| Rank | Player | Ritual | Details |
| 1 | Michael van Gerwen | Listening to dance music | Gets pumped up with music before matches |
| 2 | Peter Wright | Changing hairstyle and colors | Claims it boosts confidence on stage |
| 3 | Gary Anderson | Wearing lucky socks | Never changes socks during big tournaments |
| 4 | Adrian Lewis | Using the same dart flights and shafts | Keeps equipment consistent for key matches |
| 5 | Phil Taylor | Isolating himself pre-match | Mentally prepares in silence |
| 6 | Raymond van Barneveld | Listening to calming music | Relaxes to clear his mind before big games |
| 7 | Gerwyn Price | Visualizing lifting the trophy | Focuses on positive imagery to win matches |
| 8 | James Wade | Avoiding food/drink before matches | Believes it helps focus |
| 9 | Joe Cullen | Meditating for 5 minutes | Practices meditation to calm pre-match nerves |
| 10 | Michael Smith | Practicing doubles extensively | Focuses on doubles for consistency |
| 11 | Rob Cross | Avoiding media interactions | Cuts off distractions to stay focused |
| 12 | Simon Whitlock | Sticking to exact practice routines | Practices the same way before every match |
| 13 | Daryl Gurney | Performing breathing exercises | Helps to calm nerves and steady focus |
| 14 | Glen Durrant | Practicing checkouts repeatedly | Builds confidence hitting key finishes |
| 15 | Nathan Aspinall | Walking the stage before playing | Familiarizes himself with the arena layout |
| 16 | Jonny Clayton | Checking his positioning on stage | Ensures proper stance for throwing |
| 17 | Steve Beaton | Warming up with relaxed throws | Avoids high-intensity warm-ups |
| 18 | Fallon Sherrock | Listening to motivational speeches | Focuses on inspirational messages pre-match |
| 19 | Vincent van der Voort | Avoiding direct eye contact with rivals | Believes it keeps him mentally stronger |
| 20 | Mervyn King | Wearing a specific shirt for finals | Considers it his lucky outfit |
1. Michael van Gerwen – Listening to Dance Music
Michael van Gerwen is known for his fiery personality and high-octane energy on the stage. To harness this energy, Van Gerwen listens to upbeat dance music, particularly tracks with heavy basslines and fast tempos, before matches. His playlist includes popular EDM artists like Martin Garrix, Tiësto, and Calvin Harris. This music style not only pumps him up but also helps him block out distractions, focusing his mind entirely on the game. Van Gerwen believes that the adrenaline rush from the music aligns perfectly with his aggressive playing style, setting the tone for his explosive performances.
2. Peter Wright – Changing Hairstyle and Colors
Peter “Snakebite” Wright’s ever-changing hairstyles are not just for show—they are a psychological boost. Wright works closely with his wife, Joanne, who is also his hairstylist, to design intricate patterns, often featuring snakes, flames, or bright neon colors. His signature look is complemented by matching outfits, creating a cohesive and vibrant image that intimidates opponents and excites fans. Wright has stated that the process of creating his look is therapeutic, allowing him to relax and feel confident. The ritual also engages his playful side, which he believes enhances his focus and reduces the pressure of big matches.
3. Gary Anderson – Wearing Lucky Socks
Gary Anderson’s ritual of wearing the same “lucky socks” during major tournaments is rooted in superstition. These socks, often featuring subtle patterns or plain designs, are meticulously chosen before a tournament and not changed until the event concludes. Anderson believes that sticking to this routine keeps his mindset consistent. He jokes that his socks are “magic,” but in truth, it’s the comfort and familiarity they provide that help him stay grounded during high-pressure moments. This seemingly trivial detail has become a cornerstone of Anderson’s mental preparation.
4. Adrian Lewis – Using the Same Dart Flights and Shafts
Adrian Lewis is a stickler for consistency when it comes to his equipment. He insists on using the same dart flights and shafts throughout key matches, believing that even the slightest variation could disrupt his rhythm. Lewis prefers lightweight flights with a standard shape and shafts made from durable materials like aluminum. He carefully checks each piece before every game, ensuring they are in perfect condition. This meticulous approach allows Lewis to feel completely in control of his throws, reducing the likelihood of mental distractions caused by equipment issues.
5. Phil Taylor – Isolating Himself Pre-Match
Phil Taylor, arguably the greatest darts player in history, had a unique pre-match ritual of isolating himself completely before stepping onto the stage. Taylor would retreat to a quiet room or his hotel suite, avoiding conversations and distractions. During this time, he focused on visualizing his match, running through potential scenarios and mentally rehearsing key moments. Taylor often closed his eyes and practiced breathing techniques to calm his nerves. This ritual helped him block out the noise of the crowd and the pressure of the occasion, allowing him to enter matches with unshakable confidence.
6. Raymond van Barneveld – Listening to Calming Music
Raymond van Barneveld contrasts the high-energy rituals of some players with a preference for soothing music. His playlist includes classical pieces and mellow tunes from artists like Enya and Fleetwood Mac. Barneveld uses these tracks to clear his mind and alleviate pre-match anxiety. He believes that starting the game in a relaxed state allows him to make better decisions under pressure. For Barneveld, the music serves as a mental reset, helping him focus on his strategy rather than the weight of the moment.
