PDC World Darts Championship: Most memorable moments

The PDC World Darts Championship is back, and with it comes the promise of more jaw-dropping moments that will have fans on the edge of their seats.

Over the years, the tournament has delivered some of the most dramatic and unforgettable scenes in darts history, from groundbreaking milestones to impossible feats of skill under pressure.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and relive some of the most iconic moments that have made this competition so special, while we look forward to the magic this year’s tournament will undoubtedly bring.

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Willie Borland’s nine-darter

Every darts fan loves a nine-darter, but Willie Borland’s was something extraordinary. On his PDC World Darts Championship debut, the young Scotsman pulled off the perfect leg at the most critical moment—the deciding set of his first-round clash with England’s Bradley Brooks.

The crowd at Alexandra Palace went wild as Borland delivered a moment of pure darting brilliance to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory. His nerves of steel and razor-sharp precision not only won him the match but also cemented his place in darting history. For a debut, it doesn’t get much better than that!

Fallon Sherrock breaks record

Fallon Sherrock made history in 2019 by becoming the first woman ever to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship—and she didn’t stop there. Her thrilling 3-2 victory over Ted Evetts in the first round was followed by a stunning 3-1 win against Mensur Suljović in the second.

Though her run ended in the third round against Chris Dobey, Fallon’s trailblazing achievements inspired fans around the world. The “Queen of the Palace,” as she became known, proved that darts is a game for everyone, and her story remains one of the sport’s most celebrated milestones.

Luke Littler’s debut

Luke Littler’s 2023 debut was nothing short of spectacular. He burst onto the scene with a record-breaking 106 average in his first-round win against Christian Kist—the highest ever by a debutant in the tournament’s history.

From there, Littler’s journey was one to remember. He defeated legends like Rob Cross and Raymond van Barneveld on his way to the semi-finals, showcasing nerves of steel and a talent far beyond his years. Though he fell to Luke Humphries in the final, Littler’s fearless performance marked him as a future star in darts and gave fans a glimpse of greatness in the making. Littler is the 2/1 favourite to win this year’s contest.

Michael Smith’s nine-darter

If there’s one leg of darts that fans will never forget, it’s Michael Smith’s incredible nine-darter during the 2023 final against Michael van Gerwen. In the third leg of the second set, both players came tantalisingly close to perfection, but it was Smith who seized the moment.

After MVG narrowly missed his double-12, Smith stepped up with back-to-back 180s before nailing an unforgettable 141 checkout. It was only the second nine-darter ever achieved in a World Championship final, and the drama of the moment left commentator Wayne Mardle—and the entire arena—speechless. His ecstatic call of “That is the most amazing leg of darts you will ever see in your life!” said it all. Michael Smith is the 4/1 favourite to be this year’s third quarter winner.

Phil Taylor’s 14th Championship

No discussion of the PDC World Darts Championship is complete without mentioning Phil “The Power” Taylor, the undisputed G.O.A.T of darts. With 14 titles and 19 final appearances over two decades, Taylor’s dominance is the stuff of legend.

His final title in 2013, where he defeated Michael van Gerwen, was a fitting send-off for one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen. More than just his victories, Taylor’s consistency, ability to deliver under pressure, and contributions to making darts a global phenomenon have left a legacy that will endure forever.