Simon “The Saint” Adams, a London-born South African darts legend, has dedicated over four decades to the sport. After achieving his lifelong dream of competing at the PDC World Darts Championship at age 56, Adams is now spearheading a crucial mission: nurturing the next generation of African darts talent. His inspiring journey from local player to global stage, coupled with his tireless community work, is transforming the landscape of darts across Africa, promising a bright future for the continent’s aspiring players.
From Local Legend to Global Stage: A Dream Realized
At 58, Simon Adams has a career in darts spanning more than 40 years. Born in London but now residing in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, Adams’s dedication to the sport culminated in a truly remarkable achievement. After 44 years of local competition, he finally realized his lifelong ambition:
- In 2023, at the age of 56, Adams qualified for the prestigious 2023/24 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in London.
- He secured his spot by dominating the African Darts Group (ADG) qualifiers in Cape Town, delivering a stunning 8-0 victory in the final with an impressive 93.94 average.
- Facing England’s Ricky Evans on December 17, 2023, Adams, despite a 3-0 loss, captivated fans with his positive spirit and evident joy on the world stage.
His appearance at Ally Pally wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was a beacon of hope for countless African darts enthusiasts.
The Man Behind ‘The Saint’: More Than Just Darts
Beyond the dartboard, Simon Adams leads a full and varied life. He has been married to his wife, Ellen, for 33 years, and they have two sons: Tertian, 32, a teacher in London, and Shaquille, 26, a university graduate and keen rugby player. When he’s not throwing darts, Adams also works as a sales manager for a dairy company.
The Birth of a Nickname
Adams wasn’t always known as “The Saint.” His original moniker was “Awesome Adams.” However, after his PDC World Championship qualification, South African darts star Devon Petersen and his marketing team saw an opportunity for a rebrand. They chose “The Saint” to reflect Adams’s inherent character:
- His strong leadership qualities.
- His unwavering positive attitude.
- His extensive voluntary work dedicated to promoting darts, particularly among young people.
This nickname perfectly encapsulates his commitment to the sport and his community.
Championing the Next Generation of African Darts
Adams’s community work is central to his identity. He serves as the Director of Darts Development at the Devon Petersen Darts Academy, an initiative founded by Devon Petersen himself. His passion for nurturing young talent is evident in his tireless efforts:
- He regularly visits schools, introducing children to darts and fostering an early love for the game.
- He is dedicated to building a genuine pathway for young African players, especially those who might not excel in traditional academic environments.
- Adams firmly believes in giving children the same opportunity he received when he first discovered darts at age 11. He recalls starting in 1979, joining his father’s team after surprisingly beating all his teammates during a practice session.
While a move to the UK might seem a natural progression for a darts career, Adams never seriously considered it, preferring to focus his efforts locally. He has, however, visited the UK twice to compete in events like the MODUS Super Series and the World Seniors Darts Series, alongside his PDC World Championship appearance and his son Tertian’s wedding.
Notably, Adams also made history as the first South African player to compete in the internationally broadcast MODUS Super Series, further raising the profile of African darts.
The Future is Bright: Africa’s Darts Revolution
Simon Adams is incredibly optimistic about the future of African darts, especially following a groundbreaking announcement from the PDC:
The PDC will now allow two African players to qualify for the World Championship.
Adams describes this as “the best news Africa could have received,” attributing this pivotal development to Devon Petersen’s vision and relentless advocacy. He acknowledges that while the standard of play is “decent,” African players are “not world beaters just yet.” However, he sees immense potential:
- Growth has been significantly fueled by robust darts development programs.
- The introduction of more events and qualifiers by Devon Petersen across South Africa and the wider continent has been crucial.
With increased opportunities and continued development, Adams believes African talent will undoubtedly improve and soon make a significant mark on the global darts scene.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Empowerment
While many fans eagerly await his next appearance at the oche, Adams’s immediate focus is on recovering from recent hip surgery. He is determined to return to competition as soon as his hip has healed. Beyond his personal playing career, his mission remains clear:
“I want to… continue empowering our youth by recruiting and developing young players to help grow the sport.”
Simon “The Saint” Adams continues to be a driving force, not just as a player, but as a mentor and visionary, shaping the exciting future of darts in Africa.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
