Throughout the illustrious history of darts, we’ve seen 15 different world number ones. However, there are still plenty of former champions and multiple-major winners who somehow managed to dodge the top spot like it’s an unwanted tax return.
The Elite Few Who Never Made Number One
When I tried to concoct my exclusive list of the five best players to never ascend to the coveted world number one ranking, the top four flew onto the list faster than a dart from a champion’s hand. If you’re not intimately acquainted with the PDC rankings, prepare yourself for a shock: two members of this elite quartet have never topped the charts! Spoiler alert: they’re likely to be in any darts fan’s “top 10 players ever” hall of fame.
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Host Dom Newton, alongside Sky Sports darts presenter Abigail Davies, the ever-charming Paul Nicholson, and our in-house darts oracle Chris Hammer, will dissect the World Championship draw. We’ll also make laughable predictions about which lucky chap walks away with a cool £1 million. Spoiler: it probably won’t be anyone considered “an average player.”
The Great Fifth-Place Debate
Now, about that fabled fifth spot—think of it as a royal rumble with approximately 16 contenders battling it out for glory. I spent an exhilarating two hours with PDPA guru Andy Scott just discussing potential candidates. I’m practically buzzing to hear your fiery takes on social media about who you think deserves that spot. Spoiler alert: it’s not your mate who wins the local pub league.
Gary Anderson
World Champion (2015, 2016)
World Matchplay (2018)
Premier League (2011, 2015)
Pro Tour titles: 36
Highest year-end world ranking: 2 (2015, 2016)
If there were an award for the best player who never snagged the world number one title, it would unequivocally go to Gary Anderson. With back-to-back world titles to his name, he deserves all the accolades—right up until you point out he was never the “chief.”
In today’s darts world, it’s practically a rite of passage that winning the World Championship catapults someone to number one. Just ask Michael van Gerwen, who snatched it from Phil Taylor faster than you can say “abysmal tax forms.”
Adrian Lewis
World Champion (2011, 2012)
UK Open (2014)
Highest year-end world ranking: 2 (2011, 2012)
Adrian Lewis’s absence from the number one spot genuinely baffles the mind. Winning back-to-back world titles and still unable to surpass others is like baking a soufflé only for it to collapse—disappointing but not entirely surprising.
Although he faced off against Gary Anderson and took the runner-up position in 2016, despite securing substantial prize money, he couldn’t outshine Phil Taylor. Imagine walking into a party with a splendid outfit only to have the host overshadow you by wearing a tuxedo designed by royalty.
James Wade
World Matchplay (2007)
Premier League (2009)
Highest year-end ranking: 2 (2010)
James Wade may not have a world title in his trophy cabinet, but he certainly has enough major victories to justify his presence here. He’s the kind of player who can win titles while still managing to be one of the Top 2 in the rankings—like a perpetually successful underdog story that just can’t land the lead role.
Rob Cross
World Championship (2018)
World Matchplay (2019)
Highest year-end ranking: 2 (2018, 2019)
Ah, Rob Cross. A man caught in the whirlwind of the modern ranking system where you virtually have to win the lottery to be seen as number one. After claiming the Sid Waddell Trophy, he clambered to the second spot, only to be eclipsed by the darting demigod Michael van Gerwen.
The Final Contender: Who Will It Be?
You wouldn’t believe the 16 names I mulled over for the coveted fifth spot, each one more deserving than your average “he plays at the pub” player. These contenders include legends like Terry Jenkins and Simon Whitlock, who never quite made it but won enough to make you nod in respect—even if it’s from a distance.
So, there you have it: the darting elite who somehow evaded the number one ranking while racking up accolades like they’re going out of fashion. Are these players merely unlucky, or is it all just a cunning ploy by the universe to keep us riveted? The debate continues!
