"That one has everything but brains" - 'Mario Balotelli of Darts' Corey Cadby still sorely missed after 'sabotaging himself'

When Corey Cadby burst onto the international darts scene in 2016, he was instantly hailed as one of the brightest talents of his generation. The Australian, now 30, seemed to have everything required to become a permanent fixture in the world’s elite ranks. Yet, as history would show, things did not go as expected.

In the latest episode of the podcast Darts Draait Door, hosts Damian Vlottes and Vincent van der Voort reflect on the turbulent career of Cadby, often dubbed “the Mario Balotelli of darts.” Vlottes opens with a nod to the mercurial Italian footballer: “That one has everything but brains. And I feel the same about Cadby.” Van der Voort echoes the sentiment. “Yes, such a shame. He had everything to become a world-class player.”

Van der Voort recalls exactly what made Cadby so special. “He had character and wasn’t afraid of the big stage. There was always something happening—an upset here or there. I really thought he was a very good player. It’s a real shame he ended up sabotaging himself.”

Even early in his career, Cadby sought out challenges against the sport’s greats. Vlottes highlights his unique connection with Phil Taylor, despite Cadby not even having a Tour Card at the time. The two met four times on the World Series, with Cadby winning twice. “Once Taylor averaged 111.66, and Cadby still beat him 6-2 with a 104 average himself,” Vlottes recalls.

Van der Voort remembers Cadby’s meteoric rise in the PDC: “He got his Tour Card and, in his first year, reached the UK Open final—just two months in. He won a Pro Tour event in his first or second weekend. He was exceptional, but not exactly sensible.”

After a promising breakthrough in 2018, Cadby largely disappeared from the scene. He attempted a comeback through Q School in 2023. Vlottes notes: “After three flights and one set, he won his Tour Card back. But he couldn’t get a visa, which has always been a recurring issue.”

Van der Voort elaborates: “He had multiple run-ins with the law and personal troubles in Australia that prevented him from entering England.” Vlottes adds wryly, “He can’t even step off Tour because he can’t get into certain places. I heard once his record had to be printed—still working, apparently.” Van der Voort concludes bluntly: “Then it’s the end of his career. Just done. A real shame.”

The discussion then shifts to another rising star, who appears to have a steadier head than Cadby. After Cadby faded, Luke Littler emerged at just 16. Now 18, the teenage sensation has already claimed a world championship this year.

Van der Voort continues to be amazed by Littler’s consistency. “He’s just scary good,” he says. However, questions remain about where Littler will be in five years. “I’m curious about his development as a person—how he handles the public and other players.”

Rumors have occasionally suggested Littler might retire before 30, but Vlottes dismisses the notion. “Everyone wants to make as much money as possible, right? Van Gerwen always said he’d play until 35, but of course he kept going longer.”

Van der Voort adds a cautionary note. “Will he still be the best 12 years from now? We don’t know. Right now, it seems we’re stuck with him until he’s 40. But life can change quickly—choices, circumstances, everything.”

Health is another point of concern. “He’ll have to watch his weight,” Van der Voort warns. Vlottes laughs, “Do you think so?” Van der Voort chuckles, “Yes, I do! That’s a statement.” He continues more seriously: “It could become a problem at eighteen. It’s not guaranteed he’ll maintain this level until he’s 30 or 40.”

The podcast also draws parallels to Michael van Gerwen, who faced his own struggles as a young player. “Michael was phenomenal at seventeen, eighteen, but then hit a massive dip. He was brilliant in practice but couldn’t replicate it in matches. Once he overcame that, he grew as a person—more resilient and able to handle disappointment. If Littler hits a dip and comes back stronger, he could follow the same path.”