"I think it’s a bit lovey-dovey": Darts needs characters and needle says two-time World Champion Adrian Lewis

Former world champion Adrian Lewis has indicated he may return to the PDC circuit next season. The Englishman, better known to darts fans as "Jackpot," announced in April 2023 that he was taking a break because he had lost enjoyment of the sport and to care for his ailing wife Sarah.

The 39-year-old darter from Stoke-on-Trent has an impressive record, with several PDC majors to his name, including two world titles, the European Darts Championship and the UK Open. Although an official return to the PDC has not yet been confirmed, Lewis indicated that he is working step by step toward a comeback.

Lewis will make his return this year to the MODUS Super Series, a popular competition in which several former PDC top players and emerging talents play. About his possible return to the highest level, he remains cautious. “Obviously, if you want it [to get back to the PDC] – you have the younger players – in order for that to happen, you need to be 100% at it. Whether I’m in that mind frame at the minute? Not yet. But I’m hoping to get there by the end of the year."

For now, Lewis is focusing on his Super Series appearances. He expects to be back on the oche in May or June. "I’m hoping May, June, I think we’re talking about. Hopefully May, but I’m trying at the minute to get my darts sorted out.

“So I’ve had some new darts off Target. The grip wasn’t lasting as long as I’d like it to. So, what we’re going to do is try a bit more stuff on them. Get them right. As soon as that’s right, I’ll be alright.

Although he has not been active on the PDC circuit in recent months, Lewis certainly has not been idle. He participated in several galas and exhibitions and even achieved success in Germany. "You know I’ve been playing a lot. I’ve been playing a lot of galas, a lot of exhibitions. I won one in Germany in front of 10,000 people

“I beat Luke Humphries in the final. Jonny Clayton in the semis. So you know, I’ve not been too bad.”

If Lewis is able to reclaim his spot on the PDC Pro Tour, he will bring with him not only his enormous talent, but also a character that gave the sport extra excitement for years. He himself notes that the atmosphere on the circuit has become a bit softer these days.

“You do need a bit of argy-bargy, don’t you? It’s only a quick thing isn’t it, and you’re best of mates again the week after. I do find that. I think it’s a bit lovey-dovey. They do need a bit more needle going in but I’m sure as the tournaments progress throughout the year, I think we’ll see a lot more of it.

“Well, they’ll all be fresh again, won’t they? They’ve just had that break off the World Championships, and it’s a bit fresh. When it starts getting a bit mentally tiring, all the niggles will come out.”