Darts
Best Darts Players in 2023
Who has been the world’s best darts player in 2023? Well, the easy way of figuring this out would be to look at the PDC’s Order of Merit. However, we at William Hill wanted to take a more analytical approach.
The PDC Order of Merit is a money-based system. Money earned from ranking events elevates or decreases a player’s world ranking. This ranking format is done on a two-year system, therefore, should a player win the Darts World Championship in 2023 they would not have to defend the money earned until 2025. To make a long story short; the ranking system is complicated… we won’t even get started on the three other Order of Merit’s that the PDC use for the Player’s Championship, European Championship and Pro Tour.
Below are the top five ‘statistically’ best darts players in 2023…
#5 – Rob Cross (Voltage)
In 2023, Rob Cross has firmly established himself as the fifth-best player in the world of darts, showcasing a remarkable combination of consistency and championship-winning performances.
His stellar achievements include an impressive average of 96.36, which is the fifth highest this year. The Voltage’s checkout percentage is 41.53%. This highlights his proficiency in finishing games, showcasing a calm and composed demeanour under pressure. The culmination of his prowess is evident in his triumphs at major events, having clinched victories at the PDC Players Championship 11, European Darts Grand Prix (where he defeated Luke Humphries in the final), the New Zealand Darts Masters, and the New South Wales Darts Masters.
Cross’s consistent high-level performance and notable tournament wins solidify his position as the fifth-best player, making him a formidable force on the professional darts circuit in 2023.
Back Rob Cross at 14/1 for the PDC World Darts Championship 2024.
#4 – Gary Anderson (The Flying Scotsman)
The Flying Scotsman emerges as the fourth-best player of 2023, showcasing a remarkable blend of skill, precision, and consistent high-level performance.
The long-time campaigner’s standout feature of this year has been his extraordinary average of 98.60, the highest among his fellow competitors, attesting to his exceptional scoring ability. Notably, he boasts the third-highest percentage of hitting treble twenty with 43.5%, an obviously critical statistic that contributes to his impressive overall average.
Anderson’s prowess is not only reflected in statistics but is also translated into tangible success on the competitive stage, having secured victories at the Players Championships 8, 24, and 25. His triumphs in these major events, coupled with his stellar statistical achievements, firmly establish Gary Anderson as the fourth-best player in the world of darts in 2023, making him a formidable contender in the World Darts Championship.
Back Gary Anderson at 12/1 for the PDC World Darts Championship 2024.
#3 – Gerwyn Price (The Iceman)
Coming in at number three, Gerwyn Price distinguishes himself as the third-best player, demonstrating an impressive combination of statistical excellence and tournament triumphs.
Price has the third highest average of 98.49, earning him a well-deserved spot among the elite players in the world over the last seven years. Furthermore, his prolific scoring is evident in the fourth-highest number of 180’s, a testament to his ability to deliver high-impact performances. What sets the ‘Iceman’ apart is not only his scoring prowess but also his exceptional poise under pressure, exemplified by his leading checkout percentage of 41.89% the highest percentage out of his competitors in this list.
The Welshman’s success, this year, is notable with victories at the European Darts Open, International Darts Open, and Players Championships 17, 18, 21, and 29. As he continues to dominate the circuit, Price emerges as a strong contender for the upcoming PDC World Darts Championship in 2024, solidifying his status as the third-best player in the world of darts in 2023.
Back Gerwyn Price at 11/2 for the PDC World Darts Championship 2024.
#2 – Michael van Gerwen (Mighty Mike)
Michael van Gerwen (MVG) has consistently stood out as a dominant force in professional darts for over a decade, and 2023 is no exception to his remarkable track record.
Throughout the year, he has secured victory in a total of six events, including prestigious titles like the Premier League, World Series Finals, Poland and US Darts Masters, Belgian Darts Open, and the Players Championships 7. Holding an impressive average of 98.52, the second highest in the field, MVG showcases his enduring excellence and precision on the dartboard, often surpassing opponents with his remarkable scoring ability. Further highlighting his flash darting prowess, van Gerwen boasts the record for the most career nine-darters, including a recent one in the finals of the Players Championship Finals against none other than the talented Luke Humphries.
Michael van Gerwen’s consistent success, coupled with his remarkable achievements in 2023, solidifies his status as a true icon in the world of professional darts.
Back Michael van Gerwen at 4/1 for the PDC World Darts Championship 2024.
#1 – Luke Humphries (Cool Hand Luke)
Luke Humphries stands as a new formidable force in the world of professional darts, boasting an impressive array of championship titles and event victories this year.
Humphries won his first crown at the World Grand Prix in October. Cool Hand Luke has hit 629 maximums over the last year, which is the highest total on this list. In 2023, Luke Humphries also now holds the prestigious titles of the Grand Slam of Darts champion, and Players Championship Finals champion, beating Michael van Gerwen in the final. Humphries has etched his name among the elite in the sport over this past year. In addition to his championship victories, Humphries has secured event wins at the European Matchplay and Players Championships 15 and 20, further solidifying his status as a highly skilled and accomplished player on the professional darts circuit.
With a track record that now includes both major titles and event successes, Luke Humphries continues to leave an indelible mark in the world of darts and that is why he is favourite to win the World Darts Championship.
Back Luke Humphries at 10/3 for the PDC World Darts Championship 2024.
