UKDA National Finals 2026 Review

 

The UKDA National Finals represent one of the highlights of the grassroots darts calendar, bringing together county champions, league winners and some of the best players from across England and Wales to compete for national honours.

While professional events naturally attract most of the headlines, weekends like this remind us just how much quality exists throughout the county game. Across the singles, pairs and Champions Cup competitions there were outstanding performances, dramatic deciding legs and several worthy champions crowned.

Here's my review of an excellent weekend of darts.

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Men's Champions Cup

The Men's Champions Cup produced a superb final as Portcullis edged Kings Head 4-3 to lift the title.

It was fitting that the final went all the way, with both teams producing solid performances throughout the weekend before delivering another closely fought contest when the trophy was on the line. Portcullis averaged 78.22 across the final compared to Kings Head's 75.61, illustrating just how competitive the match remained from start to finish.

Portcullis reached the final after a convincing 6-1 semi-final victory over Slough, while Kings Head booked their place by defeating Lincoln 4-3.

A one-leg victory in the final capped an impressive campaign and earned Portcullis the National Champions Cup title.

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Women's Champions Cup

The Women's Champions Cup final was another entertaining contest.

Armed & Hammered defeated Springfield A 3-2 to become national champions after a closely fought final.

Having averaged just over 60 compared with Springfield's 58, Armed & Hammered produced the stronger overall performance when it mattered most, but Springfield pushed them all the way before eventually falling just short.

Both teams had negotiated difficult knockout draws to reach the final, making it a fitting conclusion to the women's team competition.

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Men's National Pairs

The Men's National Pairs produced several excellent matches throughout the knockout stages before an outstanding final.

John-Sebastian Wright & Ashley Coleman claimed the title after edging Lee Budgen & Reece Robinson 4-3 in a thrilling decider.

The eventual runners-up had already survived a deciding-leg semi-final against Nigel Prior and Jake Eichen, while Wright and Coleman booked their place with a convincing 4-1 victory over Lewis Mayes and Raymond Marshall.

With so many matches decided by narrow margins throughout the latter stages, the final perfectly reflected the quality and competitiveness of the event.

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Women's National Pairs

The Women's National Pairs title went to Sally Smith & Kate Hulme, who produced an outstanding display to defeat Eve Watson & Sandra Quinn 4-0 in the final.

Their route to the title was equally impressive, including a deciding-leg semi-final victory over Amy Chappell and Faye Mason before producing arguably their best performance of the weekend in the championship match.

Watson and Quinn also enjoyed an excellent tournament, coming through a tough draw to reach the final before eventually finishing runners-up.

Women's Singles

The Women's Singles produced a superb conclusion to the UKDA National Finals, with Vicky Pruim completing an unbeaten run to lift the title.

Pruim won all seven of her matches across the competition, finishing with an overall tournament average of 76.11, but the scorelines only tell part of the story. Her route to the title included several high-quality opponents and two testing encounters in the closing stages.

The quarter-finals featured an excellent line-up, with Eleanor Cairns edging Rhian O'Sullivan 4-3 in the closest match of the round, while Vicky Pruim overcame Jennifer Nuttall 4-2. Lisa Ashton produced another battling performance to defeat Eve Watson 4-3, before former world champion Deta Hedman completed the semi-final line-up with a 4-2 victory over Lauryn Salter.

The semi-finals delivered two fascinating contests. Pruim was pushed all the way by Eleanor Cairns before prevailing 4-3, while Deta Hedman demonstrated all of her experience with an impressive 4-1 victory over Lisa Ashton to reach another major final.

That set up a final between two highly respected names in the women's game, but it was Pruim who saved her best performance for the biggest stage. A commanding 5-1 victory over Deta Hedman secured the national title and completed an outstanding unbeaten weekend.

While Pruim deservedly takes the headlines, Deta Hedman's run to the final once again demonstrated why she remains one of the most respected competitors in the sport. Lisa Ashton also reached the last four after another strong campaign, while Eleanor Cairns' deciding-leg semi-final showed just how competitive the event had become.

Overall, the Women's Singles showcased both established stars and emerging talent, producing an entertaining championship and a worthy National Champion.

Men's Singles

The Men's Singles provided a fitting climax to the UKDA National Finals, delivering a tournament packed with quality, consistency and several memorable performances.

