Who are the most underrated darts champions ever? Paul Nicholson comes up with three suggestions

When it comes to the pantheon of major champion throughout the illustrious history of darts, the first names than come to mind are likely legends such as Phil Taylor, Eric Bristow, Michael van Gerwen and the more recent duo of Luke Humphries and Luke Littler. But who are the most underrated darts champions ever?

In his column for Sporting Life, former Players Championship Finals winner Paul Nicholson gave thought to this question, coming up with three interesting names in response. "In darts, not all champions are treated equally. Some names get shouted from the rooftops, others barely get a mention despite incredible careers. I’ve been around long enough to see which players get the credit they deserve and which ones don’t," begins 'The Asset'. "Here are three world-class champions who, for my money, are still underrated."

Firstly, Nicholson pays tribute to the 2018 PDC World Darts Championship winner Rob Cross. "I still don’t think people understand how good this guy has been," Nicholson assesses. "When Rob Cross burst onto the PDC scene in 2016 via The Challenge Tour, he was nothing short of electrifying. Winning titles, reaching finals, and culminating in a World Championship victory over Phil Taylor in 2018; it was a fairytale debut two years. But somehow, the fairytale didn’t generate the fame it deserved. The media buzz? Virtually muted compared to the chaos we witnessed with Luke Littler in 2024 or Fallon Sherrock's historic wins. While Littler’s walk-ons jammed the gantry with journalists and photographers, Cross’s rise barely caused a ripple outside of darting circles."

"That lack of hype shouldn't mask what he's achieved. Since 2018, he’s reached 12 major finals and won four – also including the World Matchplay and two European Championships – while there was a near-miss in the Premier League against Michael van Gerwen in 2019. He was one double away from taking the lead in that final, and perhaps Cross would’ve added the Premier League to his resume and eventually completed the perceived Triple Crown," Nicholson adds. "He’s not the flashiest 180 hitter, but his strengths are clear. His love for treble 18, his reliability in finishing – these are the marks of a clinical professional. The only televised major final he’s yet to reach? The World Grand Prix. That’s it. He's done the rest."

Whilst it's strange to consider a three-time world champion underrated, Nicholson believes John Part is another star that doesn't get the credit he truly deserves across the sport. "When he won the 1994 BDO World Championship, darts purists viewed it as almost sacrilegious: a Canadian lifting the most prestigious trophy in a British-dominated sport? Outrageous," says the former World Cup of Darts finalist. "But John wasn’t a novelty act. He was a visionary who turned inspiration into achievement. He watched the World Championship on TV and believed he could beat those guys – and he did. Not once, not twice, but three times. Beating Phil Taylor in an all-time classic PDC World Championship final? That alone secures your legacy. Winning at three different venues – Lakeside, Circus Tavern, and Alexandra Palace – is something most greats will never manage."

"Despite that, Part's name doesn’t always get mentioned alongside legends with similar records like John Lowe, Martin Adams or Glen Durrant. Why not?" Nicholson asks. "Some might say it’s because his averages weren’t astronomical. But titles aren’t handed out for scoring 110 in a losing effort. They’re won through grit, timing, and winning legs. From Las Vegas Desert Classic victories to a deep run at the UK Open in 2018, Part proved he could win across eras. Consider this: his first world title came in 1994. His third? 2008. That’s a 14-year gap – a span of dominance and longevity we rarely see. If Luke Littler wins again in 2039, we’ll call him superhuman. That’s what John Part already did."

For his third suggestion, Nicholson looks towards a former BDO world champion - Scott Waites. "One of the most overlooked major winners we’ve ever had," he assesses. "Two Lakeside titles, a World Masters, Zuiderduin Masters, World Cup singles – you name it, he won it in the BDO. But it was his Grand Slam win in 2010 that sticks with me as he came back from 8-0 down to beat James Wade 16-12."

"Some players need the very best opponents to play their best darts, and Waites may be one of them. He produced 100+ averages in both of his Grand Slam runs. Fans wanted him to switch to the PDC and cash in. But Scott liked his life as a carpenter. He liked working. He liked throwing darts without the circus," Nicholson concludes. "When he did eventually make the switch in 2020, his prime was possibly past – but his reputation was intact. Two world titles, major silverware, and a legacy as one of the finest players never fully recognised."

Do you agree with the names mentioned by Nicholson, or can you think of champions even more underrated? Let us know!