Darts has become one of the most popular
and competitive sports around the world. The skill and determination required
to excel in this game have given rise to numerous extraordinary players. In
this article, we will discuss the top 10 most sought-after darts players of all
time, taking into account their incredible statistics and impact on the sport.
1. Michael Smith (England)
Michael
Smith has made a significant mark on darts since joining the
Professional Darts Corporation when he was still a teenager. Since joining,
Smith has won 16 PDC ranking events and two World Series championships (US
Darts Masters 2022 being one). Though yet to take home a TV ranking title, he
made headlines when he completed a first nine-darter in the 2020 Premier League
play-offs. Currently, he is regarded as the best darts player in the world.
2. Gerwyn Price (Wales)
Since turning professional in 2014, Welsh
player Gerwyn Price has achieved great success as a professional darts player.
His dynamic stage presence and natural ability have contributed significantly
to his rise to the top. From 2018-2022, the former rugby player has
consistently demonstrated his talents on an international platform.
3. Peter Wright (Scotland)
Peter Wright has made history in darts with
his victory in his inaugural World Championship in 2020. Since then, he has
amassed 12 televised titles that include two World Championships, two World
Cups, a World Matchplay tournament title, as well as a World Matchplay title.
4. Michael van Gerwen
(Netherlands)
Michael van Gerwen has long been one of the
greatest darting players. Since 2005 he has won over 140 PDC championships;
most recently, he completed the set by claiming a Champions League victory in
Leicester.
5. Luke Humphries (England)
Luke Humphries is one of the most beloved
sporting figures. Known for his exuberance and easy style, he quickly ascended
the ranks, winning four European Tour events within three months in 2022, where
he secured his senior ranking for good.
6. Rob Cross (England)
Since becoming professional in 2016, he has
won three major tournaments; these included PDC World Darts Championship 2018
against Phil Taylor, as well as World Matchplay 2019, and European Championship
2019.
7. Jonny Clayton (Wales)
Known by fans as "The Ferret",
Clayton has established himself as an accomplished PDC star by winning both
Masters and Premier League Darts events for 2021. Additionally he took out the
World Grand Prix 2021. Also, Clayton proved his expertise when he reached the
quarter-finals of the 2023 World Championship for the first time ever!
8. James Wade (England).
James Wade, also known as "The
Machine'', holds eight major titles - making him one of the three most
successful players in PDC history. A master at
double
17 darts, Wade has shown his skills in the last couple of years
winning numerous tournaments and competitions.
9. Danny Noppert (Netherlands)
Noppert won the Finder Darts Masters
Championship in 2017 before transitioning over to the Professional Darts
Corporation circuit and eventually winning the 2022 UK Open tournament. Noppert
remains one of the premier darts players today on both circuits.
10. Nathan Aspinall (England)
Nathan Aspinall (also known as "The
Asp'') has quickly made an impressionable mark in darts, winning both the 2018
Pro Tour and 2019 UK Open titles. This remarkable performance and determination
brought him to the spotlight of the professional stage in this sport - setting
the foundation for an exciting future ahead.
In sum, these top 10 most sought-after
darts players have demonstrated exceptional skill, determination, and passion
for the sport at all
professional tournaments. Their mind-blowing
statistics and achievements speak volumes about their talent and dedication to
the game. As fans of the sport, we can only marvel at their prowess and look
forward to more exciting moments in the world of darts.