The standout player throughout the weekend was Jack Johnson, who completed a perfect campaign by winning all eight of his matches to become UKDA Men's National Champion. Johnson also finished with an impressive overall tournament average of 88.43, underlining the consistency that carried him through an exceptionally strong field.

The knockout stages featured several eye-catching contests. Darryl Pilgrim edged Paul Rowley 4-3 in one of the matches of the quarter-finals, while Jack Johnson defeated Sean Holley 4-1. James Hubbard booked his place in the last four with a 4-2 victory over Thomas Lovely, before Owen Bates completed the semi-final line-up with an emphatic 4-0 success against Dean Reynolds.

Johnson then produced one of his strongest displays of the tournament in the semi-finals, defeating James Hubbard 5-1 to reach the championship match. The other semi-final proved to be one of the contests of the weekend as Owen Bates edged Darryl Pilgrim 5-4 in a deciding-leg thriller.

That set up a meeting between the tournament's two outstanding performers.

Bates had impressed throughout the weekend, finishing with the highest overall tournament average of the finalists at 92.72, while Johnson had simply found ways to keep winning. The final lived up to expectations, with Johnson eventually claiming a 6-4 victory to secure the national title.

Bates can take enormous credit from an outstanding tournament, reaching the final after seven victories and producing some of the highest-quality darts of the weekend. Darryl Pilgrim and James Hubbard also enjoyed excellent runs to the semi-finals, while Dean Reynolds, Sean Holley, Thomas Lovely and Paul Rowley all reached the last eight after consistently high-level performances.

The overall standard of the Men's Singles was outstanding, demonstrating once again the remarkable depth of talent currently competing within county darts. Johnson's unbeaten title run will rightly be remembered as one of the standout performances of the 2026 UKDA National Finals.

PDC Euro Tour Event 10 Preview

Another European Tour weekend is upon us and, as always, it looks packed with storylines.

Recent ProTour events have produced several surprise runs, emerging stars continue to push towards the elite, while some of the biggest names in world darts are looking to rediscover the consistency that has made them multiple title winners.

Nijman looking every inch a contender

If there is one player arriving with genuine momentum, it has to be Wessel Nijman.

Already sitting fourth in the Q4QS rankings, Nijman arrives after lifting the PDC Slovak title with a superb tournament average of 99.45, including an outstanding 103.80 average in his victory over Rob Cross. Although his most recent Players Championship ended in an early exit, his recent body of work suggests he is becoming one of the most dangerous players on the circuit.

Dobey continues to produce big numbers

Chris Dobey remains one of the most reliable scorers in the game.

An eight wins from his last ten matches highlights his consistency, while a 105.09 match average earlier in the Players Championship series reminded everyone just how explosive "Hollywood" can be. Another quarter-final last time out keeps him firmly among the favourites to go deep once again.

Can Van Gerwen find another title?

Michael van Gerwen's season has perhaps lacked the relentless consistency fans expect from the Dutch legend, but the quality is still there.

His Players Championship victory earlier in the season featured a tournament average of almost 102 and included a 106.57 average in the final against Dirk van Duijvenbode. When MVG finds his rhythm, few players can live with him.

Woodhouse quietly building momentum

Luke Woodhouse may not always dominate the headlines, but his recent form deserves plenty of attention.

Winner of the Baltic Sea Open before reaching the final of Players Championship 24, Woodhouse has won eight of his last ten matches and looks full of confidence heading into another European Tour weekend.

Ross Smith remains a major threat

Ross Smith's scoring power is never in doubt.

A Players Championship title, tournament average above 100 and a remarkable 107 average in one of his recent victories show exactly why nobody will want to face him early in the draw. If his finishing clicks, he has every chance of lifting another title.

Experienced names searching for another big weekend

James Wade, Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting all arrive with reasons for optimism.

Wade continues to produce high-quality performances despite a few frustrating early exits, Aspinall already owns a European Tour title this season and has won seven of his last ten matches, while Bunting has shown flashes of the form that made him one of the most dangerous players earlier this year.

Keep an eye on the next generation

The European Tour continues to provide opportunities for younger players to announce themselves.

