Best Men Professional Darts Players in the World

Darts started as a simple pub game, but it has grown into a global sport. At the center of this growth are the world’s top male darts players. These players are skilled, focused, and consistent. They know how to stay calm under pressure and make every throw count.

Whether hitting a perfect 180 or winning close matches, they show why darts is a game of precision and strategy. This article looks at some of the best men in professional darts, their name, nickname, achievements, and what makes them stand out in the sport.

Michael van Gerwen

Country: Netherlands
Nickname: MvG
World Championships: 3 (2014, 2017, 2019)
PDC Order of Merit: 1 (as of 2025)

Some people consider Michael van Gerwen one of the best dart players ever to grace the board. Since turning professional at an early teenage age, he has not stopped short of making his presence known on the professional circuit.

He is quite an aggressive player who plays with a never-say-die attitude. He enjoys superlative scoring abilities that have seen him set several records in many tournaments for the highest averages.

He first reached the summit of the PDC Order of Merit in 2014 and has held it on many occasions since. He is a three-time World Champion, having claimed the title in 2014, 2017, and 2019.

Michael van Gerwen

His successes have led many to consider him as one of the most dominant players in modern darts. Whether it’s the easy fluid hitting of treble 20s with unnerving regularity or his calmness under pressure, Van Gerwen’s success is a function of both skill and hard work.

Peter Wright

Country: Scotland
Nickname: Snakebite
World Championships: 2 (2020, 2022)
PDC Order of Merit: 2 (as of 2025)

Peter Wright is the man of style both on and off the dartboard, with brightly colored mohawks and flamboyant outfits that have turned him into probably the most recognizable figure in darts. But beneath the eccentricity, his skills are nothing short of exceptional.

First, Wright won the World Championship title in 2020, and then he did it again in 2022. He has constantly been among the best in the world, challenging van Gerwen and all other top players in each major tournament.

Peter Wright

The ability of Wright to adjust his game and get back on his feet after setbacks has been very instrumental for him throughout his success. He is at his best in the mental part of the game, which makes him a force in any kind of competition.

Gerwyn Price

Country: Wales
Nickname: The Iceman
World Championships: 1 (2021)
PDC Order of Merit: 3 (as of 2025)

Gerwyn Price’s rise to the top of the darts world has been impressive. Known as “The Iceman,” Price is a tough competitor who thrives under pressure. He won his first World Championship in 2021, defeating Gary Anderson in the final. Price’s style of play is marked by his high scoring and mental resilience.

In addition to his World Championship win, Price has been ranked as high as number 1 in the PDC Order of Merit, a position he held in 2021. His success is a result of his hard work, discipline, and ability to handle the intense pressure of top-level darts.

Price is also known for his controversial and outspoken nature, which has only added to his persona as a player who is not afraid to challenge the norms of the sport.

Gary Anderson

Country: Scotland
Nickname: The Flying Scotsman
World Championships: 2 (2015, 2016)
PDC Order of Merit: 4 (as of 2025)

Anderson is a smooth, consistent thrower who has often struck with accuracy and high scores. He has reached at least the quarterfinals in most major tournaments, having won two World Championships in 2015 and 2016.

But with Anderson, on the dartboard, he’s mostly relaxed and composed, unlike what has been highly regarded off the board. His potential to handle pressure in competition means that he is feared in any setup on this basis.

His success so far has managed to engrave his name as one of the best ever dart players to have taken to the sport.

James Wade

Country: England
Nickname: The Machine
World Championships: 1 (2007)
PDC Order of Merit: 5 (as of 2025)

James Wade is sometimes known as “The Machine” for his relentless consistency and accuracy in the game of darts. Wade’s career has been marked by his steady rise through the ranks, and he is known for his methodical approach to the game.

Wade won the World Championship in 2007, and since then, he has been a constant presence in the upper echelons of the sport.

James Wade

Wade is both respected for his mental toughness and his ability to stay cool under the most intense pressure. Consistent performances at major tournaments have seen him become a fans’ favorite and one of the respected figures in the darting world.

While he may have not won as many World Championships as his contemporaries, his chances of performing well in high-stake matches make him a player among the best.

Rob Cross

Country: England
Nickname: Voltage
World Championships: 1 (2018)
PDC Order of Merit: 6 (as of 2025)

Rob Cross’s rapid rise in the world of darts was nothing short of extraordinary. This improvement for Rob Cross in the world of darts was absolutely sensational. This player won the 2018 World Championship in only the first year of his time in the professional circuit and defeated Phil Taylor in the final.

It showed that he had a knack at playing and soon he emerged as one of the top players in the world.

