Chris ‘Pugs’ Wickenden, a remarkable talent in the darts world, is on the cusp of achieving his dream: a full-time PDC Tour Card. His journey is a powerful testament to perseverance, having overcome the debilitating condition known as ‘dartitis’ that forced him to step away from the sport for years. Now, with a Challenge Tour title under his belt and consistent high-level performances, Wickenden is not just back in the game – he’s aiming for the very top, proving that passion and determination can conquer any obstacle.
The Rise of ‘Pugs’: A Darts Phenom’s Journey
Chris Wickenden, affectionately known as ‘Pugs’, is quickly becoming a household name among darts enthusiasts. A long-time friend of DartsWorld, we’ve been tracking his impressive progress since recognizing his talent with our Amateur Award. Currently, he’s making significant waves on the PDC Challenge Tour, positioning himself tantalizingly close to securing a coveted full-time PDC Tour Card.
Unpacking the Nickname: Why ‘Pugs’?
During a recent exclusive interview, Wickenden revealed the surprisingly simple origin of his unique nickname.
“Pugs comes from when I was younger at school. I was about 10 and had a shaved head with a blonde fringe. One of the older lads said I looked like Pugsley off The Addams Family, and it’s stuck ever since.”
Battling the D-Word: Overcoming Dartitis
Wickenden’s path to professional darts has been anything but straightforward. Over a decade ago, his promising career was derailed by one of darts’ most debilitating conditions: dartitis. This frustrating affliction causes players to lose control of their throwing action, often manifesting as an inability to release the dart smoothly. It’s a mental block that can severely impact a player’s performance.
“I stopped playing due to dartitis. At the time, I was playing some good stuff and picking up a few local titles when, bang, the dreaded D-word hit.” He tried to push through it, but the frustration mounted. “Then, during one local league game, I got accused of cheating because I was stepping over the oche, and all hell broke loose. After that, I decided to put the arrows down and took up golf, fishing and whatever else I could sink my teeth into.” This period saw him step away from the sport entirely, seeking solace in other hobbies.
The Comeback: A Rekindled Passion
Years later, a simple invitation from former teammates sparked his return to the oche. “Eight years later, some of my old teammates got a side together and asked me to play again, so I picked the darts back up.”
His initial return wasn’t easy. “I played all season and the dartitis was still there. I lost all my games but enjoyed the craic with the lads and turned up every week.” This highlights his enduring love for the game and the camaraderie, even when his performance suffered. It was this enjoyment, rather than immediate success, that fueled his continued dedication.
From Struggle to Success: The Dream Within Reach
Since that challenging return, Wickenden’s persistence has paid off handsomely. His journey has been marked by significant milestones:
- A maiden Challenge Tour title in Hildesheim, a testament to his renewed form and mental strength.
- Victories over established names, proving his ability to compete at higher levels and showing he belongs among the top contenders.
- A growing collection of ProTour appearances, giving him crucial experience against the sport’s elite players.
These achievements underscore his burgeoning credentials and his undeniable progress.
For Wickenden, the ultimate goal is crystal clear: “Of course, that’s the ultimate goal – to be there full-time. It would be great to make darts my living, and that’s the dream and what I’ll work towards.” After years of battling adversity, frustration, and a challenging rebuilding process, the prospect of securing a permanent place among darts’ top professionals is no longer just an aspiration; it’s becoming an increasingly tangible reality. Chris ‘Pugs’ Wickenden is not just working towards his dream; he’s actively living it, one dart at a time.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
