"Release that tension and I just relax": Heta on thought process behind crazy walk-ons

Damon Heta has undoubtedly been one of the stars of the European Tour so far in 2023. Whilst he may not have won an event so far this year, his walk-ons have consistently made him an instant fan favourite.

“In the first couple of walk-ons I just relaxed and wanted to be myself,” Heta explains to Dan Dawson on the Darts Show Podcast on the new side of his character. “Then it progressed and people started liking it, particularly on the Euro Tours. They love a sing-song, they love a dance, so I’ve just played along with it and I’m enjoying it.

“It’s getting me over the line. I get up on that stage and I want the best. I strive for perfection. I try to win every game and I try too hard," the Australian World Cup of Darts winner continues. “These walk-ons release that tension and I just relax, so I’m going to keep riding with it and see what happens. I’m enjoying myself and I’m entertaining the crowd.”

The crowd are undoubtedly finding Heta's entrances incredibly entertaining. Everywhere he goes he is receiving support as if he were a home player and the Australian is playing with a smile on his face which is great to see.

“I don’t think every player could do this. Everyone is engrossed in their game and focused on what they need to do, how they prepare, but in my own game, I feel it releases that tension and I’m relaxed straight away," he says. “I might not be producing the statistics I was last year, but I’m winning games, I’m doing it with a big smile, keeping everyone happy and I’m loving it.”

Now back up into the world's top 16, it's clearly being backed up by results for Heta as well. “I said at the start of the year that top ten wasn’t out of the realms,” the Aussie adds. “In order for me to get into the top ten, I need to do something in the big TV tournaments. That’s the only way I’m going to step up. I think the top ten is a realistic goal for me. Not everyone gets there, but I feel I’ve set my bar too low in previous years, whereas now I’ve set that bar at top ten. It will be tough, but I’ve got to strive for that, and I believe it can happen.”