Ross Smith is one of darts’ most steady and underrated talents – earning respect through calm scoring and resilience rather than flash. He began his career in the BDO, reaching the quarter-finals of the 2011 World Championship, then switched to the PDC and secured his Tour Card in 2012, steadily rising through the ranks.
Name: Ross Smith
Nickname: Smudger
Born: 12/01/1989
Place of Birth: Dover, England
Nationality: English
Laterality: Right-handed
Highest PDC Ranking: 14
Darts: 22g Unicorn Signature
Walk-on Tune: Red Light Spells Danger – Billy Ocean
His moment in the spotlight came in 2022 when he claimed his first major title at the European Championship, defeating Michael Smith in the final. That win not only marked his arrival, but also helped him establish a peak world ranking of No. 9 in 2024. He also has six PDC ranking titles – highlighted by back-to-back ProTour wins in 2023 and another title in May 2025, when he even hit two nine-darters in one day.
ROSS SMITH IN FACTS AND FIGURES: Check out SMUDGER’s full career profile on dartsdatabase.co.uk
Smith combines a solid scoring rhythm with cool composure under pressure. He matched a record number of 180s during the 2022 Grand Slam group stage and consistently averages well over 100. He’s made his mark at televised events too, reaching the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay in 2024 and the semi-finals of the Players Championship Finals the same year.
Away from competitive darts, Ross has shown impressive commitment to fitness, dropping from 19 to 15 stone in recent years. What began as mockery from peers for his running routines has now inspired other players to follow suit – he even earned praise for leading the way in athletes’ fitness mindsets on tour.
ROSS SMITH HITS A NINE DARTER: Watch Smudger’s 2024 Dutch Darts Championship perfect moment
One acheivement Smudger has which will unlikely even be broken is winning a Players Championship without conceding a single leg from the quarter-final stage onwards. Remarkably in May 2025, the Dover lad defeated Danny Noppert, LukeWoodhouse and then Brendan Dolan in the final to seal a breath-taking title. For: 21 legs. Against: Nil. Class.
Ross Smith may not be the flashiest name, but his steady rise, major title, and work ethic mark him as a true professional. Now in his mid-thirties, he continues to be a consistent threat with potential for more major breakthroughs ahead.
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Images: PDC Europe
