sports
December 23, 2025
A brutal schedule, merciless crowds and always on the road: is professional darts all it’s cracked up to be?
For many of the performers in the 12-month circus, the tour can be soul-destroying and lonely with only the promise of untold wealth to keep them chasing the dream
TL;DR
- Professional darts is portrayed as a lonely and demanding career, despite the allure of wealth and fame.
- Many players, including successful ones like Stephen Bunting and Nathan Aspinall, express feelings of isolation and a loss of enjoyment in the sport.
- The primary motivation for many elite players is financial security for retirement, rather than a genuine love for playing darts.
- The demanding schedule, time away from family, and the pressure of performance contribute to burnout and mental health struggles.
- While prize money has increased significantly, many lower-ranked players face financial instability and a relentless grind for ranking points.
- Some players, like Alan Soutar, find happiness by maintaining a full-time job outside of darts, viewing the sport as a secondary pursuit.
- The article questions whether the Professional Darts Corporation will provide increased support and pastoral care to match the growing financial rewards.
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