Australian darter Tim Pusey barred from using nickname 'The Magnet' at PDC World Darts Championship ahead of debut

Australian darter Tim Pusey may not use his nickname "The Magnet" during the PDC World Darts Championship. The organisation has asked the 33-year-old player to choose a new pseudonym as his current nickname, combined with his surname, is considered ambiguous.

Pusey, who secured participation in September by winning the Australian Darts Association Tour standings, indicated in conversation with Tungsten Tales that he understands the decision.

"I don't have that nickname on my jersey," Pusey said. "I'll have to come up with a new one, maybe let the fans vote on it. It's tricky because anything can be taken the wrong way. Right now I don't have a nickname and the songs in the stands can be quite colourful."

The nickname "The Magnet" sounds innocuous, but combined with Pusey's last name, it leads to a pun that the PDC would rather avoid on the world stage. The league has more often in the past guarded against the limits of decency regarding nicknames. In 2023, Owen Bates was banned from using his nickname "The Master" for similar reasons.

The issue led to humorous reactions even outside the dart world. Former Rangers striker Ally McCoist got involved in the discussion during his broadcast on talkSPORT. "He should keep that nickname, come on! It's the best nickname there is," McCoist said, laughing. "Where's your sense of humour, darts people?"

Pusey, meanwhile, is aware of the attention his name evokes. During a tournament in Wollongong earlier this year, he was chanted by the crowd with the refrain, "Oh, Pusey, we love you."

The world championship begins on Thursday, 11th December, and runs until 3rd January, 2026. Defending champion Luke Littler is chasing a second consecutive world title there after defeating Michael van Gerwen 7-3 in the 2025 final earlier this year.