Awards in sport recognise outstanding achievements by performers within their respective fields. In the ever-evolving theatre of global darts, there is certainly no shortage of individuals deserving of recognition across a wide spectrum of categories.
Earlier this year DartsWorld included its inaugural DartsWorld Awards in the first printed issue of their more than half a century old publication.
So, when the team behind the ‘Golden Ds’, DartsWorld – who boast over half a century of celebrating this ever-expanding tungsten phenomenon – offered me the opportunity to cover the 2025/26 seasons event as if it had been a gala dinner I’d attended, sadly no scrumptious four-course dinner this time, it was an invitation I accepted without hesitation nonetheless.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Luke Littler was named Professional Player of the Year. Having retained his PDC World Championship crown while sweeping up almost every other major title available, it felt like a relatively straightforward selection.
The Female Player of the Year accolade went to the legendary Deta Hedman OBE, who finally lifted the Women’s Lakeside title, proving that at the tender age of 66, the Caribbean Queen remains as formidable as ever. In many respects, another inevitable choice. If the Royal Family deem it fitting to honour this oche icon, then DartsWorld following suit seems entirely appropriate.
Berkshire’s rising star Jack Tweddell received the Amateur Player of the Year award after a remarkable season, culminating in his crowning as ADC Global Champion. This year has already seen the Swindon-born thrower make an emphatic start to the PDC Challenge Tour, securing a title on the opening weekend and earning a richly deserved call-up to all ten Pro Tour events.
Completing the halfway stage of proceedings, the Match of the Year honour was awarded to the sensational Beau Greaves, who edged Luke Littler in a thrilling encounter to reach the PDC World Youth Championship final. Both players produced averages more akin to a cricket innings than a youth contest. As the well-worn phrase suggests, it takes two to tango, and The Nuke played his part in what was an electrifying clash between two of the brightest emerging talents in the sport.
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Next to be recognised was Sweden’s Andreas Harrysson, the recipient of Senior Player of the Year. Outside of those holding PDC Tour Cards, ‘Dirty Harry’ is arguably among the finest arrow-smiths on the planet. His recent run at Alexandra Palace, where the Scandinavian came agonisingly close to a debut quarter-final appearance, undoubtedly reinforced the merit of this decision.
The Shock of the Year award went to David Munyua, courtesy of a remarkable comeback at Ally Pally that etched his name into darting folklore. Trailing former World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker 2-0 in a race to three sets, few gave the Kenyan any realistic chance. Yet, with unwavering resolve, Munyua battled back before stunning the Belgian major winner in a moment that will long be remembered on the sport’s grandest stage.
The Darts Doing Good prize was collected by PDC World Championship sponsor Paddy Power, whose partnership with Prostate Cancer UK has generated substantial funds for awareness and research. Their Big 180 campaign has raised millions, highlighting the sport’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to causes far beyond the oche.
Performance of the Year was perhaps the most hotly debated category, but ultimately the nod went to Somerset’s Justin Hood, who captivated audiences at Alexandra Palace with not only his cheeky smile but a series of sublime performances. Pre-tournament expectations suggested a modest showing; instead, victories over Nick Kenny, Danny Noppert, Ryan Meikle, and Josh Rock propelled him to the quarter-finals, where he eventually bowed out to the legendary Gary Anderson. However, it was his post-match interviews – including his ambition to one day own a Chinese restaurant – that endeared him to fans and added a layer of charm to his remarkable run.
The Outstanding Contribution to Darts award was bestowed upon a gentleman who both epitomises and embodies everything admirable about this game – Dennis Priestley. Though it has been some time since the iconic Yorkshireman hung up his darts, his legacy remains indelibly etched into the sport’s history.
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The highly decorated 75-year-old has overcome countless opponents on the oche – and even conquered cancer. To list his achievements in full would be a lengthy exercise, and perhaps that alone speaks volumes about the magnitude of his career.
All in all, it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening at the 2025/26 DartsWorld Awards, with each winner a thoroughly deserving recipient. In truth, the deliberations behind these honours could easily have extended into lengthy boardroom debates, such is the depth of talent within the modern game.
But in the end, I think most would agree that those who walked away with acknowledgment were fittingly recognised for what is, in every sense, an exceptional achievement.
Perhaps next year will feature that Gala Dinner I mentioned earlier, but for now, let’s just be glad to see our sport’s participants being recognised by its official voice of more than 50 years.
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 2026/27 winners next January.
Checkout the new dedicated area for DartsWorld Awards were each years awards and their supporters will be detailed, summarised and stored.
—–ENDS—–
