Top 8 Most Memorable Moments in Darts History
Darts is a sport that has grown far beyond the smoky back rooms of pubs and into packed arenas with millions watching on television around the world. Its history is full of unforgettable moments that have thrilled fans and changed the course of the game, from perfect legs to dramatic victories and stunning comebacks. Whether it is a player hitting an incredibly impressive 9-dart finish or a player defying all the odds to turn over a crucial match, these moments have become a massive part of darts history, assisting in elevating the sport to the levels of global recognition it achieves today. These memorable moments have even made their mark on the iGaming world, influencing everything from megaways UK titles to the wider slots genre.
Michael Smith’s Perfect Leg, 2023 World Championship
One of the greatest moments that has ever occurred in televised darts came at the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship when Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen came head-to-head, and both threw near perfect darts in the same leg. After van Gerwen narrowly missed his final dart for a 9-dart finish, Smith stepped up and completed a perfect leg, checking out on 141. The crowd erupted, and commentator Wayne Mardle famously exclaimed that he “Couldn’t speak,” capturing the sheer excitement of that perfect moment on the sport’s biggest stage.
Phil Taylor’s Double 9 Darter, 2010 Premier League
Long before the modern faces of the sport, Phil Taylor had set many records and created some of the most iconic moments, including his two 9-dart finishes in one game at the 2010 Premier League final against James Wade. It was the first time in professional history that a player achieved it, setting Taylor apart from every other player at the time. Taylor’s consistent precision throughout his career helped him become one of the most decorated players in history, and this remarkable day remains one of the sport’s signature highlights.
John Lowe’s First Televised 9 Darter, 1984
The race for perfection in darts has deep roots, and one of the earliest watershed moments came in 1984 when John Lowe hit the first televised nine‑dart finish. Completing the 501 game in the minimum number of darts is an achievement that every darts player has dreamed of, but Lowe became the first to achieve it in front of a televised audience. His accomplishment set a standard for generations of professionals to try to match that level of accuracy.
Keith Deller World Championship Victory, 1983
In the early 80s, Keith Deller provided one of the sport's greatest ever upsets as he won the 1983 BDO World Darts Championship after defeating the reigning legend Eric Bristow. Deller had entered the event as one of the underdogs, not being widely established, but his self-belief and composure saw him shock the darts world. This underdog victory is still talked about by fans and pundits alike as a defining moment that showed anything could happen on the oche when belief and skill come together.
Raymond van Barneveld vs Phil Taylor, 2007 World Championships
Few matches capture the drama of darts like the 2007 World Championship final between Raymond van Barneveld and Phil Taylor. Held at the world-famous Alexandra Palace, the encounter was high stakes, featuring some brilliantly thrown darts from both players. Against the odds, van Barneveld emerged victorious, concluding what is widely remembered as one of the most intense finals in the history of the sport, highlighting the immense level of quality on show.
Brendan Dolan’s Double Start 9 Dart Finish, 2011 World Grand Prix
Another unique moment in darts history came from Brendan Dolan at the 2011 World Grand Prix in Dublin. He became the first player to hit a nine‑dart finish in a double-in, double-out format, which requires players to both start and finish a leg on a double. This adds another layer of difficulty compared to standard formats, and Dolan’s breakthrough earned him the nickname “The History Maker” among fans and commentators.
Michael van Gerwen’s 17 Perfect Darts, 2013 World Championship
In a tense semi‑final at the 2013 World Championship, Michael van Gerwen delivered a breathtaking display of precision when he hit 17 perfect darts in succession. Although he may have narrowly missed completing a back-to-back 9-darter finish with his last throw, the rhythm and accuracy had the audience captivated, cementing a reputation as one of the most formidable players in the history of the sport.
Luke Littler’s World Championship Domination, 2025 & 2026
Luke Littler’s rise in darts has been nothing short of astonishing, and his back‑to‑back World Championship victories in 2025 and 2026 only underline that fact. After becoming the youngest ever world champion in 2025 with a victory over the legendary Michael van Gerwen, Littler returned to the Ally Pally again in 2026 with the exact same mission, performing a back-to-back victory in 2026, beating Glen van Veen 7-1. At just 18, he joined an elite group of players who have defended the sport’s biggest prize, showing remarkable composure and consistency on the game’s biggest stage.