Top 10 Best Darts Players of All Time

Think darts is just something your uncle plays at the pub after three pints? Think again. At the professional level, darts is a high-stakes, high-pressure sport that demands laser focus, insane hand-eye coordination, and the kind of mental toughness most people only dream of. It's not just about throwing pointy things at a board. It's about rhythm, strategy, and nerves of steel, especially when you're staring down a double to win a world title in front of thousands of roaring fans.

The players on this list have done more than just win trophies. They've changed how the game is played and how it's watched. These are the names you hear called out on Sky Sports with dramatic lighting and walk-on music blaring. They've pulled off nine-darters in clutch moments, stacked up world championships, and kept their cool while playing in venues packed with rowdy fans in fancy dress.
The Top Ten
Phil Taylor Phil Taylor won 16 World Championships and dominated professional darts for over two decades. He turned professional in 1987 and was instrumental in the formation of the PDC. Taylor retired from professional competition in 2018.

Why is Ted Hankey 9th? Phil Taylor is #1. No brains really, 16-time world champ, 10-time Grand Prix champ, and 6-time Premier League champion (I think there will be a 7th time).

The greatest player there has ever been and always will be because no one will get close to breaking his current record of 16-time Champion of the World.

Best ever, especially when you have 8 world titles in a row and hit two nine-darters in one game. I don't think anyone else would achieve what Phil has done.

Raymond van Barneveld Raymond van Barneveld is a five-time World Champion who won titles in both the BDO and PDC. He is credited with helping to popularize darts in the Netherlands. Van Barneveld made his debut in 1984 and has had multiple comebacks throughout his career.

The only player from the continent that has been a top player for many years. And still is a top player.

Without a doubt, second best ever after his wins in the past year and a half in the Grand Slam over MVG. To beat Taylor and MVG to win the Premier League in one night was just epic! He proves himself year after year in the league phase of that competition.

Right at no. 2. If Phil were not around, Barney would have excelled and won a lot more titles.

Michael van Gerwen Michael van Gerwen is a Dutch darts player who became the youngest World Master in 2006 at age 17. He has won multiple PDC World Championships since his breakthrough in 2014. Van Gerwen is known for his high scoring averages and rapid playing style.

He seems to break every record and has done so since he was only 16 years old. He has been nearly invincible for the last four years, and I suspect he will remain so for the next couple of years. Therefore, he's my all-time number one!

The young talent! He won the World Grand Prix in 2012 and reached the final of the PDC World Championship in 2013. He almost hit 2 nine-darters in a row, only missing the D12 after 17 perfect darts. I'm sure we'll see more of him in the future.

19 perfect darts. Never performed before, this man is already a legend. He won the Premier League against Taylor, and at the moment, I think he is the No. 1.

Eric Bristow Eric Bristow was a five-time World Champion and a founding member of the PDC in 1993. He played a major role in the sport's rise in popularity during the 1980s. Bristow passed away in 2018.

He was a legend. The greatest ambassador in darting history. The GOAT and KING of darts. Even those who did not follow darts would know who "The Crafty Cockney" was. RIP Eric Bristow, the pioneer of the modern professional game. You'll be missed by all! He left us far too early. Up there now having a pint with Sid, Jocky, and Phill Nixon. True legend. RIP.

Can't believe Bristow is this low. Five world titles against top players, a man who ruled the sport before his protege, Phil Taylor, overtook him. One of the greats.

John Lowe John Lowe won World Championships in three different decades: the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. He was the first player to achieve a televised nine-dart finish in 1984. Lowe is regarded as one of darts' early pioneers.

Had the pleasure of playing doubles with John in 1985 when he came to Australia. A great player and good bloke.

Three world championships and two World Masters. Legend.

Adrian Lewis Adrian Lewis won back-to-back PDC World Championships in 2011 and 2012. He was mentored by Phil Taylor early in his career. Lewis turned professional in the early 2000s and is known for his fluent scoring.

Most naturally gifted darter in the history of the sport!

Existential darts and the most fluent and unbelievably talented darts player ever.

Huge Aidy Lewis fan. Unbelievable natural talent. Hopefully, he will add to his two world titles in the future.

James Wade James Wade is an English darts player who has won multiple major PDC titles including the World Grand Prix and UK Open. He became the youngest player to win a major PDC title in 2007. Wade has been a consistent top-ranked player since the mid-2000s.

People forget how young he still is. At only 32, he has at least another 20+ years at the top level, and he has already won everything except for the World title. He consistently averages in the 98-105 range and leads the field in doubles. Well underrated by the Sky commentators and pundits.

How is he below Lewis? Wade has beaten Lewis nearly 30 times, including in major finals, and Wade has 8 majors compared to Lewis' 4.

This lad has won 8 majors playing in the most competitive era of all time (Taylor, MVG, Anderson, Lewis, Barney) with a 95 average. Respect.

Dennis Priestley Dennis Priestley won the inaugural PDC World Championship in 1994 after previously winning the BDO title in 1991. He was a key figure in the split between the BDO and PDC. Priestley remained competitive at the top level throughout the 1990s.

Dennis the Menace has 2 world titles and 4 other final appearances.

Jocky Wilson Jocky Wilson was a two-time World Champion who competed primarily in the 1980s. He represented Scotland and was known for his unorthodox style and strong competitive spirit. Wilson retired from darts in the mid-1990s and passed away in 2012.

The best thrower nonetheless. At least top 10.

