
Ah, social media. What better place to make mortal enemies over your view on whether Max Hopp is overrated or not?
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As part of a new feature here at dartsnews.com called The Social Club, we'll be taking a look at some of the weird and wonderful darts social media offerings. This week, we're zeroing in on Instagram, starting with a very topical bit of Photoshop...
You Throw Nothing, John Snow
First up, RTL7 Darts provided an interesting visual preview to this week's Premier League Darts action in Cardiff. The biggest TV attraction of the week (apart from the Premier League, obviously) was HBO's fantasy smash hit Game of Thrones returning for its final season.
This mash-up tells the story of the Game of Throws. But of course, currently Rob Stark - er, I mean, Cross - sits on darts' iron throne. There'll be a big battle in Cardiff between Cross and Michael van Gerwen on Thursday night.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwRsf4elpeK/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
This mash-up tells the story of the Game of Throws. But of course, currently Rob Stark - er, I mean, Cross - sits on darts' iron throne. There'll be a big battle in Cardiff between Cross and Michael van Gerwen on Thursday night.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwRsf4elpeK/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Best. Flights. Ever.
Dirk van Duijvenbode took to Instagram to show off his new set. They're a good-looking design, 90% tungsten, 23-24 gram...et cetera. Let's focus on what's important.
Look at those flights.
Yes, it's a depiction of van Duijvenbode going mental during his walk on at the 2015 European Darts Open. I now want these darts more than anything in the world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwSExFOD2rS/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Look at those flights.
Yes, it's a depiction of van Duijvenbode going mental during his walk on at the 2015 European Darts Open. I now want these darts more than anything in the world.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwSExFOD2rS/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Another awesome Vegas trip for Dawson
Dawson Murschell is wasting no time in getting excited for the darts coming to Las Vegas.
The North American Championship and the Las Vegas Darts Masters will both take place in early July. Murschell, a semi-finalist in last year's North American Championship, will be hoping to claim a PDC World Championship spot.
He also has an excellent track record in the World Series event. A year ago, he beat Gerwyn Price 6-2 in Vegas.
This sepia-toned throwback video reminds us of his exploits, to the best backing track of all time - 'September', by Earth Wind and Fire.
Crank the volume right up for this one.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwHJur4Dhlw/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
The North American Championship and the Las Vegas Darts Masters will both take place in early July. Murschell, a semi-finalist in last year's North American Championship, will be hoping to claim a PDC World Championship spot.
He also has an excellent track record in the World Series event. A year ago, he beat Gerwyn Price 6-2 in Vegas.
This sepia-toned throwback video reminds us of his exploits, to the best backing track of all time - 'September', by Earth Wind and Fire.
Crank the volume right up for this one.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwHJur4Dhlw/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
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Jabba leads the Invasion
Everyone loves a bit of Britain versus Austrlia rivalry. And who needs the Ashes when you have Jamie Caven?
Jabba is spreading the news about his British Invasion tour in Australia, where he and Kevin Painter will be taking on the local talent.
The English pair will be Down Under between July 19-27.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwOVZD5BDp6/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Jabba is spreading the news about his British Invasion tour in Australia, where he and Kevin Painter will be taking on the local talent.
The English pair will be Down Under between July 19-27.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwOVZD5BDp6/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Berry good news
Everyone loves Berry van Peer. That's a fact of life.
What some people might not know is that the Dutchman's an ace on the soft tip circuit.
Here's the former world youth finalist, celebrating a Cricket success that makes him a bona fide European champion.
Maybe we'll see him in some big steel tip events again soon enough.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwRuYUWB7NW/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
What some people might not know is that the Dutchman's an ace on the soft tip circuit.
Here's the former world youth finalist, celebrating a Cricket success that makes him a bona fide European champion.
Maybe we'll see him in some big steel tip events again soon enough.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwRuYUWB7NW/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Nickname change for Gerwyn Price?
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Photographer Lawrence Lustig is always good for a top quality snapshot or two.
This time, he's zoomed in on Gerwyn Price. Given that 'The Iceman' is a bit of an ironic nickname, maybe 'The Wolverine' is the way to go.
