Darius Labanauskus, affectionately known as ‘Lucky D’, is a seasoned Lithuanian darts player celebrated for his remarkable resilience. After a strong 12-year career in the BDO, where he claimed numerous regional titles and reached the Lakeside quarter-finals, he transitioned to the PDC, making an impact with a rare nine-darter and a World Championship quarter-final appearance. Despite a recent challenge that saw him lose his PDC tour card for 2024, Labanauskus swiftly reclaimed it for 2025 through the Winmau Challenge Tour, proving his enduring dedication to the sport. His journey highlights a career filled with notable achievements and a never-give-up attitude, even facing rising stars like Luke Littler.
Darius Labanauskus, the darts maestro from Lithuania known as ‘Lucky D’, embodies a spirit of perseverance that few can match. His career has been a testament to dedication, marked by significant achievements and impressive comebacks.
The PDC Journey: Highs, Lows, and a Swift Return
Labanauskus has been a familiar face at the prestigious PDC World Championship, participating in every edition from 2019 until 2023. However, 2024 brought a temporary setback: a period of challenging form meant he didn’t qualify, leading to the unfortunate loss of his coveted tour card.
But true to his resilient nature, Labanauskus didn’t stay down for long. He wasted no time in proving his worth, swiftly regaining his PDC tour card by finishing in the top two of the highly competitive 2025 Winmau Challenge Tour. This impressive feat ensures his return to the elite circuit alongside fellow qualifier Stefan Bellmont.
Moments of Brilliance in the PDC
While some might view his path to the Ally Pally as reliant on ‘lesser tours’ like the PDC Nordic and Baltic series, it’s crucial not to overlook the significant impact Labanauskus has made on the biggest stages. His career is punctuated by moments of sheer brilliance:
- A Magical Nine-Darter: One of his most memorable achievements came during his 2021 World Championship match against Mike de Decker, where he thrilled fans by hitting a perfect nine-dart finish – a rare and spectacular feat in darts.
- World Championship Quarter-Finalist (2020): ‘Lucky D’ reached the quarter-finals of the 2020 PDC World Championship, eventually falling to the legendary Michael van Gerwen with a 2-5 scoreline.
- European Darts Grand Prix Quarter-Finalist (2020): His momentum continued into the European Tour, where he made it to the quarter-finals of the 2020 European Darts Grand Prix, losing to José de Sousa.
Dominance in the BDO: A Foundation of Success
Before his PDC adventures, Labanauskus spent a remarkable 12 years as a dominant force in the BDO circuit, consistently ranking as one of its top players. His time in the BDO was characterized by a string of victories in his home region, showcasing his consistent high-level performance:
Key BDO Achievements:
- Three-time Lithuania National Champion.
- Winner of the Lithuania Open in 2011 and 2013.
- Claimed the Baltic Cup Open in 2013.
- Victorious at the Estonian Open in 2012 and 2013.
- A successful 2014 saw him win the Trakai Castle Cup, the Riga Open, and the Riga Masters.
This impressive track record not only propelled him to the top of the BDO rankings but also prepared him for the transition to the more competitive PDC circuit.
Facing the Future: High-Profile Encounters
One of Labanauskus’s most high-profile recent matches occurred in December 2025, when he faced darts sensation Luke Littler in the opening round of the World Championship. While the match ended 3-0 in Littler’s favour, Labanauskus demonstrated his skill and composure by taking both of the opening sets to nail-biting last-leg deciders, proving he could stand toe-to-toe with the sport’s brightest new star.
Beyond the Oche: The Man Behind ‘Lucky D’
Born in Kaunas, then part of the USSR, in 1976, Darius Labanauskus now proudly represents Lithuania, even adopting its national colours for his dart shafts. Currently residing in Garliava, he extends his passion for darts beyond professional play by serving as a dedicated darts coach, offering free lessons to players of all skill levels. This commitment highlights his desire to give back to the sport that has given him so much, solidifying his legacy not just as a player, but as a true ambassador for darts.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
