Adrian Lewis' comeback looks increasingly likely potentially with Steve Beaton in tow: "Leaning towards Q-School"

Adrian Lewis is not ruling out returning to professional darts early next year. The two-time world champion is seriously considering participating in Q-School 2026, although he wants to make sure he is mentally ready first.

'Jackpot' stepped away from the PDC circuit in 2023 to care for his ailing wife Sarah and distance himself from the constant pressures of life on tour. Last summer, he made a brief comeback when he and Steve Beaton represented Team England at the Modus International Pairs. However, the duo narrowly missed out on a spot in the final.

Talking to Juicy Darts, Lewis said, "I’m hoping to go back, but whether I do or not this year, I don’t know.

“I mean, I am leaning towards going back to Q-School, you know. We’ll just have to wait and see. I don’t know yet. I’ve got to make sure I’m mentally right, and that’s what it comes down to more than anything else.” 

The darter from Stoke-on-Trent has been active on the demo circuit in recent months, testing his form against established names. “It’s alright hitting 100 plus averages on the exhibition circuit but can you do it on a regular basis in Q-School?

“I do definitely think I’ll be back — even if it’s not next year it will probably be the year after. It’s something I’ve never done but I am pretty experienced in all the other aspects of the field. So, I don’t think I will be shy turning up there.

Lewis feels his level is rising: "I’ve been playing really well in patches. I averaged 116 a couple of weeks ago. I averaged 109 and lost to Luke Humphries last week! I played crap against Gezzy Price, he was lucky as hell. Apart from that I’ve been doing well. I’ve beaten Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross and majority of them.” 

The now 40-year-old winner of four PDC majors, including the UK Open and the European Darts Championship, remains an established name within the sport. He believes the competitive spirit never completely disappears. “I say I don’t know where my game is at, but I would know because to me even if it’s an exhibition or you’re playing in a major you still have to perform. 

“You still have that pressure if there are a few hundred people or a thousand people in the audience. I am enjoying the exhibitions, it keeps my eye in as well and keeps me sharp therefore that makes me practice at home. I’m losing a bit of weight as well and I’ve had my haircut.” 

Finally, Lewis revealed that his good friend and former teammate Steve Beaton may also be heading back to Q-School. 'The Bronzed Adonis' officially quit at the highest PDC level at the end of 2024 after a record-setting 33 consecutive World Championship appearances. "He said, his words to me were ‘If I’m doing Q-School, he’s going!’ I don’t know where this has come from. He must think ‘You know what, if he’s having another go, I’m going.’”