The world of professional darts is a curious blend of everyday normality and extraordinary talent. While some players reach the pinnacle of the sport, amassing considerable wealth and abandoning their previous occupations, others choose to maintain a balance between their darting pursuits and their more conventional day jobs. This phenomenon, where seemingly ordinary individuals transform into sporting icons under the bright lights of the oche, creates a unique dynamic within the darts community. From farmhands to delivery drivers, plumbers to mechanics, these players demonstrate a remarkable dedication to both their chosen profession and their love of darts.
Current World Champion Luke Humphries, despite accumulating significant prize money, once toiled as a roofer alongside his family. This grounding in manual labor may well have contributed to his focus and resilience on the darts circuit. Similarly, Michael Smith, affectionately known as “Bully Boy,” balances his world number two ranking with the responsibilities of running his own farm. Smith’s social media offers glimpses into his agricultural life, showcasing a menagerie of animals, a testament to his passion for both darts and farming. His plan to purchase a bull with his winnings from the 2023 World Darts Championship further solidifies his connection to this down-to-earth lifestyle.
Robert Owen, a Welsh darts professional, provides another compelling example of this duality. Despite competing in tournaments, Owen maintains his part-time job as an Iceland delivery driver. He skillfully juggles his work schedule, family life, and rigorous darts practice, demonstrating an impressive commitment to all aspects of his life. Remarkably, Owen finds the thrill of completing deliveries even more satisfying than achieving impressive scores on the oche. This sentiment underscores the genuine enjoyment he derives from his day job, which he intends to keep even if he were to win a major darts tournament.
Cameron Menzies, a skilled plumber ranked 39th in the world, embodies the dedication of these dual-career darts players. He was even photographed fixing a bathroom basin just hours before competing in the PDC World Championships, highlighting his commitment to both his clients and his sporting aspirations. Menzies openly acknowledges the contrasting nature of his two professions, expressing a preference for the familiar comfort of his toolbag over the pressure of the darts arena.
The allure of maintaining a day job extends even to some of the more established names in darts. Mervyn King, a millionaire darts ace, took on a role as an Amazon delivery driver during the COVID-19 pandemic when darts competitions were suspended. This temporary employment not only provided financial stability but also offered a sense of normalcy during a period of uncertainty. King’s subsequent venture into the construction industry further emphasizes his willingness to engage in diverse professional pursuits. Similarly, James Wade, aptly nicknamed “The Mechanic,” continues to own and operate a garage with his father despite his success in professional darts. Wade credits darts with transforming his life, but he remains grounded in his mechanical roots, finding solace and satisfaction in the hands-on nature of his work.
Even former world champions have embraced the balance between darts and other professions. John Walton, winner of the 2001 BDO World Darts Championship, works part-time stacking shelves at a Co-op. For Walton, this job provides a sense of purpose and connection to the community, demonstrating that the desire for meaningful work extends beyond financial considerations. Jonny Clayton, a top-ranked player, only recently relinquished his part-time plastering job to focus solely on darts. His initial reluctance to abandon his trade highlights the security and familiarity that a day job can provide, even for those achieving significant success in the sporting world.
Finally, Gerwyn Price, also known as “The Iceman,” showcases a unique path, having initially balanced a semi-professional rugby career with his burgeoning darts aspirations. Price’s decision to focus solely on darts ultimately led to world championship glory and multiple Grand Slam titles. However, his recent return to rugby for a testimonial match demonstrates his enduring connection to his sporting roots. These stories, collectively, paint a vibrant picture of the darts community, a world where sporting ambition coexists with the realities of everyday life. These players, with their diverse backgrounds and unwavering dedication, represent the heart and soul of the sport, proving that it’s possible to chase both bullseyes and dreams, no matter how unconventional the combination. Their stories offer a refreshing perspective on the lives of professional athletes, reminding us that success can be found both on the grand stage and in the ordinary rhythms of daily life.
