“I’m delighted to be supporting the campaign again" - Sir Chris Hoy once again set to present PDC World Darts Championship final trophy following horrifying crash

Sir Chris Hoy will once again play a prominent role on Saturday evening during the final of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. The six-time Olympic track cycling champion has been invited for the second year running to present the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy to the new world darts champion. His presence is especially poignant given the difficult period Hoy is currently enduring, both medically and physically.

The now 49-year-old Scot revealed in September 2023 that he had been diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer. A year later, he decided to share his story publicly to raise awareness of the disease and the importance of research and support. Since then, Hoy has been undergoing chemotherapy. Doctors previously told him that his life expectancy was between two and four years, a message that resonated deeply across and beyond the sporting world.

As if that were not enough, Hoy suffered another heavy blow at the beginning of December. During a mountain bike training session, he crashed hard after an accident that threw him out of the saddle. The crash resulted in a serious leg fracture. Even so, the former elite athlete refused to be deterred. Despite the pain and rehabilitation, Hoy confirmed that he will attend the World Championship final in London.

His visit once again serves a charitable purpose this year. Hoy is an ambassador for Paddy Power’s The Even Bigger 180 campaign, which donates £1,000 to Prostate Cancer UK for every 180 hit during the World Darts Championship. Before the quarterfinals began on New Year’s Day, the tally had already reached 1,002 maximums, good for over one million pounds in donations. With several matchdays still to come, that figure continued to rise.

Hoy expressed his admiration for the initiative and its impact. According to him, the funds raised make a tangible difference in the fight against prostate cancer and provide support to thousands of men and their families across the United Kingdom. “I’m delighted to be supporting the campaign again this year and I’m looking forward to being at the Ally Pally for the final this Saturday.” he said.

For darts fans, Hoy’s presence has become a familiar sight. Last year he not only presented the Sid Waddell Trophy, but also handed over the Ballon D’Art to Luke Littler, who had thrown the most 180s of the tournament. Littler, then just 16, made a big impression and quickly became a fan favourite.

This year, the race for the most maximums is again playing a key role. Before the start of the quarterfinals, Gary Anderson led with 40 180s, followed by Luke Littler on 37. With every maximum, not only does the tournament tension rise, but so does the amount going to Prostate Cancer UK.

In sporting terms, there is also plenty at stake. The winner of the World Darts Championship will receive a staggering one million pounds this year, after the PDC decided to double the total prize fund. Even the quarterfinalists are guaranteed at least £100,000, underlining the financial stakes in modern darts.

Even so, Saturday evening will not be solely about money and sporting achievement for many fans. The presence of Sir Chris Hoy gives the final an extra emotional charge. His determination to attend one of the biggest nights on the darts calendar, despite illness and injury, is widely admired.

At Alexandra Palace he will stand as a symbol of perseverance, hope, and solidarity — values that fit perfectly with both darts and the message behind the campaign he supports. When he presents the Sid Waddell Trophy on Saturday evening, it will not only mark the end of the World Championship, but also a moment of respect and recognition for a sporting icon who continues to inspire, even in the toughest circumstances.