West Yorkshire on a cold exhibition night isn’t supposed to feel like a prelude to destiny — but Simon Whitlock has always been a man who thrives where the unexpected meets the electric.
The Wizard was in town, and even before a single dart was thrown, he could feel the atmosphere crackling in the rafters.
“Met loads of people and it looks like a really good atmosphere out there so it should be a good night.” said the Aussie legend speaking exclusively to Darts World.
For a player who’s travelled every corner of the darting planet, it takes a lot to impress him — yet Leeds was merely the latest stop on a journey that has carried him quite literally halfway across the world.
Because not long ago, Whitlock was back in Australia doing something that meant more than most fans realised: claiming the inaugural ANZ Premier League and therefore, earning his way back to the World Championship. And when he snatched that golden ticket on home soil, it hit him with a force he didn’t even try to hide.
“Honestly that was probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had.” If that’s where the story ended, it would already have been a triumph. But this is Simon Whitlock — the man whose career has been fuelled for two decades by grit, stubbornness and an unshakeable belief that one more run is always possible. He didn’t walk through the ferocious weekly nights. He battled through it. Raymond Smith, Johnny Tata, Tim Pusey … an eight man field stacked with many of the very best tungsten throwers Down Under has to offer.
“It was really difficult… Raymond was probably the best player there throughout the whole competition but the best thing was I performed on the night I had to.” And in classic Whitlock fashion, when the moment arrived, the Wizard ignited. He took Johnny Tata in the semis. Then roared into the final against Smith, aka The Guru, with a statement start — a lead he knew would be essential.
“It’s important getting a lead on anyone… He’s such a quality player and a very steady player so I knew if I got in front I could just hold on and win.” And then came the finish — the kind of poetic ending that only a man of his flair could produce. “The perfect seven darts at the end was a great way to win it.” Not just qualification. Redemption.
For Whitlock, Alexandra Palace isn’t a venue. It’s a second home. A place of roaring crowds, big nights, heartbreaks, and miracles. Missing last year hurt. Coming back? It feels like breathing again.
“I feel like I’ve got no pressure on me this time and I feel like I’m in really good form so I could be a very dangerous person in it.”
His first-round opponent is Conor Scott — a man who once threw darts modelled on Whitlock’s own.
“Yeah, he used my darts many years ago… I’ve beaten Conor a few times, he’s beaten me a few times so it should be a good match-up.” There were tougher draws available, names you’d rather not see glaring at you from the bracket. “There’s a few you want to avoid like Littler, Luke Humphries and Van Gerwen so yeah, I’m pretty happy with the draw.”
For a man who’s lost a tour card, fought back through qualifiers, and rebuilt his technique brick by brick… this isn’t pressure. This is opportunity. “I’ve put a lot of work in over the last twelve months… just try to do things right and get my game back on track.”
If fans were hoping the Wizard would be headed to Q-School in January for one more charge… well, the body has its own veto power. “No, no, I just can’t see myself doing Q-School… I’d love to, like the mind wants to, the body says no.” He still believes he’s good enough — that much is clear. But five punishing days chasing a card? The tank simply won’t allow it.
Instead, the Aussie will explore other boards — ADC, WDF, the MODUS Super Series — whatever path lets him compete without crushing the body that has carried him through two decades of battles. “I’ll just take things one day at a time now and just enjoy the game and no pressure.” Las Vegas in January is calling. And Whitlock, ever the adventurer, is ready to roll the dice Stateside too.
The Beard To Be Feared doesn’t do false modesty. His goal is bold, clear, and unequivocal: “Make the final, I’d love to make it that far, I believe I can.” After all, he’s famously been there before. One game at a time. One hill at a time. One victory at a time.
This isn’t a man dreaming recklessly. This is a man who knows exactly how dangerous he can be when the rhythm returns, when the arm loosens, when the beard bristles in the lights of the Palace.
The money? Forget it. “I don’t really think about the money… money’s not important, just playing darts is important to me.” That’s Whitlock. A craftsman. A competitor. A survivor. A magician who still believes in his own spellbook.
And as the lights rise on Ally Pally, and the crowd roars over North London, one thing is certain:
The Wizard is back — and there’s still magic left in that wand.
——ENDS——
Images: PDC
