Legends of the Oche: Top 5 British Darts Kings
The wunderkind Luke Littler is breaking records one after another. His appearance in the World Championship final became the most-watched broadcast in Sky Sports history—excluding football. He is the odds-on favourite in every tournament he enters.
Betting odds for Luke Littler
In a desperate attempt to borrow some of his winning karma, Manchester United invited him to parade his trophies around Old Trafford.
Meanwhile, bookmakers believe he has one of the strongest chances of winning SPOTY this year—an almost phenomenal achievement for a darts player. Try outshining footballers, Formula 1 drivers, and Olympic track champions… not exactly an easy task.
Top 5 British Darts Players of All Time
With the rise of Luke Littler, a new era has begun in British darts. But who were the kings of the oche in the eras before him? Let’s take a look back at the greatest of the great.
Peter Wright – “Snakebite”
Career: 1995–present
Major Titles: 2× PDC World Champion, UK Open, European Championship
The flamboyant Scotsman known as “Snakebite” is one of modern darts' most iconic figures. With his technicolour mohawks and wild outfits, Peter Wright brought theatre to the oche—but it’s his darting skill that has truly dazzled fans.
After years of near-misses, Wright finally claimed his first World Championship in 2020, and proved it wasn’t a fluke with a second in 2022. Known for endlessly tinkering with his darts setup, he often changed his equipment during matches, an unheard-of habit at the elite level.
A fan favourite and a fierce competitor, Wright’s unique blend of artistry and accuracy has helped keep darts fresh for new generations.
Jocky Wilson – The Wild Card from Kirkcaldy
Career: 1979–1995
Major Titles: 2× World Champion
The story of Jocky Wilson is the stuff of darts legend. Born in a working-class Scottish town, Wilson became one of the sport’s most unpredictable and unforgettable champions. With his gritty style and rapid-fire throws, he twice conquered the world (1982 and 1989).
He was far from the image of a polished athlete. Wilson often clashed with officials, drank heavily, and refused to play the media game—but fans adored him for it. He brought passion and unpredictability to the sport.
Even in retirement and reclusion, Wilson remained a cult hero—perhaps darts’ truest antihero.
John Lowe – “Old Stoneface”
Career: 1966–2007
Major Titles: 3× World Champion, 2× World Masters
John Lowe was the rock upon which early darts greatness was built. Calm, poised, and precise, Lowe won world titles across three decades—a feat unmatched in consistency.
His claim to fame? Hitting the first-ever televised nine-dart finish in 1984, earning a record-breaking £102,000. But Lowe wasn’t flashy—he was clinical, a gentleman of the game, and a crucial figure in darts’ transition into the professional era.
A founding member of the PDC, Lowe’s influence runs far deeper than trophies. He helped shape the modern game.
Eric Bristow – “The Crafty Cockney”
Career: 1976–2007
Major Titles: 5× BDO World Champion, 5× World Masters
Charisma, controversy, and class—Eric Bristow had it all. As the sport’s first superstar, Bristow dominated the 1980s with five world titles, captivating audiences with his swagger and snarl.
He made darts cool, and no one could get in an opponent’s head like Bristow. Yet perhaps his greatest achievement was mentoring Phil Taylor, even sponsoring the man who would ultimately surpass him.
Phil Taylor – “The Power”
Career: 1987–2018
Major Titles: 16× World Champion, 16× World Matchplay, 6× Premier League
Phil “The Power” Taylor is not just the greatest British darts player—he’s the greatest darts player, full stop. With 16 World Championships and 214 career titles, Taylor redefined dominance in professional sport.
A perfectionist and relentless competitor, Taylor won matches before they began—opponents wilted under the pressure of his presence. He turned darts into a precision art form, regularly averaging over 100 and setting record after record.
Tottenham
Nottingham Forest
Girona
Real Betis
Manchester City
Aston Villa
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Mallorca
Damac FC
Al-Nassr
