| Rank | Player(s) | Event | Details |
| 1 | Gary Anderson | 2018 World Matchplay | Three consecutive darts bounced out |
| 2 | Michael van Gerwen | 2017 Grand Slam of Darts | Dart hit the wire and rebounded sharply |
| 3 | Adrian Lewis | 2016 PDC World Championship | Lost a crucial leg due to a bounce-out |
| 4 | Peter Wright | 2020 Premier League Darts | Two bounce-outs in the same leg |
| 5 | Rob Cross | 2019 World Matchplay | Dart fell out after hitting the treble wire |
| 6 | James Wade | 2015 European Championship | Missed a double due to a bounce-out |
| 7 | Gerwyn Price | 2019 PDC World Championship | Key scoring dart fell out during a tiebreak |
| 8 | Simon Whitlock | 2014 World Matchplay | Flights caused the dart to fall from the board |
| 9 | Raymond van Barneveld | 2013 Premier League Darts | Two bounce-outs in a row on double 20 |
| 10 | Mensur Suljovic | 2017 PDC World Matchplay | Bounce-out led to losing a set-deciding leg |
| 11 | Joe Cullen | 2021 European Championship | Bounce-out cost him a 140 score |
| 12 | Michael Smith | 2018 Grand Slam of Darts | Dart fell out after hitting the bullseye wire |
| 13 | Daryl Gurney | 2019 Premier League Darts | Three consecutive darts failed to stick |
| 14 | Glen Durrant | 2020 Premier League Darts | Lost a leg due to repeated bounce-outs |
| 15 | Nathan Aspinall | 2022 UK Open | Two bounce-outs disrupted scoring consistency |
| 16 | Vincent van der Voort | 2015 PDC World Championship | Dart fell after hitting an unstable section |
| 17 | Steve Beaton | 2016 European Championship | Repeated bounce-outs caused scoring issues |
| 18 | Fallon Sherrock | 2019 PDC Women’s Series | Lost momentum after two consecutive bounce-outs |
| 19 | Chris Dobey | 2021 PDC World Championship | Crucial bounce-out cost him a tiebreak leg |
| 20 | Phil Taylor | 2013 World Matchplay | A surprising bounce-out at a double 10 attempt |
1. Gary Anderson – 2018 World Matchplay – Three Consecutive Darts Bounced Out
During the 2018 World Matchplay, Gary Anderson endured a rare and frustrating occurrence when three consecutive darts bounced out of the board in a single visit. Known for his powerful throwing technique, Anderson’s darts struck the wires at sharp angles, sending them rebounding onto the stage floor. The crowd gasped at the unusual sight, as even a single bounce-out is uncommon at this level of competition.
Anderson paused to compose himself before continuing the match. Despite the setback, he managed to recover and put in a strong performance. Post-match, Anderson humorously quipped that “the board had it in for me tonight,” highlighting his ability to laugh off the moment while showcasing the unpredictability of darts.
2. Michael van Gerwen – 2017 Grand Slam of Darts – Dart Hit the Wire and Rebounded Sharply
Michael van Gerwen encountered a sharp bounce-out during the 2017 Grand Slam of Darts when his dart hit the treble 20 wire and rebounded violently onto the stage. The precision of the throw made the bounce-out particularly frustrating, as the dart appeared to be perfectly aimed for a high score.
Van Gerwen, known for his mental toughness, shook off the incident with a slight grin before resuming his usual dominant play. The moment served as a reminder of how even the most skilled players can be undone by the smallest of margins, adding an element of drama to an already intense match.
3. Adrian Lewis – 2016 PDC World Championship – Lost a Crucial Leg Due to a Bounce-Out
Adrian Lewis experienced heartbreak during the 2016 PDC World Championship when a bounce-out cost him a pivotal leg. With the scoreline finely poised, Lewis’s dart clipped the wire of the treble 20 and fell to the ground, denying him the points needed to keep pace with his opponent.
Visibly frustrated, Lewis regrouped and fought hard to recover, but the timing of the incident proved decisive. After the match, Lewis acknowledged that bounce-outs “are just part of the game,” though the moment lingered as a tough reminder of darts’ unpredictability.
4. Peter Wright – 2020 Premier League Darts – Two Bounce-Outs in the Same Leg
Peter Wright, famed for his precision and consistency, faced a double blow during the 2020 Premier League Darts when two of his darts bounced out in the same leg. Both darts struck the treble 20 wire in rapid succession, costing him crucial points and breaking his momentum.
The typically vibrant Wright was momentarily flustered but quickly regrouped, drawing cheers from the crowd for his resilience. After the match, Wright joked about needing to “have a word” with his darts, showcasing his ability to stay positive despite the setback.