Sebastian Bialecki arrives after Development Tour success, while Gian van Veen continues to impress after another recent semi-final run. Wessel Nijman is already proving he belongs among the game's elite, and several younger stars look capable of making another statement this weekend.

Dark horses

Every European Tour seems to produce one or two surprise packages.

Kevin Doets continues to produce excellent averages and remains capable of beating anyone on his day. Mickey Mansell comes into the weekend after another quarter-final run, while Joe Cullen has quietly put together some encouraging performances despite not yet making a major breakthrough.

My players to watch

If I had to pick six players most likely to make a serious impact this weekend, they would be:

• Wessel Nijman

• Chris Dobey

• Michael van Gerwen

• Luke Woodhouse

• Ross Smith

• Nathan Aspinall

With established champions, in-form outsiders and several rising stars all capable of winning on the European Tour, Event 10 promises another fascinating weekend. Recent form suggests there are plenty of genuine contenders, and I wouldn't be surprised if another fresh name finds themselves lifting the trophy on Sunday.

MODUS Super Series Week 11 Preview – Can Anybody Stop The Form Players?

The MODUS Super Series rolls into Week 11, bringing together another fascinating mix of experienced professionals, former tour card holders, international representatives and in-form ADC competitors.

As always, the unique MODUS format rewards consistency as much as brilliance. A fast start can be invaluable, but momentum often shifts throughout the week as players become accustomed to the pace and pressure of live streaming.

Several players arrive carrying excellent recent form, while others will be hoping that experience on the big stage can carry them deep into the competition.

Ron Meulenkamp Arrives Full Of Confidence

Dutch ace Ron Meulenkamp heads into the week as one of the standout players.

His recent form has been exceptional, reaching the final of the Swiss Open while averaging over 91, alongside an outstanding 9 wins from his last 10 matches in the Q4QS database. He's producing heavy scoring and looks capable of going all the way if he settles quickly.

Lewis Pride Looking To Build Momentum

Young English talent Lewis Pride continues to impress.

A recent ADC Winmau Championship finalist, Pride has already shown he can compete with established professionals. His 8-2 record over his last ten matches suggests he is arriving full of confidence and could be one of the week's biggest dangers.

Experience Counts

The field also contains several hugely experienced names.

Former World Cup representative Devon Petersen brings years of televised experience and remains one of the game's most entertaining characters.

Former Players Championship winner Kevin Painter needs little introduction and will always be dangerous if he finds his scoring rhythm.

Irish veteran John O'Shea has enjoyed success throughout his long career and knows exactly how to handle pressure situations.

Meanwhile, former Lakeside World Champion Richie Burnett possesses the pedigree to beat anybody on his day, even if recent results haven't quite matched his highest standards.

The Outside Contenders

One of the attractions of the MODUS Super Series is that there is usually room for a surprise package.

Lee Evans arrives after winning a recent Vault 18 title and boasts a superb 9-1 record from his last ten matches, making him an intriguing outsider.

Adrian Gray has quietly pieced together several deep runs recently, including a semi-final appearance and a quarter-final in the ADC Winmau Championship South.

Carl Wilson has shown plenty of scoring power over recent months and could spring one or two surprises if he settles into the format quickly.

Players To Watch

While several former professionals will naturally attract attention, recent form suggests this week's competition could be more open than many expect.

If Ron Meulenkamp and Lewis Pride reproduce the form they've shown over the past month, they look capable of making deep runs, but the experienced campaigners in the field are more than capable of turning the tournament on its head.

With live streaming, short-format matches and daily league tables, another entertaining week of MODUS Super Series darts looks guaranteed.

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🎯 Q4QS Six To Follow

🇳🇱 Ron Meulenkamp

The form player. A recent Swiss Open finalist with a 9-1 record over his last ten matches.

🏴 Lewis Pride

One of the rising stars in the field. Already proving he can compete with established professionals.

🏴 Lee Evans

Recent Vault winner who arrives with plenty of confidence and could surprise a few people.

🏴 Adrian Gray

Quietly putting together consistent performances and looks ready to take another step forward.

🏴 Carl Wilson

Heavy scorer capable of producing match-winning averages when everything clicks.

🇿🇦 Devon Petersen

Experience, personality and proven quality. Never underestimate what he can produce on the MODUS stage. 

