Every year, the PDC World Darts Championship produces moments that stick. Not just big wins or high averages—but the stories that shape how people remember it. This year was no different. Across the opening rounds and into the later stages, the focus quickly shifted from who was seeded to who was ready, with attention spilling beyond the oche and into the wider conversation around the sport, including where fans engage with the action on LiveScore Bet.
New names stepped forward, established players came unstuck, and a series of moments defined the tournament. From historic breakthroughs and statement debuts to shock exits and flashes of raw emotion, this year’s event delivered a reminder of why the World Championship remains the most unpredictable tournament in darts.
David Munyua’s Breakthrough
One of the best stories of the tournament came from Kenya’s David Munyua, who became the first Kenyan ever to qualify for the World Championship. He battled back from two sets down to beat Mike De Decker, ending with a clutch double-20 under intense pressure. He even earned congratulations from his country’s president.
Charlie Manby knocks out Ricky Evans
20-year-old debutant Charlie Manby turned heads with a cool performance to beat Ricky Evans 4–2, a result nobody saw coming. Evans, known for his fun walk-ons and personality, appeared to lose his head, while Manby stayed cool to seal the win despite a poor doubles record in the early stages of the match.
Speaking of Evans, his walk-on for this match was one of the most iconic we saw all tournament—if not the most iconic. Pom-poms in hand, he danced his way on stage alongside the cheerleaders, fully leaning into the showman role that’s made him such a crowd favourite at Ally Pally. But for all the flair and theatre, it wasn’t enough on the night.
Justin Hood’s dream debut display
The best debut? That was Justin Hood. Nobody expected him to go far. In reality, he looked like someone who belonged on that stage. His 4–0 demolition of Josh Rock was one of the most impressive performances of the tournament, which included a record 11 consecutive doubles.
It was the kind of display that shifts how people talk about a player overnight. By the time Hood walked off stage, he wasn’t “a debutant” anymore—he was a problem for anyone left in the draw.
Cameron Menzies punches the table
Not every moment was pretty. After his 3–2 first-round defeat to Charlie Manby, Cameron Menzies lost it. He put out the pyrotechnic sparks with his bare hand before punching the table on stage. It was a raw reaction to a tough loss, but one that spread rapidly online.
The clip’s now gone viral on social media. Unfortunately for Menzies, for all the wrong reasons, it’s become one of the tournament’s most talked-about incidents rather than something he’ll want remembered for his darts.
Dominant displays and disbelief
But there was also pure control. Luke Littler’s thrashing of Mensur Suljovic was a reminder of just how high his ceiling already is. When Littler gets into that rhythm, the game feels unfair. He dictated the pace, punished mistakes and barely gave Suljovic room to breathe.
And then came the shock that stunned everyone: Michael van Gerwen going out. A name synonymous with dominance at this event, suddenly gone. The aura cracked, the doubles didn’t land, and one of the sport’s giants exited far earlier than expected. At the Worlds, reputation means nothing once the darts are in your hand.
