Best Darts Players of All Time - Top 10 Legends on the Oche
by B Kishwar | Updated Dec 22, 2023
Top 10 Best Darts Players Of All Time
1
Phil Taylor
2
Michael van Gerwen
3
Raymond van Barneveld
4
Eric Bristow
5
John Lowe
6
Gary Anderson
7
Dennis Priestley
8
Jocky Wilson
9
Martin Adams
10
Adrian Lewis
S.No
Best Darts Players Of All Time
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Best Darts Players Of All Time
The world of darts has witnessed the extraordinary skill and mastery of numerous players throughout its rich history. The Best Darts Players of All Time have left an indelible mark on the sport, captivating audiences with their precision, consistency, and unparalleled dedication. From legendary figures like Phil Taylor, whose dominance earned him the title "The Power," to the contemporary flair of Michael van Gerwen, these players have elevated darts to new heights. Icons such as Raymond van Barneveld, Eric Bristow, and others have not only claimed countless championships but have also contributed significantly to the global popularity of darts. Their remarkable achievements and lasting impact have solidified their places as the finest in the history of this exhilarating and precise sport.
1. Phil Taylor
Phil "The Power" Taylor stands as one of the most dominant and successful figures in the history of professional darts. Born on August 13, 1960, in Stoke-on-Trent, England, Taylor's illustrious career spans several decades. He earned his nickname "The Power" due to his unparalleled consistency and ability to overpower opponents. Taylor's unparalleled success includes an astonishing 16 Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championships, a record that is likely to remain unmatched for years to come.
His precision on the dartboard, coupled with a relentless work ethic, has solidified his status as a true legend in the sport. Beyond his numerous titles, Taylor's impact extends to his influence on the professionalization of darts, as he played a pivotal role in raising the level of competition and drawing a broader audience to the game.
2. Michael van Gerwen
Michael van Gerwen, born on April 25, 1989, in Boxtel, Netherlands, is a contemporary force in the world of darts. Widely regarded as one of the most talented and dynamic players of his generation, "Mighty Mike" has left an indelible mark on the sport. Van Gerwen's rise to prominence is highlighted by his three PDC World Championship titles and his remarkable ability to consistently achieve high averages. Known for his explosive scoring power and seemingly unshakable demeanor on the big stage, van Gerwen has dominated the professional darts circuit.
His aggressive playing style, coupled with an uncanny ability to finish key shots under pressure, has earned him a reputation as a formidable opponent. As a key figure in the modern era of darts, Michael van Gerwen continues to be a crowd favorite and a major influence on the sport's global popularity.
3. Raymond van Barneveld
Raymond van Barneveld, born on April 20, 1967, in The Hague, Netherlands, is a Dutch darts icon celebrated for his contributions to the game. Known as "Barney," he enjoyed a remarkable career that included five World Championships across different organizations. Van Barneveld's smooth throwing style, combined with a calm and composed demeanor, endeared him to fans around the world.
His triumph in the 1998 British Darts Organisation (BDO) World Championship marked the beginning of his legacy, and he later transitioned to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) with continued success. Beyond his achievements on the oche, Raymond van Barneveld's sportsmanship and affable personality have made him a beloved figure in the world of darts, leaving an enduring impact on the sport's global community.
4. Eric Bristow
Known as the "Crafty Cockney," Eric Bristow is widely regarded as one of the greatest darts players in history. Born in London in 1957, Bristow rose to prominence during the 1980s, a pivotal era for the sport. Renowned for his exceptional accuracy and strategic approach, Bristow secured five World Championships between 1980 and 1986, establishing himself as a dominant force in professional darts.
His iconic personality and charismatic on-stage presence added to his popularity, making him a fan favorite. Bristow's contributions extend beyond his playing career; he played a crucial role in promoting darts and elevating its status within the sporting world. His legacy endures not only in the numerous titles he claimed but also in the lasting impact he had on the sport's growth and recognition.
5. John Lowe
John Lowe, a distinguished figure in the world of darts, boasts a remarkable career that spans several decades. Born in 1945, the Englishman achieved success in multiple eras, showcasing his enduring skill and adaptability. Lowe holds the unique distinction of being the first player to achieve a televised nine-dart finish, accomplishing this feat in 1984 during the World Matchplay.
His illustrious career includes three World Championship titles, secured in different decades (1979, 1987, 1993), highlighting his longevity at the highest level of the sport. Lowe's precision and calm demeanor on the oche set him apart, earning him respect from both peers and fans. As a true ambassador for darts, John Lowe's influence extends to his contributions off the stage, leaving an indelible mark on the sport's legacy.
6. Gary Anderson
Gary Anderson, born in Scotland in 1970, has established himself as one of the premier darts players of the modern era. Known as "The Flying Scotsman," Anderson's rise to prominence gained momentum with consecutive PDC World Championships in 2015 and 2016. His fluid throwing style, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure have endeared him to fans around the world.
