Professional darts players – just like anyone in the public spotlight – get their fair share amount of abusse on social media. Usually, for arrow-smiths, it’s when a defeat causes someone to lose a bet – as if they threw the game on purpose to stop Mike in Luton winning £20 on an accumulator.
Yes, these sportspeople can decide not to use Facebook, X or Insta – but in this day and age where social media is such a powerful marketing tool (looking at you Ste Bunting with your catalogue of merchandise!) it’s certainly worh availing of the services.
What happened next with Luke Woodhouse, though, was a masterclass in taking ownership – and an accidental case study in how to post while emotionally jet-lagged.
Woodhouse had just watched a commanding lead against Ricky Evans evaporate faster than a pint in the arena.
From 8-5 up in a race to ten, he somehow managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, leaving fans everywhere doing that teeth-sucking “oof” noise usually reserved for VAR decisions and stubbed toes.
Still stewing hours later, Woody opened the X app (already mistake number one), bashed out a brutally honest message and fired it into the digital abyss:
“Froze at the wrong time … nothing to blame but myself … probably the one time all the hate and disgusting messages are deserved… On to the next one.”
Cue chaos. Not because people agreed – but because the darts world suddenly saw something rare: an elite player publicly roasting himself before anyone else got the chance. In a strange twist, the honesty landed better than most three-dart averages.
Even the usual online misery merchants took a night off.By sunrise, with the emotional fog lifted and caffeine levels restored, Woodhouse returned to the app with a calmer, more reflective update:
“Fair to say emotions were running high when I posted after yesterday’s game … but the positive messages and comments have been amazing. Goes to show negative and hateful messages are the minority. All in all a good tournament from myself… thanks for the support.”
It was measured, sincere, and frankly refreshing – the digital equivalent of tidying your room after last night’s meltdown. And fair play to him: it showed the kind of composure that was missing from that last leg.
Performance-wise, Woodhouse still walks away from Wolverhampton with plenty of credit. His group stage was strong, he looked confident, and he continues to be one of the most improved players on tour. Yes, it ended painfully, but the overall trajectory remains firmly upwards.
Most importantly, he handled the fallout like an adult in a world full of keyboard toddlers – and fans noticed.
Now the focus shifts to finishing the year strongly, banking the progress he’s made, and heading into 2026 with even more momentum.
If he can bottle the honesty, ditch the heartbreak, and keep the scoring power… the next big breakthrough might not be far away.
—–Ends—–
Images: PDC
