New Zealand-based darts manufacturer Shot Darts have further augmented their increasingly illustrious portfolio of professional talent with the acquisition of one of the most impressive performers on not just one, but two circuits in 2026, Joe Hunt.
The Isle of Wight thrower has emerged as the pre-eminent figure on this season’s PDC Challenge Tour, producing a succession of exemplary displays to establish himself at the summit of the Order of Merit. Such sustained excellence has not gone unrewarded. With vacancies arising on the ProTour throughout the campaign, Hunt has availed himself of numerous call-ups and subsequently become an ever-present figure amongst the sport’s established professionals.
CHECK OUT THE BOARD ROOM – All you need to know about the business of darts
Far from merely making up the numbers, the 33-year-old has acquitted himself with considerable distinction. Three quarter-final appearances on the Players Championship circuit have underlined both his burgeoning credentials and his ability to compete with some of the finest practitioners in the game. Those exploits have also yielded prize money in excess of £30,000, a highly lucrative return which carries substantial significance in terms of ranking progression and future qualification opportunities.
DARTS PLAYER MERCHANDISE AND COLLECTABLES AT OUR DARTSWORLD STORE!
Indeed, should Hunt maintain his current trajectory and continue to exhibit the consistency which has characterised his campaign thus far, the prospect of circumventing the notoriously arduous and unpredictable Q-School process becomes increasingly plausible. More significantly, his performances have placed him firmly in contention to secure qualification for the sport’s showpiece event at Alexandra Palace, an objective which would represent another remarkable milestone in an already outstanding year.
His arrival at Shot Darts sees Hunt join an enviable constellation of distinguished names already associated with the New Zealand manufacturer. Amongst those are former World Champion Michael Smith, reigning 2024 European Champion Ritchie Edhouse, Irish World Cup captain William O’Connor, as well as accomplished Antipodean representatives Raymond Smith and Haupai Puha.
The addition of Hunt further reinforces Shot’s commitment to nurturing both established stars and emerging talent capable of making a profound impact on the professional landscape.
MORE FROM DARTS TUNGSTEN TRANSFER WINDOW
For the Englishman himself, 2026 is rapidly evolving into a campaign of considerable consequence. Having established himself as the standout performer on the Challenge Tour and demonstrated his capabilities on the senior circuit, Hunt’s ascent continues to gather momentum. With his confidence flourishing and opportunities multiplying, the signs suggest that the Isle of Wight ace is moving inexorably towards even greater accomplishments in the months and years ahead.
Images:
