Boris Krčmar, affectionately known as ‘The Biggest,’ is a darts phenomenon with a staggering record in soft-tip darts, boasting multiple World and European Championship titles. While his transition to the high-stakes world of steel-tip darts has presented a different set of challenges, he has consistently proven himself a formidable opponent on the PDC circuit. Despite recently losing his coveted tour card and narrowly missing its recapture at Q-School, Krčmar remains a player to watch, celebrated for his ability to upset top players and his enduring passion for the sport. His journey from soft-tip legend to steel-tip challenger is a testament to his skill and resilience.
From Soft-Tip King to Steel-Tip Challenger
Hailing from Zagreb, Croatia, Boris Krčmar’s darts career began in 1999, but it was in the soft-tip arena where he first carved out an astonishing legacy. For a decade, Krčmar dominated the soft-tip circuit, accumulating an incredible array of titles:
- Four-time IDF World Champion
- Ten-time EDF European Champion
- Nine-time EDU European Champion
These achievements firmly established him as one of the greatest soft-tip players of all time, earning him the moniker ‘The Biggest’ – a fitting tribute to his immense success.
The Steel-Tip Transition: A New Battleground
Making the switch to steel-tip darts, particularly within the highly competitive Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), has been a different journey for Krčmar. While he hasn’t replicated his soft-tip dominance, his presence on the PDC circuit has been significant. He has consistently shown flashes of brilliance, reaching the last 16 of two major PDC tournaments and the last 32 on several other occasions. These performances demonstrate his capability to compete at the highest level, often challenging and defeating established stars.
PDC World Championship Appearances
Krčmar has graced the iconic stage of the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace (‘Ally Pally’) six times. His most notable run came in 2024, where he advanced to the Third Round before falling to the legendary Gary Anderson with a 1-4 scoreline. In contrast, his 2023 campaign saw an early exit in the First Round against an in-form Luke Woodhouse. Interestingly, Krčmar had previously beaten Woodhouse 10-5 during his impressive run to the last 16 of the 2022 UK Open, a tournament where he also famously defeated former Premier League champion Dave Chisnall with a commanding 10-4 victory.
Early Forays into Steel-Tip
Krčmar’s initial ventures into steel-tip darts included a debut at the 2011 PDC World Championship, where he lost in the preliminary round to Per Laursen. A year later, he proudly represented Croatia alongside Tonci Restovic in the World Cup of Darts. The Croatian duo advanced past Finland but faced a tight 3-4 defeat against Wales in the second round, showcasing their potential on the international stage.
The Fight for a Tour Card
In 2020, Boris Krčmar secured his first PDC Tour Card, a golden ticket granting him access to all professional PDC events, after a strong 6th-place finish at Q-School. He held this card for five full seasons, during which he truly made his mark, becoming a feared opponent. Many fans believed he was capable of reaching the decisive stages of tournaments, as he frequently knocked top players out in earlier rounds. However, the end of 2024 brought a setback as he surprisingly lost his tour card, a significant blow for any professional player.
The Q-School Heartbreak
The start of 2025 saw Krčmar embark on a determined quest to regain his tour card at Q-School. He had a stunning run, showing incredible form and resilience. However, in a cruel twist of fate, he narrowly missed out, losing a crucial last-leg decider against Seitse Lap. This heartbreaking defeat meant he wouldn’t immediately reclaim his place among the PDC’s elite. Currently, he stands at 125th on the Order of Merit, reflecting the challenge ahead.
What Lies Ahead for ‘The Biggest’?
Despite the recent disappointment, Boris Krčmar’s journey is far from over. His performances at Q-School proved that his skill and determination are still very much intact. The darts world knows him as a player who can deliver stunning upsets and perform under pressure. As he aims to address this slide and work his way back up the rankings, ‘The Biggest’ will undoubtedly continue to be a compelling figure in darts, inspiring fans with his relentless pursuit of steel-tip glory.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
