Ryan “Relentless” Joyce has carved out a reputation as one of darts’ most formidable competitors, consistently challenging the sport’s biggest names. From epic battles with legends like Martin Adams and Luke Littler to securing two PDC ranking titles and reaching multiple major semi-finals, Joyce’s career is defined by his unwavering determination and clutch finishing. This article delves into the remarkable journey of the Newcastle thrower, highlighting his rise through the ranks and his relentless pursuit of a major championship.
Early Days: Forging a Path in the BDO
Like many players, Ryan Joyce began his darts career on the British Darts Organisation (BDO) circuit, competing between 2013 and 2018. While building his experience, he showcased flashes of the talent that would later define him.
- In 2014, he reached the last 48 of the World Masters, defeating several opponents before falling to future PDC player Madars Razma.
- A solid 2016 season saw him finish 36th in the BDO rankings.
- At the 2017 BDO World Championship, Joyce made a significant impact. After posting the highest preliminary round average (90.18) in a 3-0 win over Dennis Nilsson, he faced fifth seed Martin Adams. In a memorable encounter, Joyce survived a match dart and produced a stunning 164 checkout to push “Wolfie” to a sudden-death leg, ultimately losing 3-2. This performance, despite the loss, proved his growing calibre.
- Away from the major stage, Joyce reached the finals of the 2013 Turkish Open, 2016 Isle of Man Open, and 2016 Denmark Masters, finishing runner-up in each.
- His first major singles breakthrough came at the 2017 BDO Gold Cup, where he defeated Welshman Wayne Warren in the final to claim his first trophy.
PDC Breakthrough: Immediate Impact and World Championship Glory
Joyce’s transition to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) was swift and impactful. He secured his Tour Card on his first attempt in 2018, finishing tenth on the UK Q-School Order of Merit.
- Instant Success: “Relentless” wasted no time making his mark, reaching the semi-finals of his very first Players Championship event. Just a day later, he made the quarter-finals, signalling his readiness for the professional circuit.
- 2019 PDC World Championship Debut: This tournament proved to be a career-defining moment. Joyce stormed to the quarter-finals at Alexandra Palace, defeating a string of top players:
- Back-to-back 3-0 wins against Anastasia Dobromyslova and Simon Whitlock.
- Deciding-set victories over Alan Norris and former major champion James Wade.
His impressive run, though ending with a 5-1 loss to eventual champion Michael van Gerwen, earned him £50,000 and a significant climb in the rankings.
Climbing the Ranks: First PDC Title and Persistent Challenges
After a quieter 2019, Joyce continued his upward trajectory, securing his first PDC ranking title in 2020.
- Maiden PDC Title: At Players Championship 10 during the Summer Series in Milton Keynes, Joyce, then ranked 44th, averaged over 100 in four of his seven wins. He defeated darts stalwarts like Glen Durrant and Gary Anderson. In a thrilling final, he staged a remarkable comeback from 7-3 down against Dave Chisnall to win five consecutive legs and secure an 8-7 victory, a fitting testament to his “Relentless” nickname.
- Overcoming Personal Hurdles: Joyce has openly spoken about his fear of flying, which significantly limited his participation in lucrative European Tour events during these years. Despite this, he consistently performed closer to home, making consecutive fourth-round appearances at the UK Open from 2019 to 2022.
A Consistent Threat: Major Runs and Epic Battles
The years that followed saw Joyce solidify his position as a dangerous and consistent contender, capable of challenging anyone on his day.
- 2023: A Standout Year: This was one of Joyce’s strongest years on the ProTour, highlighted by:
- Winning Players Championship 26, where he averaged 105.54 in his semi-final and defeated reigning World Champion Gerwyn Price in a last-leg decider to claim his second PDC ranking title.
- A strong run to the semi-finals of the Players Championship Finals, where he eventually lost to eventual champion Luke Humphries.
- 2024-2026: Pushing the Elite: Joyce carried this momentum forward:
- Reached the World Grand Prix semi-finals in 2024.
- At the 2025 World Championship, sporting his distinctive Tetris-themed shirt, Joyce pushed eventual champion Luke Littler to a deciding set in a thrilling 4-3 encounter, showcasing his tenacity on the biggest stage.
- He reached his first European Tour final at the 2025 European Darts Trophy and a second at the 2026 Baltic Sea Darts Open, finishing runner-up on both occasions.
- His recent form includes reaching the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix, with impressive wins over Michael van Gerwen and Danny Noppert.
The Road Ahead: A Major Title on the Horizon?
With two PDC ranking titles and numerous deep runs in major tournaments, Ryan Joyce has proven his ability to compete at the highest level. A first major final victory remains the ultimate target for “Relentless.” His career trajectory and consistent performances give darts fans every reason to believe that this tenacious Geordie is on the verge of taking that next monumental step.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
