"I’d achieved everything in New Zealand that was available to me": Ben Robb lost passion to play darts as 'big fish in small pond'

Ben Robb marked his Lakeside debut with a determined first-round victory over Sweden’s Johan Engström at the 2025 WDF World Championship — a result that left the New Zealander “stoked” after weathering an early storm on the iconic stage.

Engström came flying out of the blocks at Lakeside, punishing every opportunity and piling in the big scores. “Early on he couldn’t miss a treble,” Robb admitted. “So many maximums and last-dart doubles — it was hurting.” But the Kiwi stayed composed, digging deep to keep himself in the contest. “I just stayed strong and stuck with the mental strength to hang on there, and then later I kicked on. It was good.”

Robb has appeared previously on the PDC’s Alexandra Palace stage, but stepping onto the Lakeside boards for the first time offered a very different experience. “I didn’t know what to expect, but when I was out there I felt they appreciated the darts,” he said. “The crowd were really watching the game — big moments, good setups. They appreciated the darts and I really appreciated that.”

The support for the “Kiwi boy”, as he called himself, clearly struck a chord. “I was stoked the crowd got behind me. They really backed me up there.”

Robb lost the opening set and admitted the early momentum belonged entirely to Engström. “He broke me early and I was thinking, ‘Just stay there.’” But a key miss from the Swede in the second set opened the door, and Robb pounced. “He gave me a shot and I hit it last dart. I think I got it back to 2–1 and that flipped the game. Then I got a bit of confidence and he started falling away.”

Having known Engström from previous international events, Robb refused to underestimate him. “Classic Johan. I didn’t take him lightly. I was stoked to get away with it — he let me off a few chances and I took them.”

The win sets up a showdown with 2022 Lakeside champion Neil Duff — an opportunity Robb relishes. “Neil’s world class. What a privilege to play someone like him,” he said. “I’m excited. If I show up and play my A-game, I don’t think there’s any chance of anybody. I didn’t come all this way to make up the numbers — I want a victory.”

Robb also drew confidence from fellow Kiwi Caleb Hope’s performance earlier in the day. “He did well too. We practised well together, and that gave me a bit of confidence heading into Monday.”

The ANZ Premier League — a new venture across Australia and New Zealand — has been influential in Robb’s resurgence. “The PDC giving us opportunities is massive. The more opportunities we get, the better you’ll see from our side of the world,” he explained.

For the 34-year-old, those seven consecutive weeks of televised, high-pressure matches proved transformative. “It sparked the passion again. I’d got a bit stagnant and a bit lazy, to be fair,” he said. “It reminded me to step up for a challenge and put the work in. This was my first opportunity to show everybody to take me seriously — that I’m a real talent and can run with anybody in the world.”

Robb openly admitted he had lost some motivation in recent years. “I’d achieved everything in New Zealand that was available to me. We only get one World Champs shot every 12 months, and falling short makes it hard to stay confident.” But the Premier League rekindled his drive. “It made me rethink myself — do I want to do it? And I do. I love the game and want to show everybody I can be on top of the world.”

The long-term goal remains clear: earning a PDC Tour Card. “I want to follow the likes of Haupai Puha. I want to be on that tour and test myself. We’re so isolated in New Zealand — at the bottom of the world — so when opportunities come, we have to take them. The game’s growing fast and the talent is getting ridiculous. I’m keen to have a crack, mate.”

Robb confirmed he will once again attend PDC Q School. “Definitely. Every year I’ll be there. I’ll never give up hope. I believe in myself, and my family and friends believe in me too. Coming here and performing in front of these guys, putting my name up there with some New Zealand greats — it’s good for me.”