This week, that statement arrived with unmistakable clarity as Ritchie Edhouse formally aligned himself with the ever-expanding empire of Shot Darts, stepping into a tungsten collective that already glitters with pedigree, promise, and proven silverware.
After a productive association with Mission, the 2024 European Champion has opted for reinvention rather than comfort, joining an Australian-based brand whose roster reads like a curated anthology of modern darting excellence. It is a move that speaks of ambition rather than contentment, of hunger rather than nostalgia.
Now approaching his tenth consecutive professional campaign on the circuit, the Essex-born thrower continues to defy the sport’s increasingly unforgiving standards. Ranked world number 27 on the PDC Order of Merit, Edhouse remains firmly in ascent mode, eyes trained on further elevation and the intoxicating possibility of adding fresh silverware to a career already defined by resilience and late-blooming brilliance.
At Shot, “Madhouse” finds himself in formidable company. Former World Champion Michael Smith anchors the roster with established gravitas, while rising Dutch force Niels Zonnerveld arrives on the back of his most prolific season to date, fuelled by three Players Championship semi-final appearances and a runner-up finish in Hildesheim. Layered on top of that is youthful dynamism which is Bradley Brooks – once PDC World Youth Champion who announced himself further by lifting his maiden ProTour title in Leicester last year.
The Antipodean backbone of Team Shot remains equally imposing. Queensland stalwart Raymond Smith brings battle-hardened experience and global credibility, while Kiwi sharpshooter Haupai Puha adds further steel to the spine. Between them, the Alexandra Palace stage has felt their presence on no fewer than six occasions.
Unsurprisingly, Edhouse wasted little time in sharing his enthusiasm publicly, taking to social media to confirm the move in his own unmistakable voice:
“Now it’s out I’m excited to announce I’ve joined shot darts, for me it was an easy choice such a great company they listened to all my ideas (some good some bad) lol and I’m looking forward to the future keep a eye out for my darts in march they r amazing thanks Shot Darts for your confidence in me here’s to the future.”
The excitement was mutual. Shot Darts echoed that sentiment with a statement that left little doubt as to why Edhouse was such a coveted acquisition:
“We’re stoked to announce that Ritchie Edhouse has joined the Shot Darts global player team! New Darts Launching March!
“Ritchie has carved out his loyal following of Edhouse Ultras through a series of standout performances on the Euro Tour and Players Championship circuit. Those efforts culminated in a career-defining moment in 2024, when he secured his first major title and was crowned European Champion. An achievement he will always cherish, but one he’s firmly focused on repeating in the seasons ahead.
“We’re excited to work with Ritchie not only to help him reach those heights again, but because his mindset, values, and engaging personality align perfectly with ours. Together, we believe we can build a winning formula that sees Ritchie become a true force in the game for many years to come.
“Ritchie represents what Shot is about commitment, respect for the game, and constant progression. His journey, work ethic, and passion for darts make him a natural fit for the team. Welcome to Shot, Ritchie. Believe in the sleeve. Ritchie Madhouse Edhouse.”
For Edhouse and Shot Darts alike, this is not merely a signing but the ignition of a shared trajectory. A new year. A new alliance. And a future bristling with intent, confidence, and very sharp arrows indeed.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC ( Graphic – Shot darts)