7. Gerwyn Price – Visualizing Lifting the Trophy
Gerwyn Price employs visualization techniques as part of his pre-game preparation. Before matches, Price sits quietly and imagines himself lifting the trophy, hearing the cheers of the crowd, and feeling the weight of victory. This mental exercise helps him build confidence and motivation. Price also visualizes specific moments within the match, such as hitting critical doubles or scoring 180s, reinforcing a sense of inevitability about his success. This practice has been a significant factor in his rise to becoming one of the sport’s most dominant players.
8. James Wade – Avoiding Food/Drink Before Matches
James Wade’s pre-match routine involves abstaining from food and drink, even water, in the hours leading up to a game. Wade believes that consuming anything before a match could make him feel sluggish or distract him. Instead, he focuses on maintaining a clear mind and steady hand. Wade’s approach is rooted in his belief that physical discipline enhances mental sharpness, allowing him to perform at his peak during lengthy matches.
9. Joe Cullen – Meditating for 5 Minutes
Joe Cullen incorporates mindfulness into his pre-game ritual, meditating for five minutes in a quiet corner of the venue. During this time, Cullen focuses on his breathing, letting go of any pre-match jitters and centering his thoughts on the task ahead. This practice helps him approach the oche with a sense of calm and clarity. Cullen credits meditation with improving his focus and resilience, particularly during high-stakes moments when the pressure is at its peak.
10. Michael Smith – Practicing Doubles Extensively
Michael Smith dedicates a significant portion of his pre-match practice to doubles. He focuses on repetition, aiming to hit specific double segments consistently. Smith’s philosophy is simple: if he can master the doubles in practice, he’ll have the confidence to execute them under match conditions. This targeted approach ensures that he’s always prepared to capitalize on scoring opportunities and close out legs efficiently.
11. Rob Cross – Avoiding Media Interactions
Rob Cross takes a strict approach to his pre-match routine by cutting off all media interactions. He refrains from engaging with reporters, fans, or even social media on the day of a match. Cross believes this helps him maintain a clear mind and avoid unnecessary distractions. By focusing entirely on the game, he ensures his mental energy is preserved for critical moments during matches. His ritual often involves quietly reviewing past performances or visualizing the upcoming game without external noise.
12. Simon Whitlock – Sticking to Exact Practice Routines
Simon Whitlock is meticulous in his pre-match preparation, adhering to a highly specific practice routine. This includes practicing for an exact duration, throwing a set number of darts, and targeting specific segments of the board in a predetermined order. Whitlock believes that this consistency not only sharpens his skills but also creates a sense of familiarity and control. His commitment to routine gives him confidence that he is fully prepared for any scenario.
13. Daryl Gurney – Performing Breathing Exercises
Daryl Gurney incorporates deep breathing exercises into his pre-match routine. These exercises help him calm his nerves, slow his heart rate, and focus his mind. Gurney often steps aside to a quiet area where he closes his eyes, inhales deeply through his nose, and exhales slowly through his mouth. This practice helps him feel centered and composed, particularly in high-pressure situations where maintaining steady hands is critical.
14. Glen Durrant – Practicing Checkouts Repeatedly
Glen Durrant focuses heavily on checkout practice before matches, believing that the ability to finish legs consistently is what separates winners from losers. He methodically works through a variety of checkout combinations, ensuring that his muscle memory is sharp for crucial moments. Durrant’s ritual includes practicing high-pressure finishes, such as those requiring bullseyes or double-20s, to replicate match conditions.
15. Nathan Aspinall – Walking the Stage Before Playing
Nathan Aspinall takes the unique approach of walking the stage before matches. By familiarizing himself with the arena layout, lighting, and atmosphere, Aspinall reduces the potential for surprises when it’s time to play. He also uses this time to visualize how he will move and throw on stage, creating a sense of comfort and confidence. This ritual is particularly helpful in larger venues where the environment can feel overwhelming.
16. Jonny Clayton – Checking His Positioning on Stage
Jonny Clayton pays close attention to his stance and positioning on the stage before matches begin. He carefully aligns his feet and ensures his shoulders are square to the board, creating a stable foundation for throwing. Clayton believes that this ritual not only boosts his physical consistency but also gives him a psychological edge, knowing that he is fully prepared.
17. Steve Beaton – Warming Up with Relaxed Throws
Steve Beaton adopts a calm and relaxed approach to his warm-up routine, avoiding intense or fast-paced throws. Instead, he focuses on smooth and fluid movements, allowing his body to settle into a natural rhythm. Beaton believes that starting with low-pressure practice throws helps him conserve energy and enter matches feeling physically and mentally balanced.
18. Fallon Sherrock – Listening to Motivational Speeches
Fallon Sherrock prepares for matches by listening to motivational speeches from figures such as Tony Robbins or inspirational sports montages. These speeches reinforce her confidence and remind her of her capability to succeed on the big stage. Sherrock often pairs this with visualization exercises, imagining herself hitting crucial shots and lifting trophies, which she credits with helping her make history in darts.
19. Vincent van der Voort – Avoiding Direct Eye Contact with Rivals
Vincent van der Voort avoids making direct eye contact with his opponents before matches. He believes that this practice shields him from any potential intimidation or psychological mind games. By focusing inward and avoiding external distractions, Van der Voort ensures that his mental state remains strong and unaffected by his rival’s demeanor or behavior.
20. Mervyn King – Wearing a Specific Shirt for Finals
Mervyn King has a long-standing superstition of wearing a specific shirt during finals. This shirt, often adorned with subtle patterns or his favorite colors, has become a talisman for King in high-pressure situations. He believes that the familiar feel and look of the shirt give him a sense of continuity and luck, helping him approach critical matches with a positive mindset.
