Ross Smith’s journey in professional darts is a testament to unwavering dedication and belief. After over two decades in the sport, including overcoming the setback of losing his PDC Tour Card, Smith has spectacularly risen through the ranks. His breakthrough in 2019 led to his first ranked title in 2021, culminating in two major televised titles: the European Championship in 2022 and the World Series Finals in 2026. Now ranked 15th in the world, ‘Smudger’ is a force to be reckoned with, eyeing further success at the World Championship and a coveted Premier League spot.
A Veteran’s Unwavering Resolve: Early Career and Comeback
Ross “Smudger” Smith’s career spans over 20 years, a testament to his enduring passion for darts. He spent his early years competing in the BDO before transitioning to the PDC Tour, the sport’s premier circuit. Known for his “A-game” which thrives on high-quality, heavy scoring, Smith always possessed significant talent.
However, his path was not without hurdles. In 2016, Smith faced a major setback when he lost his coveted PDC Tour Card. This meant he could no longer automatically compete in all professional events. Instead of giving up, Smith dedicated two years to refining his game, ultimately winning back his PDC place at the 2018 PDC Q School. This period of intense development proved crucial, shaping him into the champion he would become.
The Breakthrough: Finding His Stride on the Big Stage
For years, Smith struggled to qualify for major televised PDC events. His ranking on the two-year PDC Order of Merit often limited him to larger-field tournaments like the UK Open. Before 2019, for instance, his only PDC World Championship appearance was in 2014, where he lost in the first round.
Everything changed in the 2019 season. Smith began to truly unlock his potential in ranked matches. His significant breakthrough came at the UK Open, where he reached the quarter-finals. This was the first time he had made the last eight of a major PDC televised event. This deep run in front of a substantial audience and TV cameras instilled in Smith the crucial belief that he could perform at the highest level. A highlight of this run was an impressive 10-7 victory over multiple PDC major winner James Wade, proving his ability to beat the sport’s elite.
Building Momentum: First Titles and European Adventures
The confidence gained from the UK Open propelled Smith forward:
- 2020: He achieved several quarter-final finishes in PDC Players Championship ‘floor’ events (non-televised tournaments) and made a maiden European Tour quarter-final at the International Darts Open in Germany. Despite losing to Joe Cullen, he averaged over 100, showcasing his consistent high level of play.
- 2021: This year marked a significant milestone. Smith secured his first-ever PDC ranked title by defeating Brendan Dolan in a Players Championship event. He also reached two other Players Championship finals, demonstrating his growing consistency and competitive edge.
The Ascent to Stardom: Two Major Televised Titles
While 2022 initially saw limited major success, the latter part of the year dramatically altered Smith’s trajectory. At the European Championship, ‘Smudger’ embarked on a sensational run, reaching the final with a couple of fantastic averages over 100. His heavy scoring was exceptional throughout the tournament.
In a thrilling final, he faced Michael Smith, another player seeking his first major TV title. Ross Smith entered as the underdog, but in a high-quality match where both players averaged over 100, it was ‘Smudger’ who led from the start. He ultimately won 11-8 to become the European Champion, a victory that saw him rise to number 17 in the PDC rankings.
Smith continued to build on this success:
- 2023-2025: He added another five PDC Players Championship floor tournaments to his name, along with multiple semi-final runs.
- 2024: Reached the semi-finals of the Players Championship Finals and the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay.
- 2026: Maintained his strong form, again reaching the World Matchplay quarter-finals. However, it was last month’s World Series Finals that further cemented his status. Smith played superbly, culminating in a convincing 11-5 victory over Gerwyn Price in the final. Averaging over 100 in three of his five matches, he secured his second PDC televised major title and climbed to world number 15.
Looking Ahead: The World Championship and Premier League Dream
Despite his impressive list of achievements, one major challenge remains for Ross Smith: the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace. This tournament has historically been a difficult hunting ground for him, with his best result being a third-round appearance.
A deep run into the latter stages of the World Championship is now a top priority. Such an achievement would almost certainly put him in contention for a coveted Premier League place, an elite competition featuring the world’s top players. Even without a stellar World Championship, strong performances in other significant TV majors like the Grand Slam or Players Championship Finals could still pave the way for a 2027 Premier League selection for ‘Smudger’. The darts world eagerly anticipates what Ross Smith will achieve next.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
