Darts has remained a captivating game and has blossomed from a simple game of personal skill to a professional global sport. Different competitors have emerged over the years with their unique skill but none have matched the level of talent and consistency required to secure a place in the history books. In this article, we outline the top 5 darts players of all time from the past who have made the biggest impacts on the game and how they changed the sport itself.
1. Phil Taylor – “The Power”
Career Highlights:
- World Championships: 16 titles (record-breaking)
- PDC Titles : Over 85
- Major Tournament Wins: More than 200
- Peak PDC Ranking: World No.1 (for over a decade)
- Date of Birth: August 13, 1960
- Age as of : 64
Phil Taylor is undisputedly the best darts player of all time and is arguably the best in the history of the sport, so much so that his name is synonymous with the sport itself. Taylor has single-handedly elevated the sport of darts and the modern era of fame can be attributed to him. His technique and style has established so many new records but the one game-changing record is his 16 World Championship titles. No other player has been able to claim this title so consistently. Having such phenomenal records means the player has great precision, focus and most importantly the ability to perform in the clutch so it is no surprise his nickname is ‘The Power’. His impact on the sport is immeasurable.
2. Michael van Gerwen – “Mighty Mike”
Career Highlights:
- World Championships: 3 titles (2014, 2017, 2019)
- PDC Major Titles: More than 40
- Televised Nine-Darters: Many
- Peak PDC Ranking: years as Number One in the world
- Date of Birth: April 25, 1989
- Age: 35 years
Michael van Gerwen is at the top of the list of the most popular players in dart game. He diappear with incredible precision and speed, and perhaps breaks records since he received professional status in 2012, and achieved differences known in dart sport. Mighty Mike easily won several significant tournaments and established himself as the most dangerous player in the field. He throws accurately at a remarkably high average while maximizing his skillful sprinting abilities.
3. Eric Bristow “The Crafty Cockney”
Career Highlights:
- World Championships: 5 titles (1980, 1981, 1984, 1985, 1986)
- World Masters Wins: 4
- Peak BDO Ranking: 1st In The World During The 1980s
- Date of Birth: 25-April-1957
- Date of Passing: 05-April-2018 (Age 60)
Eric Bristow is a famous name in darts history. The world of darts was blessed to have him as a player. In his heyday, darts was mostly viewed as entertainment and he took full advantage of it. Bristow’s five World Championships did a lot to popularize darts as a sport. He even coached the new legend Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, which shows how great he was even when he wasn’t playing.
4. Raymond van Barneveld – “Barney”
Career Highlights:
- World Championships: 5 titles (BDO and PDC combined)
- Premier League Champion in PDC: 2014
- Peak PDC Ranking: World No.2
- Born On: April 20, 1967
- Current Age: 57 years
Barney, or Raymond van Barneveld in real life, is one of the most renowned figures in the history of darts. His matches with Phil Taylor rivaled the best in the sport’s history. He claims one of the best games ever played during the PDC World Championship in 2007 when he defeated Taylor in the final. Van Barneveld is an icon of the Netherlands and he single handedly increased the popularity of darts in Netherlands and in the rest of the world.
5. John Lowe – “Old Stoneface”
Career Highlights:
- World Championships: 3 titles (1979, 1987, 1993)
- First Ever Televised Nine Darter: 1984
- Peak BDO Ranking: World No.1
- Date of Birth: July 21, 1945
- Age: 79
Lowe is regarded as one of the most steady and collected competitors in the history of darts. His methodical approach earned him the moniker ‘Old Stoneface.’ John Lowe has made greater achievements in his lifetime, including the first televised nine-dart finish in a match. His long career with success across eras makes him one of the sport’s true pioneers.
Conclusion
These legendary people have left their mark on this sport, and as strange as it may seem, the game of darts has served in some part because of them. The sport’s practice and pro scene evolved because of: Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen’s speed, Eric Bristow’s charm, Raymond van Barneveld’s strong mentality, and John Lowe’s sniping accuracy. The evolution of this thrilling spectacle is and will remain unmatched. If you are a long-time darts fan or someone newly introduced to the sport, the accomplishments of these players, along with their influence guarantees that their names will echo through time.
FAQ’s
Who is the best darts player in history?
Phil Taylor is arguably the best darts player to have ever existed with 16 World Championship titles and more than 200 tournament wins.
Who was the first player to accomplish a nine-dart finish?
John Lowe was the first player to accomplished a nine-dart finish in the year 1984.
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