The Circus Tavern is set to buzz once more as the 2026 World Seniors Darts Championship rolls into Purfleet from February 19–21. The line-up so far is a veritable who’s who of darting royalty, each ready to prove they’ve still got the magic touch and they are only up to number 19!
Whether it’s a battle of the Scots, a wizard’s spellbinding run, or a soldier’s charge to the title, darts fans are in for a treat. Who’s your quid on?:
Ross Montgomery: The defending champ from Scotland, 62 and still slinging tungsten like a man half his age. The Boss is out to show that tartan isn’t just for show – it’s for winners. Can lightning strike twice? He’s bringing his umbrella, just in case.
John Henderson: The 52-year-old Highlander, affectionately know as The Hunk of Huntly returns with his booming throw and booming laugh. Former World Cup winner, and a crowd favourite built like a bouncer with a soft spot for 180s. He’s here to prove there can be only one – again.
Robert Thornton: Scotland’s Thorn is back at 57, hoping to add another title to a CV that already includes World Grand Prix and UK Open wins. If his darts are as sharp as his wit, he could go deep.
Richie Howson: Londoner Howson, 59, is as dependable as your Nan’s roast dinner. The Owl reached three Seniors finals in 2023 so a win in Purfleet wouldn’t turn too many heads.
Simon Whitlock: The Wizard of Oz, 56, returns to the oche – not from Down Under, but from slightly nearer… Portsmouth. With that unmistakable beard and a flair for the dramatic, the World Cup winner still brings more sparkle than a Vegas headliner. If the doubles behave, prepare for fireworks.
Steve Beaton: Still bronzed, still beautiful. Beaton, 60, is darts’ eternal poster boy. A 1996 world champion, he saunters back into the spotlight with the poise of a man who hasn’t aged – just tanned.
Darryl Fitton: At 63, The Dazzler is here to entertain. The walk-on’s as iconic as the throw, and he’s one of darts’ true showmen. Expect fireworks, flair, and if things go well, a bit of post-match dancing.
Tony O’Shea: Silverback’s swinging again at 64. A multiple world finalist, he’s looking to turn those silvers into something shinier. One of the game’s great characters, and he’s still got the roar to match the throw.
Neil Duff: The 52-year-old from Northern Ireland announced himself to the world by winning the WDF title in 2022. Steady, sharp, and quietly confident, Duff’s not there to make up the numbers – he’s there to make history.
Martin Adams: Wolfie, 68 and still howling. A three-time world champ and a walking darts institution, Adams returns with silver in his beard and gold on his mind. Legends never fade and Adams certainly fits into that category.
Vincent van der Voort: The Dutch Destroyer makes his World Seniors debut. At 49, he brings lightning pace and a freight-train throw. If he finds his rhythm, expect the opposition to be swept away like tulips in a tornado.
John Part: Canada’s triple world champion returns at 58, maple syrup coursing through his veins and bullseyes in his eyes. With an IQ to rival Stephen Hawking, Darth Maple returns to remind the world he’s not just sharp between the ears – he’s just as clever on the oche.
Leonard Gates: The Soldier marches on at 54, armed with rhythm, charisma, and a whole lot of soul. Leonard Gates isn’t just here to compete – he’s here to entertain, inspire, and wage war with every perfectly timed throw. Lock in for another all-American assault.
Andy Hamilton: The Hammer’s back at 58, and he’s ready to flatten the field. A former PDC World Championship finalist and Premier League star, the Stoke thrower brings grit, power, and more tungsten than a tool shed.
Ronny Huybrechts: Belgium’s elder statesman, 59, is all action and no nonsense. He’s got the fight of a street scrapper and the throw to match. If he gets going, things could get waffly unpredictable.
Merv King: The King will return to Tavern and make a second bid to claim the title after joing the ranks just in time for the 2025 event.
Trina Gulliver: The Golden Girl, 55, is a ten-time world champion and still hunting more. The queen of the oche is back to remind everyone that class is permanent – even if the hair’s a little greyer.
Scott Waites: Scotty 2 Hotty, 48 and still sizzling. A two-time world champ, he’s dangerous when he’s dialled in and lethal when underestimated. Might look like your mate’s plumber but throws like a darting assassin.
Kevin Painter: The Artist returns at 57, hopefully with dartitis firmly in the past. Easel in one hand and tungsten in the other, the former world finalist is ready to craft a masterpiece starring crisp trebles, clean doubles, and a flair for the dramatic.
Keep you eyes here for future additions to next field. With such a stellar cast, the 2026 Championship promises high drama, vintage performances, and perhaps a few surprises.
—–ENDS—–
Images: World Senior Darts
