Argentinian darts sensation Jesus Salate is set to make a triumphant return to the iconic Alexandra Palace in December, having dominated the Championship Darts Latin American & Caribbean Tour for the second consecutive year. His remarkable performance, securing qualification with a quarter of the season still to play, solidifies his status as a leading figure in South American darts and promises an exciting showing at the upcoming World Championships. This article delves into his journey, his impressive track record, and the significance of his presence on the global darts stage.
Jesus Salate: The Reigning Latin American Champion
For the second year running, Argentinian star Jesus Salate has proven unstoppable on the Championship Darts Latin American & Caribbean Tour. His commanding victory has earned him a coveted spot at the PDC World Darts Championship, held at London’s Alexandra Palace this December.
Unrivaled Dominance on Tour
Salate’s path to qualification was nothing short of spectacular. He left his competitors trailing, demonstrating a level of consistency and skill unmatched in the region:
- Won four out of the first five events on the tour.
- Currently the only player in South America with a seasonal average over 80, a significant benchmark of high-level play in professional darts.
- Comfortably defeated strong contenders like Norman Madhoo and Rashad Sweeting, as well as Trinidad & Tobago’s World Cup duo, Joshua Balfour and James Walklin.
- Led the rankings by double the points of his closest rival, Norman Madhoo, securing his World Championship spot with 25% of the season still remaining.
This early qualification highlights his undisputed status as the premier darts player in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Building International Experience
Salate is no stranger to the big stage, having steadily built his international resume over the past few years. His journey includes:
- 2025 World Cup Debut: Partnering with Victor Guillin, the Argentinian pair made a strong impression, topping their group with impressive wins over New Zealand and Finland before a hard-fought exit against Australia in the second round.
- PDC World Championship Debut: A few months after the World Cup, Salate made his individual debut at the sport’s biggest event. Although he faced a tough first-round exit against Ryan Meikle, this experience was a crucial stepping stone, providing invaluable exposure to the demands and atmosphere of a major PDC tournament outside of South America.
- Modus Super Series Appearance: Following his World Championship debut, Salate continued to hone his skills on the Modus Super Series, a competitive circuit featuring many top professionals. Here, he secured 10 wins, including victories over seasoned players like Richie Howson and Jamie Atkins, narrowly missing out on Finals Night in Group C.
These experiences have undoubtedly prepared him for his return to Alexandra Palace, equipping him with the mental fortitude and match practice needed to compete at the highest level.
Following in Historic Footsteps
Salate’s return to Alexandra Palace marks a significant moment for South American darts. He becomes only the third player from the continent to make multiple appearances at the World Championships, joining the ranks of:
- Norman Madhoo (4 appearances)
- Diogo Portela (6 appearances)
He will be eager to emulate the success of Brazil’s Diogo Portela, who remains the only South American to ever win a match at the World Championships. Portela achieved this memorable feat in 2021, defeating darts legend Steve Beaton with a stunning whitewash victory. Salate will certainly be looking to make his own mark and further elevate the profile of darts in his home region.
A Note on Another Fan Favorite
While Salate prepares for his return, fans at Alexandra Palace will have to wait at least another year for the highly anticipated return of cult-hero Rashad Sweeting. Sweeting captured the hearts of the lively Ally Pally crowd with his spirited performance in a 3-1 defeat to Jeffrey de Graaf at the 2024/25 event, showcasing the passion and character that makes the World Championships so special.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
