Darts icon Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright, a two-time World Champion, faces a make-or-break year in 2026. His ranking has plummeted from World No. 1 in early 2023 to 31st, putting his automatic qualification for major tournaments and even his top-32 status at severe risk. This year will demand a significant turnaround as he battles to rediscover his winning form and secure his place among the elite.
The Dramatic Fall from World No. 1
Just over a year ago, in March 2023, Peter Wright stood atop the darts world as the undisputed World Number 1. Fast forward to 2026, and the landscape is starkly different. Wright now finds himself ranked 31st, his lowest position in a considerable time. This dramatic slide isn’t just a number; it has profound implications for his career trajectory.
The core issue stems from how the ranking system works: players defend prize money earned over a two-year period. In 2026, Wright will be defending a significant amount of prize money earned in a successful 2024 season, far more than he accumulated in 2025. This means that without a rapid improvement in results, his ranking is likely to fall further, potentially pushing him out of the crucial top 32.
A Gauntlet of Qualification: The Road Ahead
The immediate consequence of Wright’s lower ranking is the loss of automatic entry and seeding into many of darts’ most prestigious events. What was once guaranteed now requires him to fight through qualification rounds, a scenario he hasn’t faced in years.
Key Challenges for 2026:
- Euro Tour Events: Having been protected as a top-16 player through 2025 – where he played in 13 out of 14 events – Wright will now need to qualify for every Euro Tour event. Should he succeed, he will no longer be seeded, meaning tougher draws from the outset.
- The Masters: This non-ranking event, featuring the top 24 players, is a crucial early-season showcase. Wright is currently outside this elite group and will need to pre-qualify to be one of the 32 competitors.
- World Matchplay: As it stands, Wright is not in the field for the Matchplay. While there’s still time to qualify, this represents a new and challenging situation for a player accustomed to automatic entry.
- World Grand Prix: He is currently in the Grand Prix field, but his recent form suggests this position is precarious. Consistent strong performances will be vital to maintain his spot.
- Premier League Darts: A true indicator of his changing status, Wright was not even mentioned for a 2026 Premier League slot. This is a significant shift, considering he made 11 successive appearances in the prestigious invitational event up until 2024.
International Representation at Risk:
Adding to the challenges, Wright’s position as Scotland’s number three player puts his World Cup spot in jeopardy. Cameron Menzies currently holds the number two spot. With the tournament in June, Wright will need a very strong start to the year to overtake Menzies and represent his country, a role he’s fulfilled in eight of the last nine World Cups.
The Darts World Reacts: Calls for Change
Wright’s struggles have not gone unnoticed within the darts community, sparking considerable discussion on various platforms and podcasts. Even fellow players have weighed in:
- MVG’s Retirement Suggestion: During the World Championships, long-time rival Michael van Gerwen controversially suggested Wright should retire. While seemingly harsh given Wright was still in the top 32, some speculate it might have been a tactic to ‘fire up’ his old competitor.
- Matthew Edgar’s ‘Snakebite’ Advice: Darts pundit Matthew Edgar has urged Wright to consider dropping his famous ‘Snakebite’ persona. While Wright has used the character less in non-major events, shedding an image that has been integral to his brand and crowd engagement throughout his career would be a surprising and significant move.
- The Darts Setup Debate: A recurring theme throughout Wright’s career, even during his peak, has been his constant experimentation with darts setups and equipment. Calls for him to settle on one configuration have resurfaced. However, this tinkering is deeply embedded in his persona and playstyle, making a change unlikely.
Finding Inspiration: The Gary Anderson Blueprint
Despite the current difficulties, there’s a glimmer of hope and a potential blueprint for a comeback. Fellow Scotsman Gary Anderson, another multi-major winner, recently showed a resurgence in form, particularly at the World Championship. Anderson’s return to TV major form, including a victory over MVG, captivated crowds and proved that experience and talent can still triumph over age and perceived decline.
Peter Wright’s journey in 2026 promises to be one of the most compelling storylines in professional darts. Whether he can reignite his ‘Snakebite’ fire and climb back to the top remains to be seen, but it will undoubtedly be a fascinating year to follow.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