The “Voltage” nickname for Cross reveals his energy and enthusiasm for the game. His ability to keep a clear head under pressure has been one of the most significant contributing factors to his success.

While he has not yet rivalled the sustained brilliance of some of his competitors, Cross is a young player with immense potential and natural talent.

Daryl Gurney

Country: Northern Ireland
Nickname: Superchin
World Championships: 0
PDC Order of Merit: 7 (as of 2025)

Daryl Gurney, known as “Superchin,” has been one of the most exciting players to watch on the professional darts circuit.

While he has not yet won a World Championship, Gurney has still managed to make a name for himself with his powerful and aggressive style of play. His ability to hit high scores and maintain consistency has made him a formidable opponent.

Gurney’s success in other major tournaments, such as the Players Championship Finals and the UK Open, has helped cement his place as one of the top players in the world. He has a loyal fanbase and continues to be a strong contender in every tournament he enters.

Adrian Lewis

Country: England
Nickname: Jackpot
World Championships: 2 (2011, 2012)
PDC Order of Merit: 8 (as of 2025)

Adrian Lewis, known as “Jackpot,” is a two-time World Champion who has been a prominent figure in the darts world for many years. Lewis’s throw is known for its speed and precision, and he is particularly dangerous when it comes to hitting high numbers under pressure.

His two World Championship victories came in 2011 and 2012, and he has remained competitive ever since.

Adrian Lewis

Lewis has been a consistent performer in PDC events and is known for his ability to break through in major tournaments. Though he has faced stiff competition from other top players, his skills and experience make him a contender in any event he participates in.

Simon Whitlock

Country: Australia
Nickname: The Wizard
World Championships: 0
PDC Order of Merit: 9 (as of 2025)

Simon Whitlock, “The Wizard,” is a veteran of the darts circuit who has consistently been one of the top players in the world. While Whitlock has not yet won a World Championship, his achievements in other major tournaments have solidified his place among the best. Known for his unorthodox throwing style and impressive finishing ability, Whitlock has made a significant impact on the sport.

Whitlock has reached the final of the World Championship multiple times and has won several titles on the PDC circuit. His experience and consistency make him a dangerous player, and he continues to be a respected figure in the darts community.

Most Famous Darts Players in 2025

Luke Humphries

Luke Humphries, nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke”, is a rising star in the professional darts world. Known for his cool demeanor under pressure and exceptional talent, Humphries has quickly established himself as one of the top players on the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation) circuit.

His breakthrough moment came when he won the 2019 PDC World Youth Championship. He has also performed well in major televised events, including multiple deep runs in the World Championship. Humphries is particularly known for his heavy scoring ability and consistent checkout success.

The pinnacle of Humphries’ career came in 2024 when he secured the PDC World Darts Championship title, defeating the young prodigy Luke Littler in a thrilling 7-4 final.

Luke Humphries

This victory not only earned him the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy but also propelled him to the number one spot in the PDC Order of Merit.

Luke Littler

Luke Littler, born on January 21, 2007, in Warrington, England, began playing darts as a toddler. Luke Littler is a rising star in the world of darts, known for his exceptional talent and calm demeanor at a young age.

He joined the St Helens Darts Academy at age nine, quickly advancing due to his exceptional talent. By 14, he had won his first senior title at the Irish Open, qualifying him for the 2022 WDF World Darts Championship.

In 2024, Littler reached the PDC World Darts Championship final at 16, becoming the youngest finalist in history. He continued his ascent by winning the Premier League Darts and the World Series of Darts Finals in the same year.

Luke Littler

On January 3, 2025, at 17, Littler defeated Michael van Gerwen 7–3 to become the youngest PDC World Darts Champion ever. His rapid rise has significantly increased the sport’s popularity, inspiring a new generation of players.

Who is the Best Darts Player Ever?

The best darts player ever is often considered to be Phil Taylor. Taylor dominated the sport for over two decades. His 16 World Championships are the most won by any player ever. In skill, consistency, and mental toughness, he is unmatched by his contemporaries.

This ability to handle pressure made him an opponent any player would want to avoid. He was very accurate in scoring and finishing, changing the game with his way of practicing and preparation.

How many Players can Play Darts?

Darts can be played with different numbers of players. Usually, it is a game between two persons competing against each other, though larger groups are also possible. In the standard game, there are two players competing against each other, attempting to score highest by throwing darts at a round dartboard.

However, to have more fun in dart games, more players can be accommodated sometimes in teams of two or more. The popular formats include “501” or “301”, which allow players to take turns throwing darts, and thus the game goes on until every player has had a go.

Generally speaking, and in less official settings, it is not strictly limited because darts may be played and enjoyed with more or fewer people.

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