5. Rob Cross – 2019 World Matchplay – Dart Fell Out After Hitting the Treble Wire
Rob Cross encountered a frustrating moment at the 2019 World Matchplay when one of his darts hit the treble wire and fell out of the board. The dart would have secured him a crucial high score, but instead, it landed on the stage floor, leaving him visibly annoyed.
Cross quickly adjusted his focus, showing the composure that had earned him his world champion status. In post-match interviews, he remarked that bounce-outs “can happen to anyone,” but his ability to stay calm under pressure allowed him to continue competing at a high level.
6. James Wade – 2015 European Championship – Missed a Double Due to a Bounce-Out
James Wade’s precision was put to the test during the 2015 European Championship when a dart aimed at double 16 bounced out, denying him a winning finish. The crowd groaned in unison as Wade’s dart clipped the wire and fell to the floor, giving his opponent a lifeline.
Despite his visible frustration, Wade managed to stay composed and finish the match strongly. He later commented that “bounce-outs are the cruelest part of darts,” particularly when they happen during critical moments like a finishing double.
7. Gerwyn Price – 2019 PDC World Championship – Key Scoring Dart Fell Out During a Tiebreak
During a tense tiebreak leg at the 2019 PDC World Championship, Gerwyn Price suffered a crucial bounce-out that shifted the momentum of the match. Price’s dart struck the treble 20 wire and rebounded, robbing him of a significant scoring opportunity.
The timing of the incident was especially painful, as it handed his opponent the chance to seize control of the leg. Price, known for his fiery temperament, showed remarkable restraint and continued to battle fiercely. Post-match, he admitted that “these things happen” but acknowledged the difficulty of staying focused in such situations.
8. Simon Whitlock – 2014 World Matchplay – Flights Caused the Dart to Fall From the Board
Simon Whitlock’s match at the 2014 World Matchplay featured an unusual bounce-out caused by damaged dart flights. As Whitlock’s dart hit the board, the destabilized flights caused it to wobble and fall out before it could be scored.
The incident highlighted the importance of maintaining top-quality equipment in professional darts. Whitlock replaced the faulty flights and continued the match, though the interruption disrupted his rhythm. Afterward, he humorously referred to the incident as “a combination of bad luck and bad maintenance.”
9. Raymond van Barneveld – 2013 Premier League Darts – Two Bounce-Outs in a Row on Double 20
Raymond van Barneveld endured a nightmare moment during the 2013 Premier League Darts when two consecutive darts bounced out while aiming for double 20. The Dutch legend, known for his precision, was visibly stunned as both darts clipped the wire and fell to the floor, leaving him with no score.
Despite the setback, Van Barneveld demonstrated his mental toughness by refocusing and eventually closing out the leg. He later described the incident as “one of the unluckiest moments of my career,” underscoring the fine margins that can define professional darts.
10. Mensur Suljovic – 2017 PDC World Matchplay – Bounce-Out Led to Losing a Set-Deciding Leg
At the 2017 PDC World Matchplay, Mensur Suljovic experienced a devastating bounce-out during a set-deciding leg. The dart, aimed at treble 20, struck the wire and fell to the ground, denying Suljovic the points needed to secure the set.
The Austrian, known for his calm and methodical style, showed visible frustration but remained focused on the match. However, the bounce-out proved costly, as his opponent capitalized on the opportunity to take the set. Suljovic later reflected on the incident, saying, “It’s part of the game, but it’s never easy when it happens at such a crucial moment.”
11. Joe Cullen – 2021 European Championship – Bounce-Out Cost Him a 140 Score
Joe Cullen suffered a frustrating moment during the 2021 European Championship when a bounce-out denied him a crucial 140 score. His first two darts perfectly hit treble 20, setting up what could have been a vital high score, but the third dart clipped the wire and fell to the stage floor.
Visibly disappointed, Cullen composed himself and continued the leg, but the lost momentum proved costly. After the match, he commented on the incident, calling it “gutting” and admitting it disrupted his rhythm. Fans sympathized with Cullen, recognizing how bounce-outs can swing the course of a game in professional darts.
12. Michael Smith – 2018 Grand Slam of Darts – Dart Fell Out After Hitting the Bullseye Wire
Michael Smith encountered a rare and painful bounce-out during the 2018 Grand Slam of Darts when his dart hit the bullseye wire and fell out. The perfectly aimed dart would have scored crucial points in a tight leg, but instead, it landed harmlessly on the floor.
Smith, known for his fast-paced and focused style, took a moment to reset before continuing the match. In post-match interviews, he acknowledged the unpredictability of such incidents, stating, “It’s just one of those things – you can’t let it get in your head.” Despite the setback, Smith showed resilience, finishing the match with his characteristic energy.
13. Daryl Gurney – 2019 Premier League Darts – Three Consecutive Darts Failed to Stick
Daryl Gurney faced an incredibly unlucky sequence during the 2019 Premier League Darts when three consecutive darts failed to stick in the board. Each dart struck the wires and rebounded onto the stage floor, leaving Gurney scoreless for the visit.
