Devon Petersen returns to South African team for World Cup of Darts after a year's absence

Devon Petersen is set to make yet another appearance at the World Cup of Darts, after securing qualification in dramatic fashion on home soil this past weekend. The charismatic South African, renowned for his flamboyant walk-ons and infectious energy, battled through a tense qualifying event to once again don national colours on the global stage.

Now 38, Petersen is no longer a fixture on the PDC tour, having lost his Tour Card and transitioned into a regular role as a TV analyst. However, his passion for the sport remains as fierce as ever—especially in his mission to grow darts across Africa, where he serves as both player and pioneer.

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Hard-Fought Route to Qualification

Petersen had to dig deep in the South African qualifier, grinding out three narrow victories en route to booking his World Cup ticket. While his average hovered around 75—far below the form he displayed during his peak years, including a European Tour title in 2020—his experience and composure proved decisive in the clutch moments.

In the quarterfinals, Petersen edged out Johan Geldenhuys 6–5 in a nail-biting affair. The semifinal was no less dramatic, with Petersen narrowly defeating Grant Sampson 7–6. In the final, he faced a stern test from Carl Gabriel, but once again emerged victorious—scraping through 8–7 and surviving match darts in all three encounters.

A Dozen Appearances and Counting

Petersen’s qualification marks his 12th appearance at the World Cup of Darts, solidifying his place as South Africa’s mainstay in the team event. While a new wave of talent continues to emerge from the region, Petersen’s steely determination and big-stage pedigree continue to set him apart.

As the World Cup looms, the seasoned showman will be looking to lead by example—not just with his performances, but with his ever-growing influence in the global expansion of the sport.

Results African World Cup Qualifier 2025

Final

Devon Petersen (75.04) 8 | 7 (70.24) Carl Gabriel

Semi-final

Carl Gabriel (78.23) 7 | 2 (71.64) Dean Naude

Devon Petersen (75.11) 7 | 6 (75.39) Grant Sampson

Quarterfinals

Carl Gabriel (73.40) 6 | 3 (65.74) Stefan Vermaak

Dean Naude (75.19) 6 | 2 (66.78) Graham Filby

Grant Sampson (75.52) 6 | 4 (68.19) Simon Adams

Devon Petersen (75.92) 6 | 5 (81.58) Johan Geldenhuys

Last 16

Stefan Vermaak (77.31) 5 | 2 (70.51) Bradley Pillay

Carl Gabriel (82.94) 5 | 1 (73.69) Xander Faddel

Dean Naude (74.41) 5 | 0 (67.41) Martin van Staden

Graham Filby (68.32) 5 | 0 (56.06) Keenan Littler

Simon Adams (66.71) 5 | 1 (51.11) Jaco Thuynsma

Grant Sampson (74.20) 5 | 4 (70.83) Liam Nicholson

Devon Petersen (67.76) 5 | 1 (47.98) Kerwin Africa

Johan Geldenhuys (72.53) 5 | 1 (63.79) Luke Williams

Last 32

Jaco Thuynsma (45.64) 4 | 2 (42.74) Michael Cockburn

Liam Nicholson (75.15) 4 | 0 (40.74) Andrea Bergstedt

Grant Sampson (63.28) 4 | 1 (54.84) Lee Williams

Kerwin Africa (40.65) 4 | 3 (39.74) AC Botma

Johan Geldenhuys (80.16) 4 | 1 (72.21) Adrian Naidoo

Luke Williams (56.19) 4 | 0 (54.11) Damien Dreyer

Bradley Pillay (60.73) 4 | 0 (40.61) Sonja van Rensburg

Carl Gabriel (69.95) 4 | 1 (64.57) Craig van Breda

Xander Faddel (58.37) 4 | 0 (53.79) Cooper Hendy

Martin van Staden (53.63) 4 | 1 (42.17) Owen Williams

Graham Filby (66.80) 4 | 0 (55.13) Tylor Shears

Keenan Littler (55.96) 4 | 1 (48.76) Brianey Izaks

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