Brutal Schedule, Merciless Crowds: Is Professional Darts All It's Cracked Up to Be?
During the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, Cameron Menzies sustained a deep cut after punching the drinks stand following a loss to Charlie Manby, illustrating the intense pressure players face on the darts circuit.
The professional darts tour operates on a year-round, brutal schedule featuring merciless crowds and long periods away from family, which contributes to loneliness and mental strain among players.
Players endure heightened scrutiny, social media pressure, and temptations related to alcohol and substances, often without adequate support networks.
Financially, prospects vary widely. This year, the world champion prize reached £1 million; top-64 players can earn six-figure incomes, but many lower-ranked players have little guaranteed income, relying on prize money, exhibitions, and deals.
Most professional darts activities occur in mass-start floor events and smaller leagues, often held in empty venues, with televised events representing only a fraction of overall competition.
Players have diverse motivations, including financial incentives, but widespread concerns exist around mental health and burnout. Many describe themselves as elite athletes under significant pressure.
The expansion of the circuit to include World Series, Euro Tours, and the Premier League adds further demands, potentially affecting practice time and family life.
For example, Alan Soutar, world No. 54, maintains a full-time job as a firefighter and treats darts as a secondary pursuit, showcasing an alternative approach to balancing work and sport.
The article calls for stronger pastoral care, improved mental health support for players, and greater recognition of their humanity beyond being freelance performers.
