Behind the glamour and excitement of professional darts lies a harsh reality that few fans are aware of. The sport, which has become a global phenomenon, attracting millions of viewers and offering life-changing prizes, also takes a toll on its players. The pressure to perform, the constant travel, and the merciless crowds can be overwhelming, leading to emotional and mental strain. As Stephen Bunting revealed in a recent interview, "it's a lonely place" where players are left to face their demons alone.
The world of professional darts is often portrayed as a hedonistic and thrilling experience, where players don superhero-like personas and compete for enormous prizes. However, the reality is far from it. The brutal schedule, which includes countless tournaments and exhibitions, can be soul-destroying, as William O'Connor put it. The constant travel and time away from family and friends can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. As Nathan Aspinall noted, "everyone thinks it's all roses and you travel to these amazing places, but it's very lonely."
Just the money, answered Gerwyn Price earlier this year when asked what still motivates him in this sport. And if you delve beneath the surface you will find this is an increasingly common theme: a whole cadre of elite athletes whose sole or primary motivation is to set themselves up for retirement, unable to love the thing they do, but for reasons of self-esteem or finance, unable to leave.
The financial rewards of professional darts are undoubtedly significant, with the world champion taking home £1m and top players earning six-figure sums. However, for those outside the top 16, the financial security is far from guaranteed. The Professional Darts Corporation has increased prize money in the lower reaches of the game, but the reality is that many players struggle to make ends meet. As Joe Cullen said, "I used to look forward to tournaments, now I mainly look forward to being with the lads and having a laugh, because the darts itself is just a job now."
Beyond the televised tournaments and packed arenas, lies a different world of darts. The mass-start tournaments in empty leisure centers and sports halls, where journeyman players compete for ranking points, are a far cry from the glamour of the professional circuit. These tournaments, often referred to as "on the floor" events, are a windowless and thankless existence, where players can go home with nothing if they lose their first game.
The stories of professional darts players like Stephen Bunting, Nathan Aspinall, and Gerwyn Price serve as a reminder that the sport is not all glamour and excitement. Behind the scenes, players are struggling to cope with the pressures of the sport, and the consequences can be severe. As the sport continues to grow and attract new fans, it is essential to acknowledge the unseen struggles of its players and provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive.
Original: The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
Written by Npsports