From Pub Player to Professional: The Road to Becoming a Professional Darts Player

 

Every darts fan has imagined it.

The winning double. The walk-on music. The packed crowd. The television cameras. The dream of earning a Tour Card and competing against the world's best.

But how realistic is it?

The truth is that every professional darts player started exactly where most of us are now – playing in local leagues, pubs, clubs and county events. Nobody begins as a professional. The journey starts with a single dart.

Step 1: Learn the Basics

Before thinking about rankings, averages or Q School, you need a solid foundation.

Focus on:

• A repeatable throw
• Consistent stance and grip
• Basic scoring
• Finishing doubles

Many new players obsess over 180s. In reality, doubles win matches.

A player averaging 60 but finishing well will often beat a player averaging 70 who cannot hit doubles.

Step 2: Play Regularly

Improvement comes from competition.

Practice is important, but match experience is where players truly develop.

Look for:

• Local pub leagues
• Open tournaments
• Youth events
• County competitions
• Darts Atlas events
• ADC events

The more different opponents you face, the quicker you learn.

Step 3: Track Your Progress

One mistake many players make is relying on memory.

Keep records of:

• Averages
• Win percentages
• Highest checkouts
• 180s
• Tournament results

Statistics reveal strengths and weaknesses that you may not notice during matches.

This is one reason grassroots ranking systems such as Q4QS are becoming increasingly valuable. They allow players to measure progress against others in their area and across the country.

Step 4: Build Consistency

The biggest difference between a decent player and a top player is consistency.

Most players can throw a brilliant leg.

Far fewer can do it for an entire tournament.

Professional players produce quality darts week after week, month after month, year after year.

Consistency is built through:

• Regular practice
• Match experience
• Confidence
• Mental resilience

Step 5: Raise Your Average

As a rough guide:

• 40-50 average: Beginner
• 50-60 average: Developing player
• 60-70 average: Strong local player
• 70-80 average: County standard
• 80-90 average: National level
• 90+ average: Professional standard

These figures are not exact, but they provide useful milestones.

Remember that averages alone do not tell the full story. Finishing and matchplay are equally important.

Step 6: Travel and Test Yourself

Many players become comfortable winning locally.

The next challenge is travelling.

Playing different venues and different regions exposes you to stronger fields and different playing conditions.

It also helps build experience under pressure.

The players who improve fastest are usually those who seek tougher competition rather than avoiding it.

Step 7: Develop the Right Mindset

Talent helps.

Mindset matters more.

Every successful player experiences:

• Bad form
• Heavy defeats
• Missed doubles
• Tournament exits

The difference is that they keep turning up.

Progress in darts is rarely a straight line.

Some weeks you feel unstoppable.

Other weeks you cannot hit a double.

Keep playing.

Keep learning.

Keep improving.

Step 8: Consider Q School

For many ambitious players, the ultimate target is Q School.

The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Q School offers players the opportunity to earn a Tour Card and compete professionally.

However, success at Q School usually follows years of development, competition and experience.

Most players who succeed have already built a strong foundation through local, county and national competition.

The Reality

Very few players will become full-time professionals.

But that should not stop anyone trying.

The journey itself is rewarding.

You make friends, visit new venues, experience memorable matches and continuously challenge yourself to improve.

And every professional darts player once stood exactly where you are now.

The road starts with one dart.

Where it ends is up to you.

Time for a Reset

Tonight was one of those nights.

I didn't win a single leg.

The strange thing is that my average wasn't completely terrible, but the results certainly were. Walking away without a leg win is never enjoyable, and it has forced me to take a long, hard look at where my game currently stands.

The truth is that I know I'm capable of better. I've shown flashes of it. I've had good legs, good spells, and good tournaments. The problem isn't a lack of ability. The problem is that I'm not currently doing anything focused enough to solve the issues that keep appearing.

If I'm honest, this isn't just a darts problem.

It's something I do in life generally.

I overwhelm myself with ideas, projects, plans and possibilities. Instead of focusing on one thing and improving it, I end up trying to tackle everything at once. The result is that progress becomes slower than it should be.

So it's time for a rethink.

Not a dramatic one. Not because I'm angry or depressed about tonight. Quite the opposite. I'm actually feeling quite positive about it.

