Which ten walk-ons should we be most excited for ahead of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship?

The PDC World Darts Championship is one of the sporting highlights of the year. Nothing can match the tournament at Alexandra Palace in terms of entertainment and an essential part of the show is the walk-on, in which players take the stage with their favourite music.

This year again features some iconic and surprising walk-ons, from classic anthems to party numbers that rock the room. Here are 10 players whose walk-on promises to be an absolute highlight of the 2025 World Darts Championship.

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Nathan Aspinall - Mr. Brightside

At major tournaments, Nathan Aspinall uses the song Mr. Brightside by The Killers to make his way to the stage. This karaoke classic is one of the most beloved walk-on songs among darts fans.

The song is also passionately sung along outside the English borders, even when the song has been edited out by the director. The rousing and energetic nature of "Mr. Brightside" can help 'The Asp' get the right adrenaline coursing through his body to start competition.

Raymond van Barneveld - Eye of the Tiger

The song Eye of the Tiger has been inseparable from darter Raymond van Barneveld for many years. The hit by the band Survivor was used as the title song for the movie Rocky III, the film series that 'Barney' is a huge fan of.

Van Barneveld previously indicated in an interview that he sees many similarities with the character Rocky. ''That he is through, that he becomes world champion, that he wins easily, that he is defeated, that his wife has to address him on the beach and that 'he says: I'm afraid! Those are things I've actually experienced in my life.''

Raymond van Barneveld's most iconic appearance was at the very first time the PDC stopped by Ahoy Rotterdam for a Premier League night. The video of that walk on has been viewed nearly a million times on YouTube.

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Stephen Bunting - Titanium

Crowd favorite Stephen Bunting had a special attendance number in the past with Bird is the Word, but today the choice is Titanium by DJ David Guetta.

It further boosted the popularity of "The Bullet". Spreading his arms, Bunting enters the stage, after which the Englishman also enthusiastically sings along to the song's chorus himself.

Joe Cullen - Don't Look Back In Anger

Another walk-on that provides a goose-bump moment is the one of Joe Cullen. 'The Rockstar' enters the stage with Oasis' anthem Don't Look Back in Anger.

Cullen chose this walk-on song because of a sad reason. The song was used as a tribute to the victims in the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing. This venue is also used as one of the venues in the Premier League Darts.

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Ricky Evans - Merry Christmas Everyone

For years, the energetic Ricky Evans has been known for turning his walk-on song into a veritable party. Usually, "Rapid Ricky" has been using Village People's song YMCA.

YMCA is a very recognizable and popular song that invites people to sing and dance along. The familiar hand motions associated with the chorus are often performed by the audience, which increases the atmosphere in the arena and makes for a fun and energetic environment.

At the World Darts Championship, however, the lightning-fast Englishman chooses the Christmas classic Merry Christmas Everyone by Shakin' Stevens, with which he managed to set Alexandra Palace ablaze each time. During the 2023 World Darts Championship, Evans even wore a Santa hat and beard at his walk-on.

Michael van Gerwen - Seven Nation Army

Are you going to a game where Michael van Gerwen is also in action? Chances are that the supporter's song "Ooohh Michael van Gerwen" will often pass by and be sung along passionately.

The use of Seven Nation Army as a walk-on song reinforces Van Gerwen's image as a powerful and dominant darter on the circuit. The song exudes self-confidence and ruthlessness, two typical characteristics of "Mighty Mike.

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Daryl Gurney - Sweet Caroline

The evergreen "Sweet Caroline" by American singer Neil Diamond is of course not to be missed in this list. The classic is used as a walk on song by Daryl Gurney.

Sweet Caroline is an upbeat and uplifting song with a catchy melody and sing-along lyrics. The song creates an atmosphere of joy and enthusiasm in the dart arena when Gurney takes the stage.

'Superchin' adds another helping hand to that by standing at the front of the stage after entering the stage and using arm gestures to whip the audience into singing on.

Luke Humphries - I Predict a Riot

Luke Humphries' song has received a major upgrade over the course of the season. His former Cake by the Ocean has been replaced by the rock song I Predict a Riot by the Kaiser Chiefs.

Humphries is widely known to be a big Leeds United fan and that song is inextricably linked to Leeds United football club because the band members of the Kaiser Chiefs are from the city.

Another reason to look forward to Humphries' appearance is because it is always special when the defending champion is called around Alexandra Palace for the first time.

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Luke Littler - Greenlight

Teenage sensation Luke Littler makes his way to the stage with the delightfully upbeat song Greenlight. The audience is swept up in the vibe of the song, and the sparkling energy is infectious.

This is not just a walk-on, but an entrance from a rising champion who is ready to take the darts world by storm. Just assume we are going to hear this song a few times during the World Darts Championship.

Peter Wright - Don't Stop the Party

Peter Wright, one of the most colourful darters ever, is known for his striking walk-on song Don't Stop the Party by Pitbull. This song is not only an energetic and uplifting song, but it also perfectly suits Wright's exuberant and flamboyant personality.

Furthermore, "Snakebite" is known for his striking appearance, with his brightly colored Mohawk comb, eye-catching clothing and sometimes even face painting. The walk-on number reinforces his flamboyant image and adds to the festive atmosphere he creates at his entrance.

During his walk-on, Wright uses the song to encourage interaction with the audience. He often dances along to the music, waving to fans and making sure the atmosphere is exuberant and festive.