Not sure he could pull off the sideburns, though...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwK5DJ_llPi/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
This time, he's zoomed in on Gerwyn Price. Given that 'The Iceman' is a bit of an ironic nickname, maybe 'The Wolverine' is the way to go.
Not sure he could pull off the sideburns, though...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwK5DJ_llPi/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Look, it's that Barney hoodie you always wanted
Nothing to see here. Just Raymond van Barneveld bringing out a new line of t-shirts and hoodies with his initials emblazoned on them.
Critics who suggested that he reversed his retirement decision for non-sporting reasons might have a field day with this.
To be fair, the tiger design t-shirt in the bottom right of this picture is pretty sharp...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwSYmG4HcCf/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Critics who suggested that he reversed his retirement decision for non-sporting reasons might have a field day with this.
To be fair, the tiger design t-shirt in the bottom right of this picture is pretty sharp...
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwSYmG4HcCf/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Cullen sees the bright side
In case you weren't aware, Joe Cullen is a huge Manchester United fan.
BBC cameras even caught the Rockstar giving it large in the away end at Stamford Bridge during United's 2-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea earlier this year.
It wasn't such a great trip for Cullen this time, however. A Lionel Messi double, plus a stunner from Philippe Coutinho, saw Barcelona dump Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side out of the Champions League.
The Bradford thrower saw the bright side, though. "Not the result we wanted, but a good trip apart from that!!!" he posted on Instagram.
Imagine going that far to watch Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, though.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwWbJWmBXOh/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
BBC cameras even caught the Rockstar giving it large in the away end at Stamford Bridge during United's 2-0 FA Cup win over Chelsea earlier this year.
It wasn't such a great trip for Cullen this time, however. A Lionel Messi double, plus a stunner from Philippe Coutinho, saw Barcelona dump Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side out of the Champions League.
The Bradford thrower saw the bright side, though. "Not the result we wanted, but a good trip apart from that!!!" he posted on Instagram.
Imagine going that far to watch Chris Smalling and Phil Jones, though.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwWbJWmBXOh/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
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- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026
- Probably i will receive a lot of backlash and hate for this reaction, but well, so be it. I am more than sick and tired of those lies of you Barry Hearn. How dare you defend yourself over the back of Fallon’s son! He has a disability and not an illness, so let me correct that for you! I know because I have the exact same disability. I have tried to reach out to Fallon in the past, and offered her to help her and her son, because I was struggling with the same problems, and I understood the boy. I wanted him to have finally someone who understood him. However she told me that she did not want my help, and I have respected Fallon’s choice. I have never asked Fallon for money. They don’t need money in that case. I only ever wanted the best for Fallon and Rory, but I have to be honest about the situation. Fallon should tell the true story and not be forced to tell lies. I don’t hate Fallon, and I don’t begrudge or envy a single penny that she gets, but this situation/case is just not fair. I hate the lies and the dishonesty and injustice. I don’t want Fallon to be hated because there is an unfair disadvantage created. Don’t proclaim your false lies over the back of Rory! I only stand for integrity and justice. I am precisely the one who always sticks up for Fallon. And you don't, you don't give a damn about them. You were never there for them, and now you only want to save your own position! You are just trying to talk your way out of your own bad behavior at the expense of someone with a disability. And to Fallon, I don’t know if this may ever reach you, and you read it, but I want you to know I love you and I love your son Rory very much, I am sorry how things developed and went. I hope you and Harriet are still friends. I am sorry if I were too persistent to you, or you experienced it that way, but it was never my intention. Please understand I have autism as well. As Barry Hearn would say, I am only just a human being too, and I also make mistakes and misjudge things sometimes. I promise you I did everything out of the deepest love and care for you and Rory. If I were you, I should just keep all the money, only please never be dishonest or tell lies anymore for Barry Hearn, or anyone else. I hope you have the best life, and I wish nothing more than the best for you. I have always loved the two of you. Farewell.Hiddo05-11-2026