I think I need to strip everything right back to basics.

Physically, that means rebuilding my throw from the ground up. Looking at stance, alignment, grouping and consistency. No shortcuts. No miracle fixes. Just simple, deliberate practice.

Mentally, it means getting my head in the right place again. Finding focus. Removing noise. Concentrating on the things that actually matter instead of worrying about everything at once.

I've even started thinking about whether Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) might be useful. Not specifically for darts, but for helping me organise my thinking, improve focus and gain better perspective. The lessons could easily transfer onto the oche.

This isn't a blog post about giving up.

It's a blog post about starting again.

The good news is that I know I'm not alone. Every darts player seems to hit these periods where they know there's more in the tank but can't quite unlock it. Every player has moments where the game feels harder than it should.

So over the next few weeks I'm going back to basics. I'll document what I'm doing, what works, what doesn't work, and whether the changes make a difference.

And if I manage to find something that genuinely helps, I'll make sure I share it.

Because I suspect there are plenty of players out there standing exactly where I am right now.

Q4QS Baltic Sea Darts Open Preview 29th-31st May 2026

 While Quest for Q School mainly focuses on grassroots darts around Bristol and the South West, the database itself also contains a mix of PDC, Challenge Tour, Development Tour and international federation data.

With the Baltic Sea Darts Open taking place this weekend, I thought it would be interesting to run the current field through the Q4QS database and share some of the outputs ahead of the tournament.

Wessel Nijman currently heads the latest Q4QS rankings, with Chris Dobey and Kevin Doets also rating strongly based on recent performances across multiple events in the database. Mike De Decker and Gian van Veen also continue to impress with strong recent form heading into the weekend.

Sebastian Bialecki and Niko Springer appear among the most interesting rising names in the field, while experienced players such as Danny Noppert, Damon Heta and Jermaine Wattimena remain firmly in the mix.

As always, these previews are intended as a fun data-based look at the event, and it will be interesting to see how the current rankings perform over the course of the weekend. 🎯

Future Stars of Darts: 9 Young Players Set to Shine

 With Gian van Veen retaining the World Youth Championship and the JDC holding it's World Championship currently,  it’s a great time to reflect on how important this tournament has become for shaping future stars. 

Since its current format began in 2011, winners like Michael Smith, Dimitri Van den Bergh, Josh Rock, Gian van Veen, and Luke Littler have all gone on to claim major TV titles and some big names have made finals including Nathan Aspinall and Michael van Gerwen This platform being used as a springboard to success.

Clearly, the youth system,alongside the Junior Darts Corporation (JDC) and Development Tour and provides a solid grounding for players aiming for the top. So, who might we be talking about in the next few years? Here are nine names to watch:

Archie Self (England)

Currently the JDC World No.1, Archie has dominated the Advanced Tour with multiple titles and finals appearances. He also won the WDF Boys’ World Championship and reached the senior England Open semi-finals at just 15. His scoring power and composure under pressure make him a standout prospect.

Jack Nankervis (England)

Jack burst onto the scene by winning six Foundation Tour events at age 12 and three Advanced Tour titles at 13. He’s already challenged Luke Littler in the MVG Masters final and posted a 101 average in the Winmau Junior Open. Expect him to be a Development Tour force very soon.

Tergel Khurelkhuu (Mongolia)

A trailblazer for Asian darts, Tergel topped the JDC Advanced Tour rankings and has produced mid-90 averages on big stages. His rapid rise and fearless approach suggest he could become a global ambassador for the sport.

Lex Paeshuyse (Belgium)

Lex made history as the youngest JDC World Champion at 13, averaging over 90 in the final. Belgium has produced stars like Dimitri Van den Bergh, and Lex looks ready to follow in those footsteps.

Owen Bryceland (Scotland)

At just 10 years old, Owen won the JDC Scotland Masters and is already drawing comparisons to Luke Littler. His natural talent and early success make him one to watch for the long term.

Jack Johnson (England)

Jack claimed the JDC Super 16 title in 2025, defeating Jayden Walker in a high-quality final. His ability to handle pressure and produce big finishes is impressive for his age.

Jayden Walker (England)

Runner-up in the Super 16, Jayden hit a 101 average and a 14-darter during the event. His scoring power and temperament suggest he’ll be a regular name on youth leaderboards.

