What's in a Name? Which First Name Rules the Q4QS Rankings?

 

Every now and then I spot something in the rankings that makes me wonder...

This week I noticed that Luke Humphries sits at No.1 in the Q4QS Rankings, Luke Littler is No.2, and Luke Woodhouse isn't far behind.

So naturally I started thinking...

Is Luke the strongest first name in darts?

To find out, I grouped every player in the Q4QS rankings by first name. Rather than simply looking at the highest-ranked player, I added together the rankings of each name's best five players. That rewards names with real depth rather than just one superstar.

The results were a real surprise...

The Strongest First Names in Q4QS

🥇 1. Jack (Combined Ranking Score: 558)

• Jack Drayton (#34)

• Jack Aldridge (#50)

• Jack Tweddell (#136)

• Jack Johnson (#145)

• Jack Todd (#193)

🥈 2. Daniel (571)

• Daniel Ayres (#25)

• Daniel Klose (#46)

• Daniel Zapata (#87)

• Daniel Larsson (#171)

• Daniel Nicholls (#242)

🥉 3. James (670)

• James Wade (#13)

• James Beeton (#40)

• James Hurrell (#163)

• James Howard Hughes (#226)

• James Parkin (#228)

4. Ryan (761)

• Ryan Searle (#100)

• Ryan Hogarth (#114)

• Ryan Joyce (#119)

• Ryan Branley (#196)

• Ryan Furness (#232)

5. Michael (811)

• Michael van Gerwen (#6)

• Michael Smith (#84)

• Michael Unterbuchner (#178)

• Michael Wiles (#202)

• Michael Bajowski (#341)

6. Adam (812)

• Adam Gawlas (#37)

• Adam Sevada (#116)

• Adam Leek (#142)

• Adam Beck (#189)

• Adam Paxton

7. Scott (895)

• Scott Robertson (#26)

• Scott Waites (#29)

• Scott Walters (#258)

• Scott Campbell (#277)

• Scott Winder (#305)

So what about the Lukes?

This was the whole reason I looked into it.

With Luke Humphries at #1, Luke Littler at #2 and Luke Woodhouse at #11, I thought Luke would probably top the table.

Not even close!

Once you get beyond those three, the rankings thin out, meaning Luke only finishes 15th overall in the first-name standings.

It just shows that having the world's two best players doesn't necessarily give you the strongest name overall.

Is your name any good?

Being called Paul myself, I couldn't resist checking.

There are 107 Pauls in the current Q4QS rankings.

The leading five are:

• Paul Krohne (#19)

• Paul Milford (#240)

• Paul Rowley (#369)

• Paul Hogan (#379)

• Paul Redfern (#575)

That puts Paul in 17th place overall. Not bad... but I'll admit I'm slightly disappointed we couldn't crack the Top 10!

What about some of darts' legendary names?

I also wondered how some of the sport's most famous first names were represented today.

• Eric – Just 9 players appear in the rankings, with Eric Wadlow (#1064) currently leading the way.

• Phil – 27 players, headed by Phil Johnson-Hale (#708).

• Philip – 16 players, with Philip Van Gasse (#738) the highest ranked.

• Raymond – Led by Raymond Smith (#58) and Raymond van Barneveld (#399), giving the name a respectable showing.

• Ray – Only 6 players, with Ray Byron (#3302) currently the highest ranked.

It seems some of darts' most iconic names have become surprisingly uncommon in today's rankings.

Which name comes next?

This started as a bit of fun, but it turned out to be a fascinating look at the depth of talent behind each first name.

It also raises plenty of other questions...

• Which surname is strongest?

• Which first name is the most common?

• Which names are climbing fastest?

• Is there a lucky darts name after all?

I'll definitely be digging into the data again.

Q4QS Live – Public Beta Now Available

 

After several weeks of development and testing, I'm pleased to announce that Q4QS Live has entered Public Beta.

Q4QS Live is a live grassroots darts results broadcast that follows multiple tournaments simultaneously, bringing completed match results together into one easy-to-follow stream. Rather than switching between individual tournaments, you can keep up with the latest action from venues across the South West and beyond in a single TV-style broadcast.

The project is still in beta, and I'll continue making small improvements based on testing and feedback. My focus is on reliability first, followed by presentation, while keeping the broadcast simple and easy to follow.

If you'd like to see it in action, I'd love for you to drop in, have a watch and let me know what you think. Feedback is always welcome as I continue to develop Q4QS Live into the best grassroots darts results service I can.

Tonight's stream will have tournaments from the Midlands, South West, South, South East and Wales.

