"The one time all the hate and disgusting messages are deserved" – Luke Woodhouse reflects on online abuse after dramatic Grand Slam exit

Luke Woodhouse admitted emotions got the better of him in the aftermath of his dramatic 2025 Grand Slam of Darts exit, after the Englishman suffered an agonising defeat at the hands of Ricky Evans on Wednesday night that ended his hopes of progressing to the quarter-finals.

Woodhouse had been on the verge of another memorable win when he led 8-5 in a race to ten in Wolverhampton, before faltering at the crucial moment, allowing his opponent to capitalise. Hours after the match, the 37-year-old took to social media with a brutally honest reflection that quickly sparked reaction across the darts community.

“Froze at the wrong time … nothing to blame but myself … probably the one time all the hate and disgusting messages are deserved... On to the next one,” Woodhouse wrote on X.

The post was a rare example of a player openly acknowledging the torrent of online abuse that often follows a defeat. Yet rather than lashing out, Woodhouse faced it head-on with a dose of self-awareness and humour. A response that many fans praised for its honesty.

By the following morning, the English thrower had clearly had time to process the loss. In a follow-up message, he thanked those who had reached out with supportive words, noting that the positive messages far outweighed the negativity.

“Fair to say emotions were running high when I posted after yesterday’s game … but the positive messages and comments have been amazing,” he said. “Goes to show negative and hateful messages are the minority. All in all a good tournament from myself… thanks for the support.”

It was a measured and mature response from a player who has grown increasingly comfortable in front of the spotlight. Woodhouse’s performances in Wolverhampton once again showcased his sharp scoring power and steady temperament, traits that have turned him into a reliable competitor on the PDC circuit.

Despite the painful exit, Woodhouse leaves the Grand Slam with plenty of positives. His group-stage performances included impressive wins that reaffirmed his progress over the past 12 months, where he’s become one of the most improved players in the top 64.

While defeat will sting for a few days, his calm handling of the social media fallout has drawn admiration from fans and fellow players alike — a reminder that accountability and class still exist in the modern sporting landscape.

For Woodhouse, the focus now shifts to finishing the season strongly and turning another solid campaign into a platform for further growth in 2026.