Darts icon Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis has unveiled his potential path back to professional darts, hinting at a 2027 return through the PDC Winmau Challenge Tour. While the two-time World Champion is eager to compete, he stresses the critical need to achieve 100% mental focus before making his move. Lewis also reflected on his memorable 2013 World Matchplay final against Phil Taylor and shared his thoughts on current stars like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries, emphasizing the Matchplay’s significance as the sport’s second-biggest event.
The Comeback Trail: Starting with the Challenge Tour
Darts fans have been buzzing with speculation about a potential return for Adrian ‘Jackpot’ Lewis, and now the two-time World Champion has given us a clearer picture of his ambitious plans. In an exclusive interview, Lewis revealed his strategy for re-entering the professional darts circuit, with a target set for 2027.
Lewis indicated that his preferred route back into competitive darts would involve the PDC Winmau Challenge Tour. This series of events serves as a crucial stepping stone for players aiming to earn a coveted spot on the full Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Pro Tour.
“I might try and have a word with the PDC,” Lewis stated during a recent exhibition in Cork, which drew an impressive crowd of over 7,000 fans. “If I didn’t do Q School, I’d like to go to the Challenge Tour just to get me back in the competition side of things, and just try and build from there.“
This approach suggests Lewis is keen to gradually re-immerse himself in the competitive environment rather than immediately tackling the intense pressure of Q School, the annual qualification event for the Pro Tour.
Mind Over Matter: Lewis’s Focus on Mental Readiness
Despite his eagerness, Lewis is acutely aware that a successful comeback hinges on more than just throwing ability. He openly acknowledged the importance of his mental state.
“I need to sort my mind out first as my mind is too up and down. I need to be one hundred percent focused, and at the moment, I’m not,” Lewis admitted. This candid revelation highlights the mental fortitude required at the highest level of darts and Lewis’s commitment to returning only when he is truly ready to compete at his best.
Reflecting on Past Glories: The 2013 World Matchplay Epic
Lewis also took a moment to look back at his illustrious career, specifically recalling his memorable run at the World Matchplay. A finalist in 2013 and a four-time semi-finalist across 17 appearances at the iconic Winter Gardens, ‘Jackpot’ has a rich history with the tournament.
He fondly recounted his semi-final clash in 2013 against darts superstar Michael van Gerwen.
- “I played MVG in the semi-final, and what a cracking game that was,” Lewis reminisced.
- He then faced the legendary Phil Taylor in the final, a match where both players delivered an extraordinary display of darts.
- “I maintained the form in the final as well against Phil. I think I averaged over 106, but I still got smashed up!” Lewis said, humorously recalling Taylor’s phenomenal performance.
Taylor ultimately triumphed 18-13, averaging an incredible 111.23 to Lewis’s equally impressive 105.92. This match remains a testament to the incredibly high standards at the top of the sport.
Eyes on the Present: Current Darts Stars and the Matchplay’s Importance
Lewis continues to follow the sport closely and offered his insights on the current crop of players vying for major titles.
“I watch all the results. Luke Littler is on for the Grand Slam as they say, but you can’t write off Luke Humphries can you? He’s just brilliant,” Lewis commented, acknowledging the phenomenal talent of both young stars.
He also reaffirmed the prestige of the World Matchplay, stating, “For me it’s the second biggest tournament of the year behind the World Championship.” This sentiment underscores the significance of the event in the darts calendar, a tournament where Lewis himself has left an indelible mark.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