Anderson's success extends beyond the World Championships, as he has claimed numerous other major titles, showcasing his dominance across various tournaments. Renowned for his sportsmanship and affable personality, Anderson has become a fan favorite, contributing to the global appeal and accessibility of darts. As one of the contemporary greats, Gary Anderson continues to leave an enduring impact on the sport, inspiring a new generation of players.
7. Dennis Priestley
Dennis Priestley, a Yorkshireman born on July 16, 1950, stands as one of the stalwarts in the history of professional darts. Known for his unyielding composure and consistent performance, Priestley's career reached its pinnacle during the 1990s. He etched his name into darting history by winning the inaugural PDC World Championship in 1994, defeating Phil Taylor in a memorable final.
A two-time world champion, Priestley's skillful and methodical approach to the game earned him the nickname "The Menace." Throughout his illustrious career, he showcased a remarkable ability to maintain focus under pressure, making him a formidable opponent on the oche. Priestley's contributions to the sport extend beyond his playing days, as he remains a respected figure and ambassador for darts.
8. Jocky Wilson
Jocky Wilson, born on March 22, 1950, in Scotland, left an indelible mark on the world of darts with his distinctive playing style and tenacity. Rising to prominence in the 1980s, Wilson secured his place in darting history by winning the BDO World Championship in 1982 and 1989. Known for his gritty determination and animated celebrations, Wilson endeared himself to fans around the world.
Despite facing personal challenges, his talent on the oche and the camaraderie he brought to the sport remains unforgettable. Jocky Wilson's legacy extends beyond his impressive achievements, serving as an inspiration to aspiring darts players and a reminder of the enduring spirit that defines the sport.
9. Martin Adams
Martin Adams, born on June 4, 1956, in England, is a distinguished figure in the world of darts, particularly within the British Darts Organisation (BDO). Nicknamed "Wolfie," Adams is renowned for his successful career and charismatic on-stage presence. He claimed his first BDO World Championship title in 2007, and his three Lakeside victories solidified his status as one of the premier players in the organization.
Known for his consistent performance and strategic prowess, Adams became a fan favorite during his extensive career. Beyond individual achievements, Adams also played a pivotal role in international competitions, representing England with distinction in various team events.
10. Adrian Lewis
Adrian Lewis, born on January 21, 1985, emerged as a prominent figure in professional darts with a remarkable career that began in his teenage years. Hailing from England, Lewis quickly gained attention for his prodigious talent and earned the nickname "Jackpot." His breakthrough moment came in 2011 when he secured back-to-back PDC World Championship titles, defeating Gary Anderson and Andy Hamilton in successive finals.
Known for his explosive scoring and clinical finishing, Lewis became a formidable force in the sport. His partnership with Phil Taylor in the World Cup of Darts added to his list of accolades, showcasing his prowess in both individual and team formats. Despite facing ups and downs in form, Adrian Lewis remains a dynamic presence on the professional darts circuit.
Who is Considered the Greatest Darts Player of All Time?
Determining the greatest darts player of all time is a subjective matter, as it often depends on personal preferences, eras, and the criteria used for evaluation. However, one name that frequently emerges in discussions about the greatest darts player is Phil Taylor. Born on August 13, 1960, in England, Taylor is widely regarded as one of the most dominant and successful players in the history of professional darts.
Phil "The Power" Taylor's unparalleled career spanned over three decades, during which he amassed a staggering number of titles and records. Taylor's dominance was particularly evident in the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), where he secured a remarkable 16 PDC World Championship titles. His reign as the world champion extended from 1995 to 2007, showcasing not only his skill but also his ability to maintain peak performance over an extended period.
Taylor's achievements go beyond his World Championship victories. He claimed numerous other major titles, including the World Matchplay, the World Grand Prix, and the Premier League Darts, among others. His consistency in reaching finals and winning titles earned him the nickname "The Power," a moniker that perfectly encapsulates his dominance on the oche.
One of Taylor's defining qualities was his mental toughness and strategic acumen. His precision in finishing and ability to handle pressure situations set him apart from his competitors. His influence on the game extended to his role in popularizing darts and elevating it to new levels of professionalism.
While debates about the greatest darts player may continue, Phil Taylor's legacy is firmly etched in the annals of darts history. His impact on the sport, both in terms of his unparalleled success and his contributions to its growth and popularity, makes him a central figure in discussions about the greatest darts player of all time.
Best Darts Players Of All Time - FAQs
Dennis Priestley earned the nickname "The Menace" due to his unyielding composure and consistent performance, winning the inaugural PDC World Championship in 1994.
Jocky Wilson, born in Scotland, secured his place in darting history by winning the BDO World Championship in 1982 and 1989.
Martin Adams, known as "Wolfie," claimed three BDO World Championship titles, with his first victory in 2007.
Adrian Lewis, nicknamed "Jackpot," secured back-to-back PDC World Championship titles in 2011 by defeating Gary Anderson and Andy Hamilton in successive finals.
Dennis Priestley won his first PDC World Championship title in 1994, defeating Phil Taylor in a memorable final.