John Part John Part is a Canadian darts player who won World Championships in both the BDO and PDC. He became the first non-European to win a PDC World Championship in 2003. Part is also known for his work as a television darts commentator.

Darth Maple is a former three-time champ and was Taylor's most feared opponent in the early 2000s. Many consider the big Canadian the best counter ever seen in the sport.

The only Canadian to leave his mark. John broke through at a time when it was almost unthinkable for a North American to be world champ.

It takes a lot to cross the pond and play against the world's best and win. Hats off to John Part.

The Newcomers

? Peter Manley
? Luke Littler
The Contenders
Bobby George Bobby George reached two BDO World Championship finals but never won the title. He is known for his flamboyant entrances and use of gold jewelry. George has also worked extensively as a darts commentator and television personality.

The darts personality! (Well, maybe Mardle...)

Gary Anderson Gary Anderson is a Scottish player who has won two PDC World Championships. He began his professional career in the BDO before switching to the PDC in 2009. Anderson is known for his smooth throwing action and high-scoring ability.

Greatest player not to win the World Championship. Still has plenty left in the tank. It all comes down to when he's ready and up for the World Title. PL Champ in 2011.

Since 2014, he is one of the best, maybe the best, darts player in the world. He won 2 World titles, 1 Premier League, and multiple majors in this time.

Great player, high scorer and finisher. Great lad, could see him do very well!

Peter Wright Peter Wright is a Scottish player who won the PDC World Championship in 2020. He is recognized for his colorful mohawk hairstyles and extravagant outfits. Wright has been a regular fixture in televised darts since the early 2010s.
Leighton Rees Leighton Rees was the first ever World Darts Champion, winning the inaugural title in 1978. He played a key role in establishing televised darts during the sport's early years. Rees passed away in 2003.

The big Welshman hit the first-ever 10 dart leg and 170 checkout on TV. He was up there with the big guns of the 70s and 80s. As the first World Champion, he was a major influence back in the day. Alongside fellow Welshman Alan Evans, both were the best partnership in the world in the 1970s.

Legend. Best Welsh player ever. Threw 100 averages on far harder boards than used today.

Vincent van der Voort Vincent van der Voort is a Dutch darts player known for his fast throwing style. He has reached the quarter-finals of the PDC World Championship. Van der Voort began his professional career in the BDO before switching to the PDC in 2007.

Fastest player in the world of darts! Great player.

Ted Hankey Ted Hankey won the BDO World Championship twice, in 2000 and 2009. He was known for his slow, deliberate playing style and gothic persona. Hankey also had a brief stint in the PDC.

One of the smoothest natural throws out there. Something every new player should look to emulate.

Dave Chisnall Dave Chisnall is an English darts player who has reached multiple PDC major finals, including the Grand Slam and World Grand Prix. He began his career in the BDO, where he was runner-up at the 2010 World Championship. Chisnall is known for his high scoring power, especially his frequent 180s.

Pure talent and such a nice guy. May be dumber than a bag of rocks, but I love watching him play.

Mervyn King Mervyn King is an English player who has competed at a high level in both the BDO and PDC. He reached the final of the BDO World Championship in 2004 and has been a regular in PDC major events since 2007. King is known for his methodical approach and consistency.
Kim Huybrechts Kim Huybrechts is a Belgian darts player who has represented his country in multiple PDC World Cups. He reached the quarter-finals of the PDC World Championship in 2012. Huybrechts turned professional in the early 2010s.

One for the future. He will definitely have a lot of battles between Lewis, van Gerwen, Webster, and Wade in the future!

Can beat anyone on his day. Belgium's best player so far. Still very young. A World Title is possible for him one day.

Terry Jenkins Terry Jenkins is a former professional darts player who reached the final of several PDC major tournaments but never secured a title. He was known for his steady performances during the mid-2000s. Jenkins retired from full-time competition in 2017.

Just a great darts man who always does well and should be further up this list.

Cliff Lazarenko Cliff Lazarenko was a prominent English darts player during the 1980s and 1990s. He was known for his large stature and competitive presence in both the BDO and early PDC events. Lazarenko reached multiple World Championship semi-finals but never claimed a major title.

Great player with a lovely dart release. Popular in the 80s and 90s. One who could easily neck a dozen pints before coming on stage, he had a real thirst when it came to lager!

Keith Deller Keith Deller won the 1983 BDO World Championship as an unseeded qualifier. He is known for defeating three former world champions in that tournament, including Eric Bristow in the final. Deller later became a darts commentator and manager.

1983 World Champion, stylishly finished with a stunning 138 checkout. He continued to progress through the 80s and 90s, becoming one of the most dominant players of the late 1990s, along with Priestley, Taylor, Harrington, Manley, and Burgess. He deserves a mention in this list.

Alan Evans Alan Evans was one of the early stars of televised darts in the 1970s. He represented Wales and won several invitational titles during his career. Evans was banned from competition in the early 1980s but remained a notable figure in darts history.
Mensur Suljovic Mensur Suljovic is an Austrian darts player who won the Champions League of Darts in 2017. He is recognized for his unorthodox throwing action and unique finishing routes. Suljovic has represented Austria in numerous international competitions.
Gerwyn Price Gerwyn Price is a Welsh darts player who won the PDC World Championship in 2021. He began his professional darts career after previously playing rugby. Price is known for his emotional intensity and rapid rise to the top ranks.
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