- She is a professional. If darts is her income, she is a professional. Same as Adrian Lewis, Martin Adams. A tour card just means someone can play on the PDC tour. You could even make a case that Clayton wasn't a professional (until recently I believe) because he had employment elsewhere.BandB04-11-2026
- She's technically not a professional though as she doesn't hold a pro tour card.mr-pablo04-11-2026
- Such a shame that lakeside has been reduced to this. Fantastic venue,and previously a great tournament. Not any morerick6703-11-2026
- Seems to me that the top 16 players pick and choose whatever they want to play. Good,all the money will get spread out more. They get more money from exhibitions than tournaments so let them all withdrawrick6703-11-2026
- Play all legs and the winners split the pot. Luke gets the lot of he wins them all. If your occupation is darts player you can't enter, regardless of ability.BandB01-11-2026
- I'm quite a jaded person all things considered, but to be honest I found Beat Luke Littler to be pretty entertaining. It certainly wasn't seamless, which is to be expected given the lack of precedence, but I actually think the pacing was pretty good, the production was impressive, and there was a good sense of humour and levity to it. I think it was a very ambitious undertaking but one that, for the most part, paid off. I liked the system with the four pots and I think it added to the drama and intrigue. I enjoyed seeing the diverse range of entrants and learning about their backstories. I think the interactivity was pretty clever and well-integrated. The panel was a little incoherent at times; Lee Mack shone however, and his improvisational skills were appreciated during some more awkward interstitial moments. As far as the darts is concerned, it was a shame that the format didn't allow Littler to get into full flow. You obviously don't want him to steamroll everyone but you want to feel like you're getting the full Littler package rather than seeing him struggling to get out of first gear. I will say that his leg against Jayden Walker was very impressive, but it was mostly downhill from there. The attraction revolves around Littler being this untouchable, indomitable force, yet the format doesn't really allow him to fulfil that characterisation. As for Fallon Sherrock, she was mightily impressive and deserved the victory. It is a testament to her unshakeable character that she was able to bang in a 14-darter under such mind-bending pressure. Everything that has been said about the misleading marketing is valid, though they were clear about their eligibility criteria and were able to offload the responsibility somewhat by bringing the viewers into the decision-making process in real time. What is clear though, is that Fallon played the game according to the rules, and she should not be criticised for that, much less abused. I will admit though that it is a kick in the teeth for those true amateurs who committed time and money to the course, and I would also question those who think pub players would have no chance, given that some of Littler's winning legs were dispatched in 7 visits to the board! The great thing about darts is that it isn't so much that amateurs cannot replicate the feats of brilliance pulled off by professionals of the sport, than it is that they simply cannot replicate the consistency of their output, something that this format almost entirely removes from the equation. It should also be noted that, financially, Fallon certainly stands to benefit much less in relative terms from the paycheque than would your average pub thrower, as I'm sure she nets a fair income from the lucrative exhibition circuit alone. What I do hope is that she might use this as an opportunity to really build up a head of steam heading into the new season, as it seems long overdue that she come through Q-School and really take it to the pros on a week-in week-out basis, but whatever she chooses to do, she has certainly achieved enough already for one if not several lifetimes, so who am I to dictate terms? To conclude though, I will state once again that I found Beat Luke Littler to be a pretty enjoyable evening of entertainment. I do feel for the contestants who never actually had the chance to try their luck against the world #1, although I suppose it comes with the format, but all which inevitably raises the question: will Netflix be tempted to do it all again next year? It's hard to say. Whether it would be financially viable, I can't weigh in there. One point I have been making though, and which I touched on earlier, is that the entire concept relies on a public perception that Littler is more or less unbeatable, and that certainly hasn't been the case of late. If the execs had been trying to pitch the show in recent months while Littler has seemed vulnerable, rather than when he was mopping up almost every major title on the calendar, it would certainly be a tougher sell. We will have to see in about 6 months' time whether Littler can still reliably command perception as a near-unstoppable force in darts, and then we'll have a clearer idea about whether we should expect a second helping. Even as a one-off experiment though, and with all the controversy taken into account, I still don't think they disgraced themselves by any means, and that will probably be my lingering assessment of the event when all is said and done.Deduce635801-11-2026