Colton Dunn (CAN)

North America’s brightest youth talent, Colton topped the CDC Junior Evolution Tour and earned a spot at the JDC World Cup. His progress could help ignite darts in the U.S. market.

Rebecca Allen (England)

Female talent is also emerging strongly, and Rebecca Allen is leading the charge. She’s been making waves in JDC events and is tipped as a future star who could inspire more women and girls to take up the sport.

Weekend Round-Up: Grand Slam Glory, World Championship Qualifiers, and More

 The PDC Grand Slam of Darts wrapped up with a cracking final. It was the battle of the two Lukes ,Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, in a match that lived up to their world-ranking status. Littler came out on top, winning 16–11, and by reaching the final, he made history as the youngest player ever to become PDC World No. 1. Both now head to Minehead for the Players Championship Finals, where the draw could see them meet again in another blockbuster final.

It wasn’t just about the Grand Slam this weekend. Across Europe, five players booked their spots at Ally Pally for December: Cristo Reyes, Adam Gawlas, Krzysztof Kciuk, Boris Krcmar, and Andy Baetens. They’ll be joined by Mitsuhiko Tatsunami, who secured his place by winning the Japan Steel Darts Tour. 

Great to see Reyes back on the big stage as only days ago, I wrote about Spanish players making their mark, and this proves the point.

One of the biggest talking points of the weekend came from the JDC Unsigned event, where 13-year-old Harley Glycos hit a nine-dart leg, becoming only the third player ever to do so at a JDC event. Even more impressive, he beat Luke Littler’s record as the youngest player to achieve this feat. A name to watch for the future.

In the WDF, Jenson Walker claimed the Malta Open, beating Cliff Prior in the final. Walker’s decision to focus on WDF events this season has paid off, and he looks like a serious contender for the upcoming WDF World Championships.

The Amateur Darts Circuit (ADC) saw over 300 players take part in the Vault Finals weekend, proving just how strong the amateur scene is right now. With a £10,000 prize for the winner, this is no small achievement for a non-professional event. The eventual champion was Chas Barstow, who produced stunning performances, hitting 100+ averages in both his quarter-final and semi-final matches before defeating Martin Grearson in the final. A huge statement from Barstow and a reminder that the amateur circuit is packed with talent.

What a weekend for darts history made, records broken, and new stars emerging. Next stop: Minehead for the Players Championship Finals 

 

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.

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⭐ 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.

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🏆 🏆 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.

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🌑 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.

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⚡ 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.

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📈 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!

Why Darts Players Obsess Over Averages. And Why It Doesn’t Always Matter

 Walk into any darts tournament and you’ll hear one number more than any other: the average. Players track it, fans quote it, and commentators celebrate it. In darts culture, your three-dart average is seen as the ultimate measure of ability.

But here’s the twist: winning tournaments rarely requires the highest average.

The Myth of the Average

I ran a quick study across major events and found something surprising: the player who lifts the trophy almost never tops the average chart. Why? Because darts isn’t just about scoring big—it’s about timing, finishing, and handling pressure.

Averages can be inflated by easy wins or dead legs, but when it comes to crunch moments, checkout percentages and composure matter far more.

The Data: 11 Players Championship Events

I looked at the first 11 PDC Players Championship tournaments in 2025. Here’s what I found:

• In 0 out of 11 events, the winner had the highest tournament average.
• In most cases, the highest average belonged to a player who didn’t even reach the final.
• The gap between the winner’s average and the top average was often 5–10 points.

Why Does This Happen?

• Matchplay -  Scoring Power
  Darts is about timing. You can average 110 in a first-round blowout, but if you crumble under pressure in the quarters, you’re out.

• Short Format Variance
  Players Championship events are best-of-11 legs early on. One bad leg can hurt your average, but not your chances if you win the big moments.

• Mental Game
  Closing out legs under pressure matters more than hitting big trebles when you’re cruising.

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So, Are Averages Pointless?

Not at all. Averages are a great indicator of scoring consistency. But they’re not the ultimate measure of ability. In fact, they might be the most misleading stat in darts if taken in isolation.

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Takeaway

Next time you hear someone brag about their average, ask: 'Did you win?' Because in darts, winning beats averaging every time.