Once a prominent figure in professional darts, Cristo Reyes vanished from the scene after 2020 due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and travel restrictions from his home in Tenerife. After a nearly four-year silence, ‘The Spartan’ has made an astonishing return, not only qualifying for the 2026 World Championship but also securing his Tour Card with ease and showcasing incredible consistency, particularly on the demanding European Tour. His remarkable resurgence has propelled him back into contention for major tournaments and cemented his status as one of darts’ most inspiring comeback stories.
The Vanishing Act: Why ‘The Spartan’ Disappeared
For many darts fans, the name Cristo Reyes slowly faded from memory after the 2020 season. ‘The Spartan’, as he’s known, made the difficult decision to give up his Tour Card. Living in Tenerife, the global COVID-19 pandemic presented unique and severe challenges, making travel to professional events almost impossible for him. This wasn’t just a temporary break; after a brief attempt at Q-School and a few Challenge Tour events in early 2022, Reyes entered a near four-year hiatus, with no recorded results anywhere in the sport.
A Silent Period, Then a Shock Return
While his name became a distant memory for most, Cristo Reyes never forgot his talent. Then, last November, a name on an entry list for the Mediterranean Qualifier for the 2026 World Championship sent ripples through the darts community: Cristo Reyes. It was an unexpected, out-of-the-blue return that instantly captured attention.
From Qualifier to Ally Pally
Reyes didn’t just show up; he dominated. He fought through a strong 63-player field, defeating notable players like Jesus Noguera, Michele Turetta, and Ricardo Perez in the final. This incredible performance secured his spot at his first World Championship in six years!
At the iconic Alexandra Palace, Reyes put on a very strong showing, eventually losing to eventual finalist Gian van Veen. This impressive return to the biggest stage proved he still had what it takes, and he carried that momentum forward.
Reclaiming His Place: Dominating Q-School
Just weeks after his World Championship appearance, Reyes entered Q-School with renewed determination. He didn’t just qualify; he breezed through both Stage 1 and Stage 2 with remarkable ease. Along the way, he overcame formidable opponents including Pascal Rupprecht, Chris Landman, Dave Cameron, Jurjen van der Velde, and Matthias Ehlers in the final, securing his new Tour Card.
A Glimpse of Past Glory
Before his hiatus, Cristo Reyes was a formidable player. He reached a career-high ranking of world number 26 following an excellent 2017 season. This period saw him:
- Qualify for his debut at the prestigious World Matchplay.
- Make a second appearance at the Grand Prix.
- Reach a couple of European Tour semi-finals, losing to Mensur Suljovic in Hamburg and famously to Michael van Gerwen, who averaged an astonishing 115.57 in Vienna.
He also made a floor semi-final in 2016, losing to Joe Cullen. These past achievements highlight the caliber of player he always was, making his recent comeback even more significant.
The New Era: Unprecedented Consistency
Now 39, and only seven months into his new two-year Tour Card, Cristo Reyes is already making significant waves. He recently reached his very first ranking final, losing 8-5 to Cameron Menzies. However, it’s his unwavering consistency that truly stands out and has propelled him into such a strong position.
Mastering the European Tour Qualifiers
A key factor in Reyes’s rapid ascent is his exceptional performance on the European Tour. Since a rule change at the start of 2024, qualifying for these events has become incredibly difficult, with only 10 spots available per event for the vast majority of players who don’t qualify automatically. Despite this challenge, Reyes’s record is astounding:
- He has successfully qualified for 10 out of 14 European Tour events so far this year.
- He also received a late call-up as a reserve for an eleventh event.
This incredible success rate on the European Tour is a testament to his current form and focus.
Eyeing Major Championships and Breaking New Ground
This remarkable return has put Cristo Reyes in an incredible position. He is currently sitting in a spot to return to the Grand Prix in his very first year back on the Tour – a feat that is exceptionally difficult to achieve. He is also strongly positioned to qualify for the European Championships in Dortmund.
Most players entering their first year back on Tour wouldn’t even dream of such ambitious goals, yet Reyes is on track to achieve them. He currently sits 73rd on the PDC Order of Merit, despite having only seven months of ranking points. Furthermore, he is already provisionally in the Top 64 for the end of this year, with a comfortable £20,000 buffer – a position he doesn’t technically need to secure until the start of 2028.
A Comeback Story Far From Over
Cristo Reyes’s journey from obscurity to the brink of elite darts is nothing short of incredible. His determination, talent, and newfound consistency are not only putting him back on the map but are also firmly placing Spain back in the conversation for elite darts nations. This comeback story is far from finished, and the darts world is eagerly watching to see what ‘The Spartan’ will achieve next.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
