14 Best Darts Players of All Time (2024)

Ever wonder who’s got the sharpest aim in the tension-fuelled silence of the oche?

These 15 maestros of darts have turned precision, focus, and a steady hand into an art form that transcends the tavern buzz.

Ready to meet the sharpshooters who’ve hit the bullseye of history?

Best Darts Players:

1. Phil Taylor
2. Michael van Gerwen
3. Eric Bristow
4. Raymond van Barneveld
5. John Lowe
6. Gary Anderson
7. Dennis Priestley
8. Adrian Lewis
9. Leighton Rees
10. Jocky Wilson
11. James Wade
12. Peter Wright
13. Rob Cross
14. Keith Deller

#1 Phil Taylor

• 🌍Nationality: English
• 🎂Date of Birth: August 13, 1960
• 🎯 Position/Role: Professional darts player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 16× World Champion (14× PDC, 2× BDO), 16× World Matchplay winner, 11× World Grand Prix winner, 6× Premier League winner

Known as “The Power”, Phil Taylor is widely regarded as the greatest darts player of all time. With unmatched precision and consistency, he dominated the sport for over two decades, revolutionizing the way darts is played and perceived.

Taylor’s career is virtually free of major controversies, setting a high standard of professionalism. His influence extended beyond the oche, helping to transform darts into a lucrative televised sport. He remains an inspiration to players worldwide for his focus under pressure and unprecedented success. Off the board, Taylor’s contributions to charity and youth darts development are significant, cementing his role as a sports ambassador.

#2 Michael van Gerwen

• 🌍Nationality: Dutch
• 🎂Date of Birth: April 25, 1989
• 🎯 Position/Role: Professional darts player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 3× PDC World Champion, 5× Premier League Champion, 2× World Matchplay winner, 5× Masters winner

“MVG,” as Michael van Gerwen is commonly known, burst onto the darts scene with his remarkable scoring power and speed. His aggressive style and unwavering self-belief have made him a relentless competitor and a crowd favorite.

Despite facing the pressure of being a top player at a young age, van Gerwen managed to mature into a darts superstar and produce electrifying performances under stress. His impact on the sport has been enormous, partly ushering in a new era of young, ambitious players. Away from darts, van Gerwen is involved in various charity initiatives and enjoys a family life which he often shares on social media.

#3 Eric Bristow

• 🌍Nationality: English
• 🎂Date of Birth: April 25, 1957
• 🎯 Position/Role: Professional darts player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 5× World Champion (BDO), 5× World Masters winner, 4× World Cup Singles winner

Eric Bristow, “The Crafty co*ckney,” was a pioneering figure in the game of darts. Known for his confident, even arrogant, stage presence, Bristow’s mental toughness and competitive drive were key components of his illustrious career.

His influence extends beyond his own achievements; he mentored Phil Taylor, thus contributing to the rise of another darts legend. Bristow faced challenges, including a battle with dartitis, which he bravely overcame to continue competing. His legacy in darts is remarkable, and he was a respected pundit post-retirement. Bristow’s contributions to sport were recognized with an MBE, which he was awarded for his services to darts and charitable work.

#4 Raymond van Barneveld

• 🌍Nationality: Dutch
• 🎂Date of Birth: April 20, 1967
• 🎯 Position/Role: Professional darts player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 5× World Champion (4× BDO, 1× PDC), UK Open and Grand Slam of Darts winner

Raymond van Barneveld, affectionately known as “Barney,” is celebrated for his smooth, effortless throwing action and his ability to pull off incredible comebacks. His dedication and passion for the sport have endeared him to fans around the globe.

Barney’s landmark victory in the 2007 PDC World Championship final against Phil Taylor is heralded as one of the greatest matches in darts history. This victory significantly bolstered darts’ popularity in the Netherlands. Despite dealing with personal issues and the pressures of professional sport, he has shown remarkable resilience. Off the oche, van Barneveld is active in charity and often highlights the importance of family through his personable social media presence.

#5 John Lowe

• 🌍Nationality: English
• 🎂Date of Birth: July 21, 1945
• 🎯 Position/Role: Professional darts player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 3× World Champion (BDO), 2× World Masters winner, European Champion

John Lowe, known for his “Old Stoneface” persona, brought a level of calm and composure to the sport rarely seen before. His methodical and precise throwing style was a blueprint for success in the era he dominated.

Lowe is part of an elite group of players to have won the World Championship in three different decades, a testament to his longevity and skill. He remains an influential figure in darts, with his professionalism setting the standard during his peak years. Actively involved in promoting darts and its history, Lowe continues to participate in exhibitions, demonstrating his enduring love for the game.

#6 Gary Anderson

• 🌍Nationality: Scottish
• 🎂Date of Birth: December 22, 1970
• 🎯 Position/Role: Professional darts player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 2× PDC World Champion, 2× Premier League winner, UK Open and Players Championship Finals winner

Gary Anderson, “The Flying Scotsman,” is revered for his smooth throw and natural talent, considered by many as one of the best pure scorers in darts history. His laid-back attitude contrasts with the fierce competitive nature required to succeed at the highest level.

Anderson has faced notable challenges, including back pain issues that affected his play, but has consistently remained a top competitor and fan favorite. His contribution to increasing darts’ popularity, especially in Scotland, is immense. Outside of darts, Anderson enjoys spending time with his family and is a keen fisherman, often using his platform to support various charitable causes.

#7 Dennis Priestley

• 🌍Nationality: English
• 🎂Date of Birth: July 16, 1950
• 🎯 Position/Role: Professional darts player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 2× World Champion (1× BDO, 1× PDC), 2× World Matchplay finalist, Grand Prix finalist

Dennis Priestley, “The Menace,” is noted for his steady, methodical play and distinct red and black attire mirroring the cartoon character Dennis the Menace. His ability to maintain a high level of performance over long matches won him many admirers.

