Darts: A Game, A Tradition, A Culture

Lachy Oliver, UVI, investigates darts’ culture of tradition, humour, and community. From lively chants to fancy dress, and iconic walk-ons, it’s a sport full of passion and entertainment.

Darts is one of the most unique and exciting sports to explore, especially in the UK. While England has long been a pioneer of darts, one man is primarily responsible for propelling the sport more recently into the mainstream: Luke ‘The Nuke’ Littler. Littler was named 2024’s Young Sports Personality of the Year and runner-up for Sports Personality of the Year. His meteoric rise, highlighted by a run to the 2024 World Championship final and a subsequent victory in 2025 over Michael van Gerwen, has made darts more accessible and relatable to the average person. Littler’s success reshaped darts’ public image, making it not just a niche activity for enthusiasts but a sport with mass appeal. His impact speaks to the growing accessibility of darts, bringing in new fans and inspiring future players. Through his triumphs, Littler helped redefine the culture surrounding the sport.

A defining feature of darts culture is the strong connection to the fans. As a sport traditionally played in pubs, darts and pints go hand in hand. Whether watching from home, a pub, or the iconic “Ally Pally” (Alexandra Palace), fans’ cheers, fuelled by a drink or two, add to the energy in a way few other sports can match. This lively environment, where fans become part of the spectacle, is integral to darts’ charm. Since the banning of drinking alcohol on stage in professional darts matches in 1989, darts has evolved in a way that is far more accessible to young people. Since Luke Littler was merely 17 when he won the World Championship earlier this year, the sport has become less intrinsically linked to alcohol, and more widely enjoyed by younger people.

The tradition of dressing up is another quirky aspect of darts culture, where humorous fancy dress is popular attire. Fans attending matches often choose between wearing a player’s dart shirt or dressing in costume. The costumes range from lobsters to football stars, and even public figures like Donald Trump. These outfits inject humour and creativity into the event, adding to the fun atmosphere. In this sense, darts has become as much about the crowd as it is about the players, blending sport with entertainment and turning every match into a social celebration. Darts fans share much in common with football supporters, particularly in their love for chanting. While many of these chants are unrelated to the game itself, they are a vital part of the experience. The famous “Scotland get battered” chant, often heard during Peter Wright’s matches, or “Tottenham get battered” when fans have nothing else to sing, are staples of the darts crowd. These chants are more than just background noise—they amplify the excitement, creating a sense of unity among spectators and adding another layer of drama to the event.

One of the most thrilling moments at any darts tournament is the walk-on. The energy in the arena is palpable as players make their entrance to their chosen walk-on song. When Stephen Bunting steps out to Titanium, the crowd rises to their feet, passionately singing along to the chorus:

I’M BULLET-PROOF, NOTHING TO LOSE, FIRE AWAY, FIRE AWAY.

Other iconic walk-ons, such as Luke Littler’s Greenlight by Pitbull and Michael Smith’s Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon, add to the spectacle, with fans enthusiastically singing along. These moments serve as a reminder of the powerful connection between players and their supporters, marking the start of a high-stakes drama.

No discussion of darts culture would be complete without mentioning the legendary commentary that adds flavour to every match. Iconic phrases from commentators like Wayne Mardle—such as “I CAN’T SPAKE [speak],” “In the madhouse,” and “OH STOP IT”—have become ingrained in the sport’s lexicon. These catchphrases are more than just words—they’re part of the entertainment. Mardle’s commentary not only narrates the action but helps create a distinctive atmosphere that resonates with fans. His iconic lines have become as much a part of the sport as the nine-darter itself.

Darts is more than just a sport—it’s a cultural phenomenon. The sport brings together fans with its pints, chants, fancy dress, and the unforgettable roar of “ONE HUNDRED AND EIIIIIGHTY!” Whether you’re at Ally Pally, in a pub, or shouting at your TV at home, darts creates a unique atmosphere that is unlike any other sport. With figures like Luke Littler leading the charge, the sport continues to grow, drawing new fans, especially young ones, while also retaining its loyal following. Darts is a sport, a community, and an experience—a celebration of passion, humour, and excitement. So, next time you’re watching, sing along to the walk-on songs and enjoy the madness, because that’s what darts is all about.