work.

By loosening my shoulder and loosening my grip, the throw feels less mechanical and more instinctive again. The wild darts are reducing, the grouping is returning, and I’m not fighting the dart on release like I was a week or two ago. It’s nothing dramatic, but the small improvements are noticeable.

Tomorrow will be the real test at the Under 55 Average Tournament. If I can bring some of this relaxed, at-home feeling into match play, that’s a big step forward.

One week of calm, then the serious work begins again on Monday. Feeling cautiously optimistic.

Bert Vlaardingerbroek – The Dutch Trailblazer Who Opened the Door to World Championship Darts

 

Before the Netherlands became one of the great powerhouses of world darts, before sold-out arenas chanted for Barney or MVG, and long before the country produced a steady stream of international champions, there was one man who took the very first step onto the biggest stage.

That man was Bert Vlaardingerbroek.

In 1988, Vlaardingerbroek became the first Dutch player ever to appear at a darts World Championship, earning his place at the BDO World Championship. It may not have made huge global headlines at the time, but for Dutch darts, it was a genuinely historic milestone. It proved that players from the Netherlands belonged on the sport’s biggest platform, and that the emerging darts scene back home was capable of producing world-level talent.

A Quiet Pioneer With a Lasting Impact

While many modern fans are more familiar with names like Raymond van Barneveld or Michael van Gerwen, Vlaardingerbroek’s role came long before their rise. He was part of a generation playing in an era where international qualifiers were far rarer and opportunities for non-British players were extremely limited.

By reaching the World Championship when he did, he effectively opened the door for others. His appearance showed aspiring Dutch players that competing at Lakeside wasn’t just a dream, it was achievable.

A Strong Competitive Record

Although his 1988 debut ended early, Vlaardingerbroek was far from a one-tournament wonder. Throughout the late 1980s he produced several notable results, including deep runs in major opens and respected performances on the European circuit. Those achievements helped raise the profile of Dutch darts at a time when the country was still finding its identity within the sport.

He went on to appear in multiple World Championships and became a familiar name to fans who followed the international scene closely. His consistency and presence helped lay the groundwork for the explosion of Dutch talent that was soon to follow.

The Legacy He Helped Shape

It’s easy to forget now, with the Netherlands regularly producing:

• world champions,

• Premier League stars,

• and major winners across the PDC and WDF…

…but there was a time when Dutch darts had no real global footprint. Vlaardingerbroek helped change that.

Within a decade of his pioneering appearance, the Netherlands began rapidly climbing the darts ladder. More players qualified for the World Championship, Dutch opens grew in size and prestige, and the country soon developed one of the strongest darts cultures in the world.

Without Vlaardingerbroek’s early breakthrough, the path may have been much slower.

Why His Story Matters Today

In the modern era, it’s easy to focus on the big names and the big stages. But the sport’s history is shaped by the players who took the first steps when the path wasn’t clear.

Bert Vlaardingerbroek was one of those players.
A quiet pioneer.
A foundation stone in the rise of Dutch darts.

Every time a Dutch player walks onto the Ally Pally, Lakeside, or a European Tour stage, a little part of that moment can be traced back to 1988, to the man who showed it could be done.