The best fan favourites over the years in the World Darts Championship

Darts at Alexandra Palace is more than just a sporting event – it’s a festival of drama, skill, and celebration.

Every year, fans flock to Ally Pally in fancy dress, singing their hearts out and creating an atmosphere that’s unmatched in any other sport.

The World Darts Championship has become a Christmas tradition, with its mix of electrifying matches, walk-on theatrics, and the colourful characters both on and off the stage making it a must-watch event.

As the 2025 tournament looms, anticipation is building for another feast of tungsten tension and unforgettable moments, with this year especially tough to call in the Darts World Championship betting. Will Luke Humphries retain his title, or will an underdog have his dally at Ally Pally?

Darts is unique in how fans bond with players, their loyalty and passion inspiring comebacks and shaping the energy of the event.

Over the years, the World Championship has seen its fair share of fan favourites, players who transcend the sport with their personalities, performances, and connection to the crowd. Here are some of the most beloved figures in the history of Ally Pally.

Eric Bristow

A true darts legend, the late Eric Bristow, known as “The Crafty Cockney,” was one of the sport’s first superstars. Bristow’s charisma and confidence, combined with his unrivalled skill during the 1980s, cemented his status as a fan favourite until his final throw at the Worlds in 2000.

He wasn’t just a player; he was a pioneer who helped shape modern darts. Even years after his retirement, chants of “There’s only one Eric Bristow” echo through Ally Pally, a testament to his enduring legacy.

Stephen Bunting

Stephen “The Bullet” Bunting has been a crowd favourite for years, with his affable personality and resilience on the oche.

Bunting’s switch to “Titanium” as his walk-on song perfectly mirrors his strength and determination, endearing him even further to fans.

Whether it’s his cheeky smile, a clever dance, or that scouse underdog spirit, he always manages to win the crowd over, and they roar their approval for every 180 he lands.

That energy is reciprocated by the Bullet, who often salutes the fans after key victories. “Listen to this crowd,” Bunting told Sky Sports after a win in the Grand Slam of Darts. “How can you not win in front of them? It’s unbelievable.”

Rob Cross

Rob “Voltage” Cross captured the hearts of darts fans in 2018 when he stormed onto the scene and won the World Darts Championship in his debut year.

His underdog story, highlighted by his stunning victory over Phil Taylor in the final, is the stuff of fairy tales. Cross’s humble demeanour and remarkable composure under pressure made him an instant fan favourite, with his performances continuing to electrify crowds year after year.

Cross is a true professional, too. Gone are the days of players like Andy Fordham, who famously revealed he could drink 24 bottles of lager before a match, with Cross completing comebacks that upset darts betting before keeping to himself when away from the oche.

Raymond van Barneveld

Few players command the respect and admiration of darts fans like Raymond van Barneveld. The Dutchman, affectionately known as “Barney,” has built a legacy of brilliance, with his rivalry against Taylor producing some of the most memorable moments in darts history.

Barney’s ability to dig deep in big matches, coupled with his humility, has earned him a legion of loyal fans. His walk-ons are a spectacle, with the Ally Pally crowd erupting into cheers at the first note of his entrance music.

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John Day

John Day is a seasoned sports writer and brings a unique blend of insightful analysis and covers the stories that matter most to sports enthusiasts everywhere.