5 most iconic WDF World Championship moments of all time
From fresh-faced teens breaking records to comebacks that left fans in awe, the WDF World Championships have carved out some iconic moments since starting in 2022.
Here are the top five that set the stage for a new era in darts.
1. Beau Greaves' first crown (2022)
Beau Greaves seized the 2022 WDF Women’s World Championship at just 18, making her the youngest to ever win the title. Her rapid-fire precision and composure stunned the crowd and cemented her place as the future of women’s darts. Greaves’ win wasn’t just about the trophy. It was a full-on statement. She dominated with unmatched confidence and dispatched her opponents with a focus well beyond her years.
Her victory signalled to fans that women’s darts had an exciting new champion—and that the sport was entering an era where age was no barrier to greatness. No doubt we’ll see plenty more epic wins from Beau ‘n’ Arrow in the future.
2. Luke Littler’s unstoppable debut (2023)
Some teens spot UFOs. Others light up international darts competitions. In 2023, 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler stormed onto the WDF scene, marking his arrival with an astounding run to the men’s final. His performance earned him a reputation as ‘The Nuke’ and he lived up to the nickname with a youthful energy and a seriously powerful throw. He didn’t clinch the title but his high scores and fearless style left fans and seasoned players alike reeling.
Think darts doesn’t earn players the big bucks? Think again. Luke’s net worth is estimated at a staggering £700,000. Thanks to a mix of prize money and sponsorships, he’s well on his way to joining celebs like Les Gold in the millionaire’s club.
Darts legend and former world champion Dennis Priestley sees Littler’s trajectory as extraordinary and predicts that if the young star keeps his focus, he could surpass even David Beckham’s net worth. 'Luke Littler is still so young,' Priestley says. 'If he can remain at the top of his game for 10 or so years... he’ll be worth more than David Beckham.' Littler’s career seems destined for the big leagues, provided he has the right support.
3. Neil Duff’s gritty victory for Northern Ireland (2022)
Sheer determination prevailed when Neil Duff made history as the first Northern Irishman to win the WDF World Championship in the 2022 men’s final. The decisive match saw Duff square off in a gripping contest that kept fans on the edge of their seats, delivering one high-stakes leg after another.
Duff’s win resonated far beyond his homeland. It showcased what WDF darts is all about. Passion, resilience and a relentless drive to win. For fans, it was a perfect reminder that, just like snooker and pool, darts has a way of pulling off surprises when you least expect them.
4. Thibault Tricole – the Frenchman who almost made history (2022)
In 2022, Thibault Tricole made un grand pas for his country and became the first French player to reach the men’s final. He faced off against Neil Duff and displayed an impressive combination of skill and tenacity.
Though he didn’t claim the title (he was defeated by Neil Duff 5–6 in sets) his journey to the final brought a new fanbase into the fold and underscored the expanding reach of darts, both in France and around the world.
5. Beau Greaves’ record-breaking performance (2023)
You know a player is a legend when they make the roundup of the most iconic moments not once but twice! In 2023, Beau Greaves returned to the WDF Women’s Championship with even more fire and defended her title with a level of play that broke records. Not only did she win, but she did so with an astounding average that solidified her as one of the sport’s top competitors.
Fans watched as she dismantled her opponents round after round, making it clear that she wasn’t just a rising star but already one of the game’s best. Greaves’ back-to-back victories put her in the elite tier and have left fans wondering just how far she can go.