Alan Soutar isn’t just a darts player; he’s a living legend whose life story reads like an action-packed movie. From serving in war zones and fighting fires to becoming a top professional darts player, Soutar embodies resilience and dedication. This article explores his incredible journey, highlighting his military and firefighting careers, his rise through the darts ranks, and his recent surge in form that promises even more success for ‘Soots’.
A Life of Service: From Army to Fire Brigade
Born in Dundee, Scotland, in 1978 and raised in Arbroath, Alan Soutar’s path to the darts stage was anything but conventional. His early introduction to darts in his grandparents’ pub was quickly overshadowed by a profound commitment to public service.
A Soldier’s Journey
- At just 13, Soutar joined the Army Cadet Force, marking the beginning of an extraordinary military career.
- His service took him to 27 countries, including some of the most dangerous war-torn regions on Earth.
- He was among the first men on the ground in Kosovo during its liberation, a harrowing experience he faced at only 20 years old with his Commando battery colleagues.
- Soutar also served in Northern Ireland, describing the experience as “eye-opening to say the least.”
Fighting Fires: A New Kind of Battle
After his military service, Soutar continued his dedication to protecting others by joining the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Working at stations in Arbroath and Dundee, he confronted a different kind of danger.
“I’ve been there for almost 16 years and during that time I’ve seen a lot of fatalities, a lot of fire deaths and RTCs. Car crashes are the worst,” Soutar shared in an interview, revealing the profound impact of his work.
The Darts Odyssey: From BDO to PDC Stardom
Despite a life filled with intense challenges, darts remained a constant. Soutar’s journey in the sport is as remarkable as his other careers.
Early Darts Career and International Success (BDO)
- Soutar began competing on the BDO circuit in 2007, quickly making an impression.
- He debuted at the World Masters in 2008 and his first World Championship at Lakeside in 2011.
- Representing Scotland, he earned over fifty caps and was a key member of the team that won the WDF World Cup. It was Soutar who hit the winning double 8 to secure victory against the USA.
- In 2012, he co-founded the Angus Darts Academy to inspire young players, an effort that earned him an RBS Finding Scotland’s Real Heroes award for Sporting Volunteer of the Year.
Breaking into the PDC: An Immediate Impact
After a period away, Soutar made a decisive move, entering PDC Q School at the start of 2021. He not only secured his tour card but immediately established himself as a force to be reckoned with.
His first few weeks on the Pro Tour saw him defeat an astonishing list of top players, showcasing his immense talent:
- Adrian Lewis
- Dave Chisnall
- Peter Wright (twice)
- Nathan Aspinall
- Raymond van Barneveld
- Stephen Bunting
- Glen Durrant
- Daryl Gurney
Dramatic Debuts and Memorable Runs
Soutar’s PDC televised debut at the UK Open was a masterclass, including a 6-3 victory over fellow Q School graduate Raymond Van Barneveld. He then averaged an impressive 103.88 in a win against Mickey Mansell, ultimately reaching the last 16 before a narrow loss to Dave Chisnall.
His first PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace (2021/2022) was nothing short of legendary:
- A nail-biting deciding-set win against Diego Portella.
- A stunning comeback against Mensur Suljovic, who missed eight match darts. Soutar capitalized with an astonishing 144 checkout to steal the game.
- Another incredible victory against then Grand Slam champion Jose De Sousa, coming back from 3-2 down to win with a huge 136 checkout.
- His dream run was eventually halted in the last 16 by Callan Rydz.
The following year, at the 2022 Grand Slam of Darts, Soutar continued to impress. He navigated a tough group featuring Nathan Aspinall, Peter Wright, and Fallon Sherrock, then beat Jonny Clayton 10-8 to reach the quarter-finals, eventually losing to runner-up Nathan Aspinall.
His second appearance at Ally Pally (2022/2023) cemented his reputation, again reaching the last 16. He achieved comfortable 3-0 whitewashes against Mal Cuming and two-time major champion Daryl Gurney, before defeating reigning UK Open champion Danny Noppert 4-2. His run ended against eventual semi-finalist Gabriel Clemens.
Resilience and Redemption: The Road Ahead
After a challenging 2023, where he struggled to advance past the third round and faced the prospect of losing his tour card, Soutar demonstrated his incredible fighting spirit.
- He bounced back spectacularly in 2024, winning his first Players’ Championship title (PC11) in a thrilling last-leg decider against Daryl Gurney.
- “This is possibly the best thing I’ve done in darts, apart from winning the World Cup with Scotland,” Soutar stated after his victory, acknowledging the significance of overcoming his previous struggles.
- He qualified for Ally Pally once more, surviving a marathon 74-minute first-round clash against Teemu Harju, a game where both players missed multiple match darts.
- Though he eventually fell to eventual runner-up Gian Van Veen, Soutar pushed the Dutchman hard, missing a dart to go 2-0 up in sets despite Van Veen averaging 108.28.
Current Form and Unwavering Dedication
Many, including former pros Matthew Edgar and Andy Cornwall, agree that Soutar is currently in the form of his life. His averages on the floor have been consistently the best of his career, and he has already reached a Pro Tour final, showcasing his renewed strength.
Beyond the oche, Soutar’s commitment to service remains strong. He recently completed the 2026 London Marathon in four hours and seventeen minutes, raising money for Guide Dogs UK – a cause close to his heart, as he and his partner Amanda train guide dogs themselves. His ability to compete at the highest level of darts immediately after such a demanding physical feat underscores his truly remarkable work ethic.
Alan Soutar’s journey is a testament to perseverance, talent, and an unwavering dedication to others. His incredible life story, coupled with his current outstanding form, ensures that ‘Soots’ will continue to be a legend both on and off the oche.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
