Meet Jim Williams, affectionately known as ‘The Quiff’, a Welsh darts player whose journey is as compelling as his throws. Born in 1984, Williams has carved out a significant career, achieving a BDO World Championship final appearance and a World Trophy win. Now a familiar face in the PDC, he’s known for his impressive victories, including a memorable whitewash over Peter Wright. What makes his story truly unique is his dedication to the sport while simultaneously running a successful carpentry business, a challenge he openly discusses as he strives for full-time darts commitment.
The Rise of ‘The Quiff’: From Cardiff to the World Stage
Early Days and BDO Dominance
Born in Cardiff in 1984, Jim Williams, now residing near Hereford, began his professional darts career by joining the BDO in 2012. His time in the BDO was marked by consistent improvement, making his presence felt on the world stage.
- He competed in the BDO World Championships six times, showing remarkable progress with each appearance, moving from early exits to deeper runs.
- In 2019, he reached the semi-finals of the BDO World Championship, where he put up a strong fight before losing 3-6 to darts legend Glen Durrant.
- That same year, Williams secured his only major title to date by winning the BDO World Trophy in Blackburn, England.
- His pinnacle in the BDO came in 2020, when he made it all the way to the BDO World Championship final, ultimately falling 4-7 to fellow Welshman Wayne Warren in a thrilling contest.
Transition to the PDC and Notable Victories
After narrowly missing out on a PDC tour card in 2019 and initially recommitting to the BDO, Williams’ career took a decisive turn in 2021. He proved his mettle by winning the PDC Challenge Tour, which earned him a coveted spot on the PDC circuit.
From 2022 to 2025, Jim Williams established himself as a prominent player, regularly featuring in major televised tournaments. His appearances include the prestigious PDC World Championship, the UK Open, and the Grand Slam of Darts.
- While his best individual performance in these major tournaments was reaching the Last 32, he delivered some unforgettable moments.
- A standout highlight came in 2024 when he delivered a stunning whitewash victory over two-time world champion Peter Wright. A ‘whitewash’ in darts means winning every single leg in a match without your opponent winning any – a rare feat against a player of Wright’s caliber.
- Williams also demonstrated his prowess in floor tournaments, notably winning PC6 in 2022 and securing a significant £12,000 prize.
Representing Wales: World Cup of Darts
Williams’ national pride shone through when he was called upon to represent Wales at the 2024 World Cup of Darts. Stepping in for darts legend Gerwyn Price as the next highest-ranked Welsh player, he teamed up with Jonny Clayton.
The Welsh duo, seeded and considered strong contenders, faced an unexpected challenge. In a surprising turn of events, they suffered a Last 32 exit against Croatia, despite the Croats fielding two solid players. This unexpected defeat highlighted the unpredictable and competitive nature of top-tier international darts.
The Entrepreneurial Archer: Balancing Business and Bullseyes
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Jim Williams’ career is his candid discussion about the challenges of being a professional darts player. Williams openly admits to the difficulty of committing to darts full-time, as he owns and operates a carpentry business in his hometown. This dual commitment requires immense dedication, meticulous time management, and a relentless work ethic.
Despite the demands of his business, he remains highly ambitious and keen to achieve as much as he can in darts. He shared his determination, stating, “I’m trying my best to put things into place so I can commit more. The rewards in this game are massive, and the darts world can give you a lot.” His journey is a testament to his passion for darts, proving that success can be achieved even while balancing significant responsibilities outside the sport. As ‘The Quiff’ continues to evolve his game and career, fans eagerly anticipate his next chapter, hoping to see him fully commit to the oche and chase even greater glory.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