The visibly frustrated Gurney took a deep breath and reset his focus, eventually finishing the leg strongly. He later joked about the incident, saying, “The darts were allergic to the board tonight,” showing his ability to maintain humor in difficult moments. Fans applauded Gurney’s professionalism and determination in overcoming the setback.
14. Glen Durrant – 2020 Premier League Darts – Lost a Leg Due to Repeated Bounce-Outs
During the 2020 Premier League Darts, Glen Durrant lost a critical leg after suffering multiple bounce-outs. Known for his consistent scoring, Durrant’s darts repeatedly struck the wires, denying him key points during a pivotal moment.
The rare series of bounce-outs disrupted Durrant’s rhythm and allowed his opponent to capitalize. Despite the frustration, Durrant remained composed and battled hard for the remainder of the match. Post-game, he described the incident as “a bad dream” but praised the crowd for their support, proving why he’s considered one of the sport’s most mentally resilient players.
15. Nathan Aspinall – 2022 UK Open – Two Bounce-Outs Disrupted Scoring Consistency
At the 2022 UK Open, Nathan Aspinall experienced back-to-back bounce-outs during a critical leg. Both darts clipped the wires and fell to the floor, robbing Aspinall of valuable points and breaking his scoring momentum.
The incident came at a challenging time, forcing Aspinall to recalibrate quickly to stay competitive. In post-match interviews, he admitted that bounce-outs are “one of the most frustrating parts of darts,” but credited his ability to stay focused as a key factor in overcoming the setback. The incident highlighted the unpredictable nature of darts, where even the smallest details can impact the outcome.
16. Vincent van der Voort – 2015 PDC World Championship – Dart Fell After Hitting an Unstable Section
Vincent van der Voort experienced a bizarre bounce-out during the 2015 PDC World Championship when his dart hit an unstable section of the board and fell out. The dart initially seemed to stick, but wobbled and dropped before the score could be registered.
The unusual incident prompted officials to inspect the board, but the delay did little to ease Van der Voort’s frustration. He later joked about needing “a sturdier board” to avoid such situations. Despite the setback, Van der Voort displayed professionalism by refocusing and finishing the match strong.
17. Steve Beaton – 2016 European Championship – Repeated Bounce-Outs Caused Scoring Issues
Steve Beaton faced repeated bounce-outs during a match at the 2016 European Championship, leading to significant scoring issues. Known for his smooth and consistent throwing style, Beaton’s darts uncharacteristically clipped the wires multiple times, leaving him with lower scores than anticipated.
Despite the disruption, Beaton’s calm demeanor helped him maintain focus and remain competitive. After the match, he reflected on the incident with his trademark humor, saying, “It was one of those days where the board just didn’t like me.” The moment showcased Beaton’s ability to handle adversity with grace and professionalism.
18. Fallon Sherrock – 2019 PDC Women’s Series – Lost Momentum After Two Consecutive Bounce-Outs
Fallon Sherrock suffered a momentum-breaking moment during the 2019 PDC Women’s Series when two consecutive darts bounced out of the board. Sherrock, who was in strong form, saw her scoring potential vanish as the darts hit the wires and fell to the floor.
The back-to-back bounce-outs disrupted her rhythm and gave her opponent an opportunity to capitalize. Despite the setback, Sherrock showcased her resilience, continuing to play with confidence and composure. Post-match, she downplayed the incident, calling it “just part of the game,” and earned praise for her professionalism.
19. Chris Dobey – 2021 PDC World Championship – Crucial Bounce-Out Cost Him a Tiebreak Leg
Chris Dobey faced a heartbreaking moment at the 2021 PDC World Championship when a bounce-out cost him a vital tiebreak leg. Aiming for a high score, Dobey’s dart clipped the treble wire and fell to the floor, leaving him with an incomplete visit during a critical stage of the match.
The incident shifted the momentum in favor of his opponent, ultimately costing Dobey the leg. In post-match reflections, Dobey called the moment “one of the toughest breaks” of his career but vowed to learn from the experience. The incident highlighted the fine margins in darts, where every throw counts.
20. Phil Taylor – 2013 World Matchplay – A Surprising Bounce-Out at a Double 10 Attempt
Even Phil Taylor, one of the greatest players in darts history, was not immune to the occasional bounce-out. During the 2013 World Matchplay, Taylor aimed for double 10 to close out a leg, but his dart clipped the wire and fell to the stage floor. The unexpected miss stunned both Taylor and the crowd, as bounce-outs were rare for the precision-focused legend.
Taylor remained unfazed, resetting himself to finish the leg on his next visit. After the match, he remarked, “Sometimes the board has other ideas,” demonstrating his ability to handle setbacks with poise. The moment served as a reminder that even the most consistent players can face darts’ unpredictable quirks.
