| Rank | Incident | Event | Details |
| 1 | A pigeon flew onto the stage | 2019 PDC World Championship | Interrupted the match mid-leg |
| 2 | Mensur Suljovic’s dartboard malfunctioned | 2017 Grand Slam of Darts | Caused a delay in the match |
| 3 | Michael van Gerwen’s microphone failed | 2018 PDC World Championship | Referee temporarily paused the game |
| 4 | Simon Whitlock’s dart broke mid-flight | 2014 European Championship | Dart split on impact |
| 5 | Gary Anderson delayed due to a lighting issue | 2016 World Matchplay | The match paused for 10 minutes |
| 6 | Raymond van Barneveld requested a mid-match dartboard change | 2018 PDC World Championship | Claimed the board was uneven |
| 7 | Joe Cullen dropped his darts case during his walk-on | 2019 European Championship | Resulted in a delay on stage |
| 8 | Gerwyn Price argued with the crowd | 2019 Grand Slam of Darts | Received a warning for crowd reactions |
| 9 | Phil Taylor’s dart stuck on the outer board rim | 2013 Premier League Darts | Bizarre landing of the dart |
| 10 | Peter Wright’s walk-on music stopped abruptly | 2020 Premier League Darts | Resulted in a silent entrance |
| 11 | Adrian Lewis paused the game due to crowd interference | 2015 World Matchplay | Complained about shouting |
| 12 | A scoreboard failure occurred during Michael van Gerwen’s match | 2017 PDC World Championship | Manual scorekeeping resumed |
| 13 | Glen Durrant’s darts bounced out consecutively | 2020 Premier League Darts | Rare consecutive bounce-outs |
| 14 | Jelle Klaasen played with broken flights | 2012 European Championship | Managed to finish the match |
| 15 | Fallon Sherrock’s opponent refused to shake hands after losing | 2019 PDC Women’s Series | A sportsmanship controversy |
| 16 | Rob Cross walked to the wrong oche during his entrance | 2021 Premier League Darts | Embarrassing pre-match moment |
| 17 | James Wade’s chair broke during the match | 2018 Premier League Darts | Caused a stoppage for replacement |
| 18 | Daryl Gurney mistakenly celebrated mid-leg | 2017 World Matchplay | Realized the leg wasn’t finished |
| 19 | Peter Wright’s darts were replaced mid-match due to damage | 2020 Grand Slam of Darts | Requested a change mid-leg |
| 20 | A wasp disrupted the players mid-leg | 2019 PDC World Championship | Players had to stop throwing |
1. A Pigeon Flew onto the Stage (2019 PDC World Championship) – Interrupted the Match Mid-Leg
The unexpected arrival of a pigeon during the 2019 PDC World Championship created an unforgettable moment of chaos. As players focused on the high-stakes leg, the pigeon swooped onto the stage, flapping around and distracting both competitors and the audience. The players paused mid-throw, with laughter and confusion filling the arena. Officials quickly intervened to shoo the bird away, allowing play to resume. The incident left fans and commentators chuckling for days, cementing it as one of the most bizarre interruptions in darts history.
2. Mensur Suljovic’s Dartboard Malfunctioned (2017 Grand Slam of Darts) – Caused a Delay in the Match
During the 2017 Grand Slam of Darts, Mensur Suljovic’s match was brought to a standstill when the dartboard malfunctioned. A mechanical issue caused the numbers to appear misaligned, leading Suljovic to call for a replacement. Officials inspected the board while Suljovic and his opponent exchanged lighthearted banter to ease the tension. After a new board was installed, the match resumed, but the interruption remained a talking point, as it highlighted the importance of precise equipment in darts.
3. Michael van Gerwen’s Microphone Failed (2018 PDC World Championship) – Referee Temporarily Paused the Game
In the midst of a gripping match at the 2018 PDC World Championship, Michael van Gerwen found himself in an unusual situation when his microphone failed. The referee, realizing the issue, stopped the game temporarily, ensuring that Van Gerwen could communicate effectively with officials. The technical glitch added a moment of levity to an otherwise tense match, with Van Gerwen playfully gesturing to the audience as the issue was resolved.
4. Simon Whitlock’s Dart Broke Mid-Flight (2014 European Championship) – Dart Split on Impact
Simon Whitlock experienced a rare and baffling moment during the 2014 European Championship when one of his darts broke mid-flight. As the dart struck the board, it split into two pieces, leaving the crowd and commentators stunned. Whitlock inspected the broken dart with disbelief before requesting a replacement. The incident was a testament to the unpredictable nature of darts and added a touch of drama to the match.
