Jung and Fit Instead of Old and Fat: Is the Darts World Changing?

The world of darts is undergoing a transformation, moving away from its traditional image of players who were often older, heavier, and associated with heavy drinking. In the 1990s, alcohol was considered almost a standard accompaniment, with former world champion Dennis Priestley recounting how players would consume "bottles" of Jack Daniels and he himself won the world title after drinking four beers.

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It simply calms the nerves. You just have to know exactly how much you need to keep your nerves.

Priestley suggested that alcohol helped calm nerves under pressure, acting as a form of doping. He believed many professionals still drink, but perhaps "behind the scenes." The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) maintains that alcohol consumption is not an issue requiring control, as it has not "gotten out of hand." PDC CEO Matthew Porter once drew a parallel, stating that if he were Harry Kane playing for Bayern Munich, he could have two beers before a match, as nothing in the rules would prevent it.

On stage, the visual landscape of darts has dramatically changed. Modern arenas feature players entering to loud music on large stages, blending sport with showmanship. The stars of today are frequently young and physically fit, a stark contrast to the beer-bellied figures of the past. Fitness appears to be emerging as a key component in the sport.

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We don't have the feeling that we have to control it. Simply because it is not something that has gotten out of hand.

Younger players like 24-year-old Gian van Veen and England's Luke Humphries exemplify this new generation. Humphries, who lost over 30 kilograms before reaching the top tier and winning the World Championship in 2024, stated that his weight had hindered him during long days of darts. Welshman Gerwyn Price engages in strength training, many professionals jog, and Alan Soutar even ran a marathon. The physical aspect is increasingly prominent on stage, with Humphries noting that excess weight made him tired and worn out, though he acknowledged it affects some players differently.

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It was a conscious decision because my excess weight affected me on the long darts days.