Note: it only shows knockout games, not group games - scores should start to flow around 90 mins after the tournament start time. (First tournament starts 18.30 UK time)

🎯 Watch Q4QS Live on YouTube:
Darts Vidiprinter

Under-Average Darts Competitions – Good for the Game?

 

Few topics in grassroots darts create as much debate as under-average competitions.

Speak to ten players and you'll probably get ten different opinions.

Over the last few years, the rise of the ADC has transformed opportunities for players across the UK. More people than ever are playing competitive darts, and crucially, many of those players are not county stars, former professionals or players averaging 80-plus. They are simply people who enjoy the game and want regular competition against opponents of a similar standard.

For many years, local tournaments often saw the same handful of top players dominating week after week. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, it could sometimes discourage newer or developing players from entering regularly. Nobody particularly enjoys paying an entry fee every week only to be knocked out immediately by a county player averaging 85.

The answer, it seems, has been the growth of under-average competitions.

The Route for Ambitious Players

For players with aspirations of reaching the highest levels of the game, the ADC Vault system has created a genuine pathway.

Players compete over a series of events within their region, earning points throughout the season. The strongest performers qualify for a Finals Day, where the winner can earn an invitation to compete on television in the Modus Super Series, subject to meeting the required average criteria (typically around 77+).

A strong run on the Modus stage can be life-changing. Television exposure brings opportunities for sponsorship, endorsements, prize money and increased recognition, all without necessarily having to navigate the challenges of PDC Q School or qualify for major WDF events.

For ambitious players, the Vault system offers a clear and realistic route to bigger opportunities.

Darts for Everyone

Not every player wants to become a professional.

Many players simply want competitive, enjoyable darts against opponents of a similar standard.

This is where under-average tournaments have become incredibly important.

Across the UK you'll find Under 70, Under 65 and Under 55 competitions, each designed to cater for different ability levels. In some areas there are even Under 45 events aimed at complete beginners and newer players.

The average limit itself is usually determined by the organiser, allowing flexibility depending on the local player base.

An Under 70 event might suit players who are progressing from pub darts or lower-level leagues and want stronger competition. Under 65 tournaments often sit comfortably between recreational and county-level standards. Under 55 events are ideal for newer players who are still developing consistency and confidence.

The beauty of the system is that players can choose the level that suits them best.

A player averaging 45 can still enter an Under 70 competition if they wish. They'll simply face tougher opposition and perhaps gain valuable experience. Equally, a player averaging 68 may choose to test themselves at open events or Vault competitions.

Another positive development is that the ADC pathway doesn't stop at the Vault Finals. Alongside the main Vault structure, competitions such as Core, Emerging and Rise Up provide additional opportunities for players to progress and earn recognition. Importantly, these events are not restricted by carrying average in the same way as many under-average tournaments, meaning players can continue to challenge themselves as they improve. It creates a ladder of progression where virtually every player entering a local ADC event has something to aim for, regardless of their current standard.

My Personal View

Personally, I've always believed that the goal should be to become too good for your current level.

If you're winning regularly at Under 55 level, perhaps it's time to move into Under 65 events. If you're consistently performing well there, maybe Under 70 or open competitions become the next challenge.

Progression is one of the most satisfying parts of darts.

The under-average system doesn't stop players improving. In fact, it often encourages development by giving players achievable stepping stones rather than expecting them to jump straight into events filled with county stars and former professionals.

The Argument Against

Of course, there are criticisms.

The most common argument is that stronger players now have fewer tournaments available to them. Historically, many local events were open to everyone, allowing the best players to compete wherever they wished.

There is certainly some truth in that.

Top players naturally want regular high-quality competition, and some feel that the increasing number of restricted events reduces their opportunities.

However, it's worth asking an important question.

If the same small group of elite players dominated every local tournament, would we see the participation numbers that exist today?

Many players who now compete weekly may never have entered the sport at all without under-average competitions. The confidence gained from competitive matches against players of similar ability often leads to greater participation, league involvement and long-term commitment to the game.

Finding the Balance

The reality is that grassroots darts needs both.

It needs Vault competitions and open events for ambitious players chasing higher honours.

It also needs Under 70, Under 65, Under 55 and beginner-level events to encourage participation and provide enjoyable competition for the vast majority of players.

The ADC is still relatively young, and not every town or city currently offers the same breadth of opportunities. Some areas have a thriving calendar of events at every level, while others are still developing.

But the direction of travel is clear.

Vaults continue to expand. Under-average events continue to attract strong entries. More players are entering competitive darts than ever before.

As long as organisers continue to provide opportunities for players of all abilities, darts remains a game for everyone.

And that's surely a good thing for the future of the sport.