"I just throw and hope for the best": Ryan Searle's remarkable story of darts at the top level with limited sight

For the season finale of the Tops and Tales podcast, referee Huw Ware invited a player who has captured the hearts of darts fans worldwide: Ryan "Heavy Metal" Searle.

Known for his fast-paced style, imposing presence, and iconic walk-on to Black Sabbath, Searle has become a fixture in the PDC. Yet behind his success lies a personal story of perseverance and love for the game.

Searle grew up in Tiverton, a small town in Devon. Much of his childhood was spent in remote villages. “We moved here about a year and a half ago. It’s just more convenient – there’s a shop, a pub, and it’s closer to the main road when I drive back from darts,” he explains. Life in the countryside offered peace, but few distractions—something that ultimately brought him closer to darts.

Sports were always central to his youth. Searle played football, rugby, and even tennis, though knee injuries forced him to give up his rugby dream. Skateboarding was another long-time passion. “I’d love to pick it up again, but I’m a bit too heavy now and it’s risky. If I broke my wrist, it would be the end of my darts career – I can’t take that risk,” he laughs.

His nickname “Heavy Metal” didn’t appear out of nowhere. In his teens, Searle discovered bands like Disturbed and System of a Down, music he still listens to today. “When I started skateboarding, around twelve or thirteen, I really got into heavy metal. I still listen to the same bands,” he explains.

His walk-on is one of the most recognizable in the PDC: Paranoid by Black Sabbath. “I chose that track because people recognize it. There are plenty of other songs I like, but if the crowd doesn’t know them, it doesn’t really work,” Searle says. The combination of his nickname and this iconic metal anthem makes him a fan favorite.

Darts entered his life early, inspired by parents who frequently watched tournaments on TV. His father often hung up a dartboard, though it would often disappear quickly. The real spark came when his bedroom was converted into a small loft with a permanent dartboard.

“It wasn’t hung at the correct distance, I knew that. But I just stood as far back as I could and threw. Even then I could hit 180s, but nobody believed me,” Searle recalls.

He began taking the game seriously at 21 and quickly stood out in local competitions. He soon became the strongest player on his Monday pub team. His talent led him to county darts, where he made an immediate impact. In his second youth match, he averaged 30.06—equivalent to a 90 average, exceptional at the time.

Watching Searle play, you notice his smooth, unique throw. Yet he never overthinks it. “I’m probably the worst person to ask for tips. I just stand at the oche and throw. The moment you start thinking about whether you’re breathing in or out, or if your arm is far enough back, you’re already thinking negatively. I just throw and hope for the best,” he says.

It’s this simplicity that makes him popular with fans. No fuss, no distractions—just throwing darts. And with success: Searle now has six Pro Tour titles to his name.

Searle’s story is even more remarkable because he suffers from dominant optic atrophy (DOA), a hereditary eye condition that severely limits his vision. “When I was in school, I couldn’t read the board. I just copied from my friends’ notebooks. You find ways to cope,” he explains.

He stayed silent about it for years, but when he had children, he began serious research. His daughter inherited the condition in a more severe form. “That’s when I thought: I need to know exactly what this is. There’s no cure, but I now work with a Dutch foundation to raise awareness. During tournaments, I wear their patch on my sleeve,” Searle says.

Glasses or contacts barely improve his vision but help just enough to make the game playable. “I don’t know how I played without them before. On some finishes, like 125 starting on the bull, it could end up anywhere on the board. Often I have to ask the referee what I hit,” he admits. His rapid style, combined with limited vision, makes his accomplishments all the more impressive. “When I’m at my best, you really need something special to beat me,” he says determinedly.

Searle’s road to the PDC was far from easy. Initially, he hesitated to play Q School, unsure if he could compete at that level or manage financially. But through the Challenge Tour, where he finished second to Rob Cross in 2016, he earned his tour card. “There was a lot of talk about whether I should take the card because it was a huge step. But I did it, and I’ve never regretted it,” he recalls.

His first year was strong, but the second season was a struggle. Searle often lost despite good performances. The turning point came in 2018, when he won the prestigious Champion of Champions in Wales. That boosted his confidence and led to his first Pro Tour final against Nathan Aspinall. Shortly after, he made his World Championship debut, reaching the last sixteen.

Today, Searle is a staple at the top of darts. His recognizable style, candid personality, and fight against visual impairment make him one of the most admired PDC players. For Searle, it’s not just about titles but also raising awareness for DOA.

“People have asked me about it, and yes, it’s challenging. But there are worse things in life. I keep playing, keep raising awareness for the disease, and keep fighting for my family,” he concludes.