"Players decide the Premier League – not the media or the fans": Chris Dobey won't lose sleep over lack of recognition

Chris Dobey has enjoyed another strong season on the oche, but the North East star admits he’s content to let others take the spotlight as he quietly goes about his business heading into the Grand Slam of Darts.

Speaking after an exhibition night in Northampton for Modus and MDA, the world number 10 reflected on a year that’s been quietly impressive – and one that’s far from over.

“It was a great atmosphere and a good venue to play in,” Dobey told Online Darts, smiling after performing in front of an energetic crowd. “I really enjoyed it. There’s still a lot to play for, so I’m practising hard. There are plenty of big events coming up, and I just want to keep my game sharp and perform well. That’s the focus.”

One of Dobey’s biggest moments this year came when he sealed his Grand Slam of Darts qualification.

“When I beat Damon, I knew I was in,” he said. “It means a lot because it’s such a big tournament – probably one of the hardest to qualify for. So I’m really happy to be part of it again.”

Known for his heavy scoring, Dobey has once again been one of the Tour’s most consistent 180-hitters. “Four matches and 24 180s – those are the kind of numbers I’ve been putting in,” he explained. “I don’t know what it is, but I tried a new dart recently and it seems to work. Maybe I should do that more often! I used to stick to the same setup for ages, but sometimes a fresh set makes a real difference.”

Dobey also stressed the importance of authenticity in the gear he uses. “Some players bring out darts they never really use. For me, if my name’s on a dart, that’s the one I’m actually throwing. That’s the way I do things – and it’s about showing respect to the fans.”

Despite sitting inside the world’s top ten and collecting three Pro Tour titles this year, Dobey’s form hasn’t always attracted the headlines it deserves. Not that he minds.

“Maybe it’s gone a bit under the radar, and I’m fine with that,” he shrugged. “I’d rather focus on the board than the talk. If I can play the way I have on the floor and on the European Tour, and bring that to TV, the results will take care of themselves.”

And he’s not losing sleep over recognition or hype. “It doesn’t make me angry or frustrated. I just let my darts do the talking. The top four players decide the Premier League and the big shows – not the media or the fans. My job’s just to win.”

Dobey’s 2025 has also been defined by family moments, including his time on the World Series circuit.

“I loved every minute of it – travelling, playing in big arenas, and especially being able to take my dad to Australia and New Zealand,” he said. “That was special. Two weeks with him is something we’d never have done without darts.”

Balancing the tour with home life is never easy, but Dobey’s motivation is simple. “It’s a sacrifice, but I do it for my family. I earn a good living and everything I do is for them. I FaceTime them when I’m away – even if they don’t always fancy chatting – but they understand why I do it.”

His eldest son Cole, though, doesn’t quite share dad’s darting passion. “He watches sometimes but he’s not into it, and that’s fine by me. I’d never force it. If he prefers football, that’s up to him. Everything I do is for him and the family anyway.”

With the Grand Slam of Darts next on the agenda, Dobey knows the importance of starting strong.

“You’ve got to be sharp straight away because it’s best-of-nine legs,” he said. “I know what I can do – I’ve done it before – so I’m going in confident.”

As for the World Championship and its record £1 million winner’s prize? Dobey isn’t getting carried away. “It’s great that darts is heading that way, but you can’t think about that too much. You’ve got to focus on the first game and keeping your form right.”

Dobey remains grounded as ever when discussing the sport’s next generation, including Beau Greaves’ upcoming first full season on the PDC Tour.

“She’ll learn, like everyone does,” he said. “There are so many good players out there, but she’s got the talent and the support to make the top 32. Hopefully she gives it everything – unless she’s playing me, of course.”

It’s that calm, realistic attitude that defines the Bedlington thrower. “I don’t look too far ahead,” he finished. “You can ruin yourself by expecting too much. I just focus on my game, play my darts, and let the results come.”