The inaugural DartsWorld Awards for the 2025/26 season celebrated the sport’s brightest stars and most impactful moments. Luke Littler was crowned Professional Player of the Year, while the legendary Deta Hedman OBE took Female Player of the Year. Rising talent Jack Tweddell earned Amateur Player, and Beau Greaves’ epic clash with Littler secured Match of the Year. Other honorees included Senior Player Andreas Harrysson, Shock of the Year winner David Munyua, and Dennis Priestley for his Outstanding Contribution. Paddy Power received the ‘Darts Doing Good’ award, and Justin Hood’s captivating run earned Performance of the Year, highlighting a season rich with incredible achievements and heartwarming stories.
Darts, a sport brimming with drama, precision, and unforgettable moments, finally has a dedicated platform to honor its finest. The DartsWorld Awards, making their debut in the prestigious DartsWorld publication, have stepped up to recognize the incredible talent and dedication within the global darts community.
As experienced chroniclers of this “tungsten phenomenon” for over half a century, the DartsWorld team introduced these “Golden Ds” to shine a spotlight on those who have truly excelled. We were thrilled to cover the 2025/26 season’s event, bringing you the highlights as if from a grand gala.
Celebrating Darts’ Elite: The 2025/26 DartsWorld Award Winners
Professional Player of the Year: Luke Littler
It came as no surprise that the sensational Luke Littler was named Professional Player of the Year. After an extraordinary season, Littler not only retained his PDC World Championship crown but also swept up nearly every other major title available. His dominance on the oche made this a clear and well-deserved choice.
Female Player of the Year: Deta Hedman OBE
The esteemed Deta Hedman OBE received the Female Player of the Year award. At the remarkable age of 66, the “Caribbean Queen” proved she’s still a force to be reckoned with by finally lifting the Women’s Lakeside title. Her enduring skill and dedication continue to inspire, making her a truly inevitable and popular selection.
Amateur Player of the Year: Jack Tweddell
Berkshire’s rising star, Jack Tweddell, was honored as Amateur Player of the Year. His remarkable season culminated in him being crowned ADC Global Champion. Tweddell’s impressive form has already seen him make a strong start on the PDC Challenge Tour, securing a title early on and earning a well-deserved call-up to all ten Pro Tour events.
Match of the Year: Beau Greaves vs. Luke Littler
The thrilling encounter between Beau Greaves and Luke Littler was deservedly named Match of the Year. In a captivating contest to reach the PDC World Youth Championship final, Greaves edged out Littler. Both players delivered averages typically seen in top-tier professional matches, not youth contests, showcasing the immense talent of these two emerging stars. It was an electrifying clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Senior Player of the Year: Andreas Harrysson
Sweden’s Andreas Harrysson, affectionately known as ‘Dirty Harry’, took home the Senior Player of the Year award. Widely regarded as one of the best players outside the PDC Tour Card holders, Harrysson’s recent run at Alexandra Palace, where he came agonizingly close to a debut quarter-final appearance, solidified the merit of this decision. His skill and consistency at the senior level are truly exceptional.
Shock of the Year: David Munyua
The Shock of the Year award went to David Munyua for his incredible comeback at Ally Pally. Trailing former World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker 2-0 in a race to three sets, few believed the Kenyan could recover. Yet, with unwavering determination, Munyua battled back heroically to stun the Belgian major winner. This moment of sheer grit and unexpected victory will be remembered as a classic in darting history.
Darts Doing Good: Paddy Power
The “Darts Doing Good” prize recognized Paddy Power for their impactful partnership with Prostate Cancer UK. As a sponsor of the PDC World Championship, their “Big 180” campaign has generated millions in funds for awareness and research. This award highlights how the sport of darts can contribute meaningfully to vital causes far beyond the oche.
Performance of the Year: Justin Hood
Perhaps the most debated category, Performance of the Year, ultimately went to Somerset’s Justin Hood. At Alexandra Palace, Hood captivated audiences not just with his charismatic smile but with a series of sublime performances. Against all modest pre-tournament expectations, he achieved victories over Nick Kenny, Danny Noppert, Ryan Meikle, and Josh Rock, propelling him to the quarter-finals. While he eventually lost to the legendary Gary Anderson, it was his charming post-match interviews, including his dream of owning a Chinese restaurant, that truly endeared him to fans and added a memorable layer to his remarkable run.
Outstanding Contribution to Darts: Dennis Priestley
The prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Darts award was fittingly bestowed upon Dennis Priestley. This gentleman embodies everything admirable about the game. Though it’s been some time since the iconic Yorkshireman retired, his legacy remains deeply etched in darts history. The highly decorated 75-year-old, who has overcome countless opponents and even battled cancer, boasts a career so extensive that simply listing his achievements would be a lengthy task, speaking volumes about his profound impact on the sport.
A Night of Well-Deserved Recognition
The 2025/26 DartsWorld Awards were a truly enjoyable occasion, with each winner being a thoroughly deserving recipient. The depth of talent in modern darts means that selecting these honorees could easily lead to extensive debates. However, the chosen nine represent exceptional achievements and contributions that few would dispute.
While a grand gala dinner might still be a future aspiration, the core mission of recognizing our sport’s participants by its official voice of over 50 years has been brilliantly achieved. DartsWorld plans to evolve these awards, releasing them earlier each year and potentially integrating them into special events or issues. Keep an eye on DartsWorld’s official channels for the unveiling of the 2026/27 winners next January!
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
