"I know there’ll be people who think he should still be playing" – Adam Leek follows in the footsteps of Simon Whitlock for Australia at the World Cup of Darts

The first months on the PDC ProTour are a steep learning curve for many newcomers. For Adam Leek, it mostly feels like a whirlwind. A dream that suddenly became reality, but one in which he is strikingly quick to find his feet. “It’s been a bit of a whirlwind. It’s a pretty surreal feeling, but I’m enjoying it. I’m slowly starting to settle in now and find my feet a little bit. So yeah, just enjoying it and having fun.”

The foundation for Leek’s entry at the highest level was laid at PDC Q-School. There, he immediately secured a coveted Tour Card at his first attempt. “I think it just confirmed what I already knew, in a way. It reassured me that the reason I came over in the first place was because I thought I was good enough. I wasn’t sure if it was going to be this year or next, but I knew I was capable of getting my Tour Card.”

That doubt made way for conviction, helped by growing confidence in his mental resilience. “I think one of my strengths is my bottle—I’m pretty good under pressure. That’s something that’s changed a lot over the last 12 months, because I used to be a bit nervy, but I don’t seem to get like that anymore.” Where he used to buckle under tension, Leek now seems to thrive in decisive moments. “I just enjoy the game more now and have fun. I don’t put too much pressure on myself.”

His first steps at Q-School were also a reality check of the pro circuit: halls full of seasoned players, former world champions, and established names. “Yeah, it’s insane. You walk into that venue and see some of the players there and it’s like, wow.”

There was no real nerves. “I thought it was pretty cool. I wouldn’t say it phased me. I just thought, ‘Wow, this is cool. It’s going to be fun.’ You get to play some of the top guys in the world.”

The step to the PDC didn’t come out of nowhere. In recent years, Leek regularly travelled to international tournaments, but felt he fell short too often back then. “Back then I had the ability, like I do now, but it was about fine-tuning everything and getting the right mindset. I think I used to beat myself—get too much in my head and feel pressure.”

That mental block has now disappeared. “Now I’m completely different. I just enjoy it, don’t put pressure on myself, and have fun. That’s how darts should be played.” It’s a simple philosophy, but one that often makes the difference at the top level. “It doesn’t matter if I win or lose, as long as I know I’ve given 100%. Hopefully the results will follow.”

The transition to a full-time life on tour brought challenges beyond the oche as well. Off the stage, Leek also had to adapt quickly. After Q-School he briefly returned to Australia to literally pack up his life. “After Q School, I went back home for a couple of weeks and had to pack everything up and say goodbye. When I got back, there was media attention—it was crazy.”

Because of that logistical pressure he even missed a few early tournaments. “I had to sort my visa in time for the first Pro Tour, and I ended up missing The Masters because I couldn’t make it work.” New responsibilities also came up, such as sponsorship deals and business obligations. “Then there were sponsorships and everything else to organise. It’s all just been a bit crazy, to be honest.”

Once he arrived in the United Kingdom, a new chapter awaited – and that also brought loneliness. “I guess because I’m just by myself in a way. It’s not the easiest thing, I must admit.” Still, he tries to keep the same grounded mindset that helps him on stage. “In terms of playing, I just treat it as a game of darts—something I enjoy. I don’t see it any differently.”

He also sees positive developments back home. “The Australian Darts Association is doing a great job. The game is growing, and I think over the next five to ten years you’ll see more Aussies come over.”

Despite his relatively isolated life away from events, Leek isn’t alone within the circuit. He is surrounded by established names and gets support from colleagues. For instance, he received advice from compatriot Damon Heta, who reached out to him right away. “Damon Heta reached out and said he’s there if I need anything.”

At the oche, he suddenly finds himself among the sport’s elite. “Now I’m sitting at the table with players like Chris Dobey, Joe Cullen, Jonny Clayton, Ryan Joyce and Nathan Aspinall. For an Aussie lad coming over to the UK, that’s pretty crazy.” Still, he feels welcome. “They’ve all offered advice—they’re good guys. So yeah, I’ve got some support there.”

One of the absolute highlights on the horizon is playing in the PDC World Cup of Darts. There, Leek will represent Australia – a moment he has dreamed of for years. “I don’t think it’s fully sunk in yet that I’ll be playing for Australia. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I started taking darts seriously.”

The symbolism grows even larger as he follows in the footsteps of an icon: Simon Whitlock. “I know there’ll be people who think he should still be playing, but at some point the younger players come through. I’m going to take the opportunity with both hands.” His respect for Whitlock is immense. “He’s such a good guy. I’ve met him and spoken to him, and it’s an honour to represent Australia and give it my best.”

From a sporting perspective, Leek has shown in his first months that he belongs at this level. Although he isn’t consistently going deep at events yet, his confidence is growing. “At first I was still settling in and dealing with jet lag, but after that I started playing some good darts.”

Still, things sometimes go against him. “I feel like I’ve run into some strong performances from opponents.” Nevertheless, he sees clear progress. “Overall I’m happy. I think I’m steadily improving and will keep getting better.”

As a fresh face on tour, Leek might benefit from opponents underestimating him. He sees it differently. “Maybe, but it doesn’t feel like it. It feels like everyone is playing well against me at the moment.” He remains focused on his own development. “If I keep playing the way I am, the results will come. I think I’ll just keep improving over time.”