In what quite possibly proved one of the most fiercely contested categories, the honour ultimately went to Somerset’s Justin Hood, whose electrifying run at Alexandra Palace captured headlines and darts fans hearts in equal measure.
Entering the tournament without his form offering any suggestion of a solid run, Hood was largely viewed as a potential early-round participant rather than a genuine contender. What followed, however, was a transformation that few could have predicted.
From his opening match, the loveable Glastonbury resident displayed a blend of fearless scoring and composed finishing that immediately set him apart. Victories over Nick Kenny, Danny Noppert ( in a game likely to join the long talked of classics of Ally Pally), Ryan Meikle, and Josh Rock were not merely wins – they were statements of intent, each performance building upon the last with increasing authority.
As the rounds progressed, so too did the belief, both within his own game and among those watching.
His run to the quarter-finals was a testament to both skill and temperament, culminating in a clash with the legendary Gary Anderson. Though his journey ultimately ended there, Hood departed the stage having firmly established himself as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Yet, it was not just his darts that endeared him to the public. Justin’s post-match interviews, delivered with a blend of humour and authenticity, added an extra layer of charm. His now-infamous ambition to one day owning a Chinese restaurant only served to deepen that connection, turning him from a breakout player into a fan favourite. This was a performance that resonated on every level.
Introducing The DartsWorld Awards 2025/26
DartsWorld has a half century worth of championing darts, its players, its achievements, and its progress across the globe. For a chunk of that time we have considered some slightly more formal acknowledgments in the vein of some annual awards.
In the end, talking about a project on the sidelines can go on forever without ever progressing unless an initial effort is made there is nothing to hone into a truly useful and celebratory tradition.
Our inaugural awards showcase nine awards that cover a wide spectrum of darting endeavours from the 2025/26 season that ended with the crowning of a new World Champion in January.
FULL DETAILS WITH DARTSDATABASE: The 2025/26 season’s events in facts and stats
From the professional to the amateur, and from elite performance to charitable efforts we try to live up to our name.
In making our selection we do not lay claim to an open and democratic process, at least for the first outing. Instead we have asked those directly connected with DartsWorld. Players, writers, analysts and business leaders have chipped in nominations, award categories and eventual winners.
There are a few self imposed rules, but, somewhat like the pirates code, they are more a set of guidelines. The most important to explain any apparent outrage is that no player will get more than one award each year.
DARTS PLAYER MERCHANDISE AND COLLECTABLES AT OUR DARTSWORLD STORE!
We hope to develop the DW awards over time, they will be released earlier in each new year and may be part of an occasion, event or special issue – in the meantime we hope you enjoy the DartsWorld Awards 2025/26.
Watch closely on social media channels and here at the mothership dartsworld.com for the unveiling of the 9 inaugural winners . If you can’t wait then simply grab yourself a copy of February’s DARTSWORLD 593 and enjoy!
Checkout the new dedicated area for DartsWorld Awards were each years awards and their supporters will be detailed, summarised and stored.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC
