“If I don’t do it this year, then it’s not going to happen” – William O'Connor is ready for the clash with Michael van Gerwen

After his convincing 3–0 win over Krzysztof Kciuk in the opening round of the PDC World Darts Championship, William O'Connor cut a visibly satisfied figure in the media room. Not because of the numbers — impressive as they were — but because he had finally shown on the biggest stage what he had felt all year: that his game is ready for this level.

With an average north of 102, seven 180s and a strong doubles percentage, the Irishman laid down an early marker in the tournament. Yet, as ever, he remained grounded.

“I just feel like it’s one of those things. I got through it and I got the win. That’s all I feel,” he said in his post-match press conference.

O’Connor knew beforehand that he was in for a tough contest. “I went into that game knowing Krzysztof is a super player.”

That proved true immediately, with the opening set going all the way to a deciding fifth leg. And it was there that O’Connor was most critical of himself. “In that first set, when it went to a fifth leg and I didn’t perform in that leg, I thought to myself, you’re some clown. I was lucky to get away with it.”

Winning that set, however, marked a clear mental shift. “But once I got that leg, I thought to myself, you’re going to get it now.”

It is typical of O’Connor: uncompromisingly hard on himself, but keenly aware of momentum when it turns.

Early in the match he brought the crowd to its feet with a superb 167 checkout, though he was quick to downplay its significance. “I was just happy to get it. I was just happy to get a leg.”

Still, he acknowledged the confidence such moments can provide. “All you’re thinking is just throw them right, do what you’ve been doing in practice. Sometimes it goes in and sometimes it doesn’t. It was just one of those times it went in, and I’m glad it did.”

Statistically, O’Connor set the benchmark for the championship with the highest average so far, heavy scoring and clinical finishing. His reaction, however, was typically understated.

“I just feel like it’s one of those things. I got through it and I got the win. That’s all I feel.”

That attitude reflects a broader frustration he has carried through much of the season, where his strong floor form has not always translated to televised stages.

“I feel like it’s about time. Especially this year, I’ve played well and I think I’ve been solid all year. I’ve been on the Euro Tour a few times and I haven’t really shown what I’ve been doing on the floor, and that’s annoyed me a bit. So I’m glad to go up there, play decent, hit some good 180s at times, and get the win.”

Waiting in round two is Michael van Gerwen, the three-time world champion. O’Connor admitted he had barely had time to process the challenge ahead. “I haven’t really had time to process it yet, but obviously it’s going to be a tough ask. One of the best players in the world.”

There was no bravado, only realism. “I’m going to have to do that again, maybe even a bit more, if I’m going to win. Sometimes you need a little bit of luck, so maybe I’ll need that. We’ll see. I’m just going to go up and give him my best.”

Asked whether breaking into the top 32 or top 16 was a career goal, O’Connor was strikingly firm. “I don’t even think it’s on the goal list. I think it’s inevitable. I know what I can do and what I’m capable of. I’m set up this year to do it. If I don’t do it this year, then it’s not going to happen.”

That belief is rooted in a clear decision he has made this season. “I went back to my job and focused purely on darts. I changed my mindset. Darts is it. I’m giving it four or five years to see where it brings me. If it brings me where I want to be, great. If not, at least I tried.”

The shift was shaped by last year’s disappointment at Ally Pally, where he was beaten by close friend Dylan Slevin. “Losing last year annoyed me, not because I lost, but because of how I lost. Not to Dylan, but the way I played. It wasn’t me.”

He realised sentiment had no place on that stage. “You either want it or you don’t. That gave me a kick in the backside to either give darts everything or don’t bother.”

Away from the oche, there was time to soak in the emotion of his walk-on to Zombie, with shots of supporters celebrating back in Dublin filling the big screen. “To look at the big screen and see all the lads in Dublin enjoying themselves and having a good night, knowing they’re watching me play darts, it’s some crack. It’s hard to comprehend that it’s me they’re watching.”

For O’Connor, enjoyment and focus coexist. “Walking on and playing darts are two different things. One is having a bit of fun. Once the song is over, it’s game on.”

Perhaps O’Connor’s strongest statement came when summing up his mindset going forward.

“I know I can get beat by anyone, and I can accept that. But if you’re going to beat me, you’re going to earn it.”

His approach, he insisted, is unchanged regardless of the opponent.

“I don’t try and beat the player in front of me. I just try and play my best darts. If I play my best, what more can I do?”

Whether that is enough against Van Gerwen remains to be seen. But O’Connor has made one thing clear: nothing will be handed to anyone for free.