"I don’t give a flying monkey. If they don’t like it, switch over" - Scott Williams reacts to haters as he targets first major title

Scott Williams was one of the many darters to attend the Target Launch 2025, where a variety of new darts equipment being released, while celebrating the opening of a new shop in Manchester. It was a busy day for him, but he admitted an enjoyable one.

Speaking at the event to Online Darts, Shaggy said: "Unbelievable. I spent most of the day doing media and stuff, so I haven’t seen everything downstairs, but from what I gather, it’s been busy. People are saying some great stuff about it. Fair play to them – they do put on a show. The engineering, the milling – every year we think it can’t get any better, and it does.

"It’s really important for the sport in general. The problem is everything’s getting more expensive – wars, global issues, higher demand – so production takes longer and costs more. But bringing darts back to a reasonable price is great for the people’s sport."

Williams has endured an up and down season on the floor. He has made it past the third round five times, which have resulted in at least a semi-final, losing PC 19 final 8-3 against James Wade. He showed off this impressive form in his most recent event in a 6-2 win over Dom Taylor, finding tops-tops twice in one match, much to the dismay of his opponent.

"On the floor, I’m really pleased with how I’ve done. Hitting the tops twice in a game recently was lovely. I’m enjoying the game, enjoying the Euro Tours. I haven’t been in many this year – only one, really – but I’m okay with that. I’m having a good time and looking forward to the back end of the year. He was in the best place at the time. Later that night he apologised kind of thing. Obviously, I’m taking money out of his pocket, so he’s not happy about that, but he’s had a laugh."

While his floor form has improved, he has failed to produce the high calibre results on TV many people know he can, especially after that semi-final appearance in the 2024 World Championships. With the Players Championships Finals and the World Championships rapidly approaching, Williams is looking to carry his floor form onto the big stage, with him raring to go.

"I have no idea, but my floor game this year has been the best I’ve ever done," Williams said. "I’ve reached four semi-finals and one final so far, with seven events still to go. My equipment has changed slightly, and it’s working. I hit a nine-darter for the first time competitively a few weeks ago, so something’s there. I hope that carries on toward Minehead and Ally Pally. Honestly, I can’t wait. That’s what I look forward to. Once the year finishes, I’m already looking forward to next year. Being in the top 40 means I’m seeded, so I don’t have to worry about drawing top boys first."

Shaggy is one of the biggest characters on tour. A crowd favourite with many fans due to his showboating on the oche, he beloves going onto the big stage and producing a show for the onlookers, which can cause a split in opinion for many fans, with some not finding the funny side in it.

When asked if the hate bothers him, he said: "Not at all. They’re not doing what I’m doing, so it’s not their problem. I’m genuinely a nutter, a nut job. On stage, I play it up a bit more, but off-stage, I’m absolutely off my chops. I won’t change. People love me for it or not – that’s fine. I don’t give a flying monkey. If they don’t like it, switch over. Please feel free to bugger off and do whatever you want."

Unfortunately for those people, they are likely to see a lot more of the Englishman in the backend of 2025, as he targets his first major title. He has won a title before back on the floor in 2022, but he has yet to hit the heights of many of the big stars. However, Williams backs himself ability wise to clinch a first major and believes that when the first one comes through the door, many more will follow in pursuit.

"I’d like to think so. I’ve got the talent," Williams said. "It’s about what you do on the day, preparation, and how the darts go. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Last week I lost first round to Mensah Solovich; the next day I reached a semi-final. It’s a backwards game sometimes. I am good enough right now, but I need to work on some things and refine my approach.

"The semis I reached this year should have spurred it on, but something didn’t go right. I can’t explain it – no excuses – I just wasn’t good enough. Over the last couple of months, I’ve changed my equipment slightly – using different flights and points – and everything feels more consistent, which is what I need for October, November, and December. I’m pleased with the way my game is going."