“I want to become world number one, why not?” - David Munyua dreaming big

The rise of David Munyua on the international darts stage is one marked by audacity, ambition, and an unshakeable belief in his own ability. In a sport traditionally dominated by European powerhouses, the Kenyan shows that talent and perseverance know no borders.

Munyua truly made headlines late last year when he became the first Kenyan ever to win a match at the World Darts Championship. Munyua defeated in the opening round Mike De Decker 3-2, before losing 3-0 to Kevin Doets in the second round.

The road to the World Darts Championship was anything but straightforward for Munyua. The qualifying campaign brought not only joy but also unexpected pressure.

“After qualifying, that’s when the nerves really kicked in,” he reflects. “Suddenly you realise: this might be happening sooner than I thought. Am I ready?” They’re questions many debutants ask themselves, but for Munyua they didn’t turn into doubt—rather into motivation.

His breakthrough came in the now much-discussed match against Mike De Decker, then world number 18 and reigning World Grand Prix Darts champion. In that contest, Munyua showed exactly what he could do. With a blend of scoring power and composure on the doubles, he managed to upset the established name.

“That was the greatest moment of my career,” he says without hesitation. “That winning dart... the relief that followed was immense.” It was not only a personal triumph but also a symbolic moment for the African darts scene, which rarely finds itself in the spotlight.

The impact of his achievements extends well beyond his own ranking. Munyua is increasingly seen as a pioneer for darts in Africa. “It makes me proud,” he admits. “But it also gives me extra motivation. I want to keep growing, improve my averages, and raise my performances to a higher level.”

His ambitions leave no room for doubt. Where some would be content with a place on the world stage, Munyua is already looking further ahead. “I want to become the world number one,” he states firmly. “When I think about it, I see no reason why it couldn’t happen. Why not? Why not?”

It is precisely that mentality that sets him apart. No deference to reputations, no fear of failure—just an insatiable drive to get better. In a sport where self-belief and precision go hand in hand, David Munyua appears to have all the ingredients to make his mark for years to come.

The darts world has gained a striking new name. And if Munyua has his way, this is only the beginning.