"Why can’t I win it again?" - Shane McGuirk dreaming of back-to-back world titles at Lakeside

In Manchester, Target recently launched its new 2025 line, and among the guests was Shane McGuirk. The Irishman claimed the WDF World Championship at the Lakeside Country Club last year. During the presentation he spoke about his year as world champion, his experiences on and off the oche, and his ambitions for the months ahead.

The specially designed pop-up shop in Manchester showcased Target’s latest collection of darts, shafts and flights. McGuirk was impressed. “Oh, it’s deadly, isn’t it?” he laughed when speaking to Online Darts. “Target always go above and beyond for these things, and this is more than what I was expecting to come and see. To have so many omnilanes open for everyone to try out, and all these new darts – the new budget range is incredible.”

He also had an eye on the newest premium models. “Then you’ve got everything else coming out now, like the new 95k Dimitris. They’re a very nice dart, look like they’ve got a bit of a stone grip in them as well. I was looking at the Marriers too – really nice barrels there. Everything’s going well today, everyone seems to be enjoying it and happy, and it’s good to meet everyone again.”

When it comes to his own equipment, McGuirk isn’t tempted to change just yet.

His world champion status has already taken McGuirk to places he had long dreamed of. “It’s been very busy. I’ve been over in Australia doing a tour, which was something I’d always dreamed of. That was brilliant. Then I’ve been doing exhibitions at home and over in England as well, so I’ve kept myself busy. I’m still working full-time at home too, so I’m always away, always doing something. We’re coming into my busy end of the year now with a couple of Modus appearances, then the Irish Open, and hopefully it all ends with another successful year at Lakeside.”

The title has changed McGuirk both as a player and as a person. “Yeah, it’s been very good. I’ve taken a lot more pride in myself this year, and I think I’ve walked with a bit more confidence. People seem to notice that. I’m just going to keep doing what I do and not put pressure on myself to repeat last year. I know I can win it – why can’t I win it again? Same as everyone else, they all believe they can. So Lakeside is going to be fun this year.”

The thought of defending his crown brings plenty of excitement. “I think it’ll be fun to go back and take it all in again. The last time I stood there, I was the winner. To walk back into that hall, knowing that’s where it all happened for me, I think I’ll get a real buzz from it. Hopefully that spurs me on to do it again.”

On the subject of being considered a favourite, McGuirk stays level-headed.

“I wouldn’t say I’m the favourite, but you have to go by the rankings. I don’t really play much WDF, so maybe it’s a bit of a false ranking because I didn’t have to qualify – I already knew I was going back. But I understand why people would put me as a favourite because of how well I played last year. I think I almost went the whole thing without dropping a set, only lost one in the semi-final and then four in the final. I never thought about it until people told me after. So yeah, people will probably be looking over their shoulders at me. That’s better than me looking at them. I’ll just take it in my stride and hopefully being there is enough to put pressure on everyone else. Hopefully I can do the business.”

One striking feature of McGuirk’s career is the way he balances elite darts with his everyday life. While many players dedicate everything to the sport, he has remained rooted in his job and home life. “For me it’s important not to let everything revolve around darts. Of course I want to be the best, but I don’t want to lose my life at home. That balance helps me. It means I step on stage with enjoyment, without making it all or nothing.”

Many believe that in time McGuirk will inevitably go full-time, but for now his combination of talent, resilience and world championship experience already gives him the foundation for a long career at the top.

The coming months will be about preparation. The Challenge Tour will provide him with rhythm and match sharpness, while the Irish Open will be another chance to test himself against strong opposition. The ultimate target, however, is once again Lakeside. “I want to enjoy it again – that’s the most important thing. If I enjoy my game, the results will come. And of course I want to defend my title. I know how hard it is, but I also know I can do it. So why not again?”