Once a game confined to smoky corners of British pubs, darts has grown into a global phenomenon with a fiercely competitive professional circuit. The greatest darts players in the world boast breathtaking performances, incredible consistency and a unique ability to deliver under pressure.
And anyone who’s seen a heated battle against the greatest darts players will know that pressure can be immense. It’s been tricky to narrow down our list, but we think we’ve come up with the magic formula of players who you need to know about if you want to really know the geniuses of the game.
1. John Lowe
With one of the best nicknames in the game, John “Old Stoneface” Lowe MBE was both calm and calculated during his decades long career. He’ll go down in history as one of the greatest darts players in the world, especially as he was the first player to hit a nine-dart finish on television. His feat was broadcast way back in 1984. This formidable opponent was playing competitively from 1966 to 2007, with his longevity a testament to his dedication to the game, as well as his outstanding skill.
2. Eric Bristow
Now let’s concentrate on the 1980s. If you were a fan of this sport, the greatest darts player to you was almost certainly Eric “The Crafty Cockney” Bristow. A pioneer of modern darts, he helped elevate the game to the mainstream. His confidence, swagger and incredible run of five Winmau World Masters wins and five World Championship wins in the 1980s made him a fan favorite. Even though he retired in 2007 and died in 2018, his impact on the sport is still felt to this day.
3. Raymond van Barneveld
Raymond “Barney” van Barneveld is one of the greatest darts players the Netherlands have ever produced. In fact, he’s credited with popularizing the sport among his Dutch compatriots. Not only does he have five World Championships to his name, his infamous rivalry with Phil Taylor resulted in some of the sports most memorable and nail-biting moments. Throughout his career spanning from 1987 to the present day, his smooth throw and calm demeanor became trademarks of his signature style.
4. Michael van Gerwen
A household name, Michael “Mighty Mike” van Gerwen quickly secured his place as one of the greatest darts players in the world when he stormed the circuit in the mid-2000s. Aged just 17, he became the youngest player to win both the World Masters and Masters of Darts. He’s got three World Championships under his belt, as well as lots more major titles. Known for rapid scoring and explosive finishes, it’s always a thrill to watch Mighty Mike play. And he’s not finished yet. Mighty Mike shows no sign of retiring.
5. Phil Taylor
And of course, no list would be complete without Phil “The Power” Taylor. This powerhouse of the sport is widely regarded as top of the list of the greatest darts players of all time. With a staggering 16 World Championships to his name, Taylor’s consistency, precision and mental fortitude were unmatched while he was on the circuit from 1987 to 2018. Over three decades, he won more than 200 professional tournaments. And even though he retired in 2018, he remains the benchmark against which all darts players are measured.
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