Priestley’s longevity in the sport was impressive, and he bravely overcame battles with cancer to continue playing professionally. This resilience has inspired fans and fellow players alike. Beyond the oche, he’s known for his friendly demeanor and engagement with charities, especially those related to cancer awareness and research, reflecting his personal experiences and kindhearted nature.

#8 Adrian Lewis

• 🌍Nationality: English
• 🎂Date of Birth: January 21, 1985
• 🎯 Position/Role: Professional darts player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 2× PDC World Champion, European Champion, UK Open winner

Adrian Lewis, known as “Jackpot,” impresses with his natural talent and quick rhythm in throwing darts. His smooth action and ability to hit perfect sequences make him a thrilling player to watch.

Lewis’ career has seen moments of controversy, including on-stage altercations, which he has worked to move past, and his subsequent maturation into a world-class competitor is commendable. Having won the world championship twice by the age of 27, his potential has always been evident, and he remains a significant player in the sport. Off the oche, Lewis enjoys family time and is an advocate for charity efforts, specifically those aimed at children’s welfare.

#9 Leighton Rees

• 🌍Nationality: Welsh
• 🎂Date of Birth: January 17, 1940
• 🎯 Position/Role: Darts Player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 1× BDO World Darts Champion (1978), 4× British Open Champion, 2× World Masters Champion (1975, 1976)

Known as the man who helped put professional darts on the map, Leighton Rees’s powerful and precise throwing style earned him the nickname “Marathon Man.” Rees demonstrated consistency and accuracy that set the bar for future competitors in the sport.

His victory in the first-ever BDO World Darts Championship in 1978 solidified his status as a trailblazer in darts. Off the oche, Rees’s personality and passion for the game cemented his legacy as a beloved figure in the darts community. He passed away on June 8, 2003, leaving behind a rich legacy within the sport of darts.

#10 Jocky Wilson

• 🌍Nationality: Scottish
• 🎂Date of Birth: March 22, 1950
• 🎯 Position/Role: Darts Player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 2× BDO World Darts Champion (1982, 1989), 2× British Professional Champion, 1× World Masters Champion (1982)

Jocky Wilson was known for his fiery competitive spirit and was one of darts’ most charismatic figures, nicknamed “Jocky.” His aggressive playing style and impressive clutch performances made him a fan favorite and a fearsome opponent on the oche.
Overcoming personal challenges including poverty in his early life, Wilson’s success story was an inspiration to many. Though his later years were marked by health and financial struggles, his impact on the game endures, epitomizing the possibility of triumph through adversity. He died on March 24, 2012, but his robust legacy in darts remains.

#11 James Wade

• 🌍Nationality: English
• 🎂Date of Birth: April 6, 1983
• 🎯 Position/Role: Darts Player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 1× UK Open Champion, 2× World Grand Prix Champion, 1× World Matchplay Champion, 1× Premier League Winner, 1× Masters Champion

Nicknamed “The Machine” for his methodical and consistent approach to the game, James Wade is one of darts’ most successful left-handed players. His cool demeanor and ability to produce under pressure have defined his career, earning him a place among the sport’s elite.

Wade has been open about his struggles with mental health, which includes bipolar disorder and ADHD, demonstrating resilience by continuing to compete at the highest level. His advocacy for mental health awareness and support adds an important dimension to his legacy in darts, alongside his on-stage accomplishments.

#12 Peter Wright

• 🌍Nationality: Scottish
• 🎂Date of Birth: March 10, 1970
• 🎯 Position/Role: Darts Player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 1× PDC World Darts Champion, multiple major tournament wins including UK Open, European Championship, and players Championship Finals

With his distinctive, flamboyant hair and outfits, Peter Wright, also known as “Snakebite,” is one of darts’ most colorful and recognizable stars. His exuberance on stage, combined with precise finishing and creative shot-making, makes him a formidable and entertaining player to watch.

Wright’s journey to the top included years of perseverance and fine-tuning his craft, culminating in winning the PDC World Darts Championship. Offstage, Wright’s charitable work and engaging personality contribute to his positive reputation and widespread appeal within the darts community.

#13 Rob Cross

• 🌍Nationality: English
• 🎂Date of Birth: September 21, 1990
• 🎯 Position/Role: Darts Player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 1× PDC World Darts Champion (2018), 2× World Matchplay Finalist, Premier League Darts Finalist, UK Open Finalist

Rob Cross, often referred to as “Voltage” for his electrifying performances, stormed onto the professional darts scene with his victory at the PDC World Darts Championship in his debut year. His rapid ascent was characterized by precise throwing and clinical finishing, capturing the attention and admiration of darts fans worldwide.

From electrician to world champion, Cross’s fairytale rise in darts illustrates the sport’s potential for unexpected heroes. His humility and everyman persona resonated with fans, adding to the feel-good narrative of his success in the darts world.

#14 Keith Deller

• 🌍Nationality: English
• 🎂Date of Birth: December 24, 1959
• 🎯 Position/Role: Darts Player
• 🏆Career Highlights: 1× BDO World Darts Champion (1983), 1× British Professional Champion, 1× MFI World Matchplay winner

Keith Deller, nicknamed “The Fella,” won the BDO World Championship as an unseeded player, pulling off one of the most memorable upsets in darts history. His swift and snappy throw became his trademark, and his strategic gameplay often caught opponents off guard.

Deller’s underdog story and his landmark 138 checkout, which he used to clinch the world title, secured his place in darts lore. He has since contributed to the sport in various roles, including management and commentary, spreading his knowledge and passion for darts.

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