Darts veteran Mervyn King, at 59 years old (turning 60 in March), has made a stunning return to the professional circuit, securing his PDC Tour Card for 2025 after a triumphant run at Q School where he finished 2nd. This comeback defies expectations, especially after losing his card in 2024 and facing significant personal financial challenges. ‘The King’ is back, ready to re-enter the sport’s biggest stages and prove that age is just a number in the world of professional darts.
The Unexpected Comeback: Mervyn King Defies Expectations
Mervyn King, a familiar face in professional darts for over a decade, has once again secured his place on the PDC Tour. After holding his tour card from 2011 to 2024, many believed his time at the sport’s elite level was over when he dropped off the tour at the end of 2024. Yet, at 59 years young, King proved everyone wrong by navigating the intense pressure of Q School, ultimately finishing an impressive second on the Order of Merit.
His return was sealed on the very last day of Q School, where he reached the semi-finals, only narrowly losing to Charlie Manby, a player widely tipped for success. This achievement marks a significant personal victory for King, who had a challenging 2025 after losing his card. Despite a strong showing on the Challenge Tour, finishing fourth and missing a card by a mere £2,000, and even playing as a top-up on the Pro Tour, a full return seemed distant. He did qualify for the World Championships, where he suffered a close 3-2 first-round defeat to Ian White, leading many to speculate it was his final appearance on the sport’s grandest stage. Now, with an expanded field for the 2026/2027 World Championships, King will have renewed opportunities to qualify and once again grace the biggest events.
Overcoming Personal Hurdles: A Fresh Start
King’s comeback is all the more remarkable given the personal difficulties he faced in 2025. He made headlines for unfortunate reasons when he was declared bankrupt, a situation attributed to incorrect tax payments spanning up to two decades. This unexpected return to the PDC circuit offers more than just sporting glory; it provides a crucial pathway for King to rebuild and potentially overcome these significant financial challenges.
A Legacy of Darts Excellence: ‘The King’s’ Impressive Career
Before his brief hiatus, Mervyn King was a highly successful and respected figure on the darts tour. His career boasts an impressive record, establishing him as a formidable opponent for any player.
Key Career Highlights:
- Achieved a career-high ranking of World No. 4.
- Secured victories on both the Euro Tour and Pro Tour.
- Participated twice in the prestigious Premier League.
- Consistently reached the semi-finals and later stages of numerous tournaments.
- Appeared in seven major PDC finals, including the Premier League, Grand Prix, and two Masters finals. While he narrowly missed out on winning these major titles, his consistent presence at such high-stakes events underscores his enduring talent.
- A notable ‘sliding doors’ moment occurred in the 2020 Masters final, where he lost to Jonny Clayton. This victory propelled Clayton into the Premier League, which he subsequently won, marking a significant turning point in both players’ careers.
The Future and Enduring Appeal of Mervyn King
Looking ahead, King’s return adds an intriguing dynamic to the tour. He is known to be good friends with Peter Wright, another seasoned professional who will also be aiming for an improved performance in 2026. This camaraderie could prove mutually beneficial, as they push each other to excel.
King’s comeback also serves as a powerful testament that darts is not exclusively a young man’s game, echoing the inspiring run of Gary Anderson to the World Championship semi-finals. His presence on stage is always memorable; known for his distinctive mannerisms and reactions, he has inadvertently become the subject of several popular darts GIFs and memes. While he has had his share of controversies and heated discussions with opponents, and famously wore earplugs on stage for many years, the passage of time often brings a shift in perception. It’s likely that should King find himself back on the big stages, he will be met with widespread support from the crowds, eager to witness ‘The King’ in action once more.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