5. Gary Anderson Delayed Due to a Lighting Issue (2016 World Matchplay) – The Match Paused for 10 Minutes
Gary Anderson’s match at the 2016 World Matchplay took an unexpected turn when the arena lighting malfunctioned. The sudden dimming of the stage lights caused officials to halt play for safety reasons. Anderson and his opponent took the opportunity to engage with the crowd, jokingly blaming each other for the delay. After 10 minutes, the lights were restored, and the players returned to the oche, with Anderson quickly regaining focus to finish the match.
6. Raymond van Barneveld Requested a Mid-Match Dartboard Change (2018 PDC World Championship) – Claimed the Board Was Uneven
Raymond van Barneveld caused a stir during the 2018 PDC World Championship by requesting a dartboard change mid-match. Claiming the board was uneven, Van Barneveld insisted it was affecting his game. Officials inspected the board and eventually replaced it, causing a brief delay. While some fans debated whether the request was necessary, Van Barneveld’s attention to detail underscored the precision required at the sport’s highest level.
7. Joe Cullen Dropped His Darts Case During His Walk-On (2019 European Championship) – Resulted in a Delay on Stage
Joe Cullen’s walk-on at the 2019 European Championship turned into an awkward moment when he accidentally dropped his darts case. The clatter echoed through the arena as Cullen sheepishly scrambled to retrieve his equipment. The audience erupted in laughter, and Cullen managed to brush off the mishap with a grin. Though the delay was brief, it added a memorable and humorous touch to the match.
8. Gerwyn Price Argued with the Crowd (2019 Grand Slam of Darts) – Received a Warning for Crowd Reactions
Gerwyn Price’s fiery personality was on full display during the 2019 Grand Slam of Darts when he engaged in a heated exchange with the crowd. Persistent heckling from fans seemed to unsettle Price, who responded with a few choice words and gestures. The referee intervened, issuing a warning to Price and urging the crowd to calm down. Despite the tension, Price went on to win the match, further fueling his reputation as one of darts’ most polarizing figures.
9. Phil Taylor’s Dart Stuck on the Outer Board Rim (2013 Premier League Darts) – Bizarre Landing of the Dart
In a highly unusual moment at the 2013 Premier League Darts, one of Phil Taylor’s darts landed on the outer rim of the dartboard without falling off. The crowd gasped in amazement as the dart precariously balanced, defying gravity. The referee paused play to assess the situation, ultimately ruling the dart as valid. The bizarre moment became a highlight reel favorite, adding to Taylor’s long list of unforgettable moments.
10. Peter Wright’s Walk-On Music Stopped Abruptly (2020 Premier League Darts) – Resulted in a Silent Entrance
Known for his flamboyant walk-ons, Peter Wright faced an awkward moment during the 2020 Premier League Darts when his entrance music suddenly stopped. The usually raucous crowd fell silent as Wright continued his walk to the stage, smiling through the unexpected hiccup. Despite the muted start, Wright’s performance on the oche made plenty of noise, turning the mishap into just another quirky chapter in his colorful career.
11. Adrian Lewis Paused the Game Due to Crowd Interference (2015 World Matchplay) – Complained About Shouting
During the 2015 World Matchplay, Adrian Lewis found himself distracted by persistent shouting from the crowd. Lewis stepped away from the oche mid-leg, visibly frustrated, and addressed the referee about the interference. The delay added tension to an already heated match, with Lewis eventually regaining his composure and continuing to play. The incident highlighted the impact of crowd behavior on players’ concentration during crucial moments.
12. A Scoreboard Failure Occurred During Michael van Gerwen’s Match (2017 PDC World Championship) – Manual Scorekeeping Resumed
Michael van Gerwen’s match at the 2017 PDC World Championship was briefly disrupted when the electronic scoreboard malfunctioned. With the audience and players confused, officials reverted to manual scorekeeping, creating an old-school feel. Despite the hiccup, Van Gerwen remained unfazed, delivering a clinical performance and reminding fans why he’s one of the sport’s greats.
13. Glen Durrant’s Darts Bounced Out Consecutively (2020 Premier League Darts) – Rare Consecutive Bounce-Outs
In a rare occurrence during the 2020 Premier League Darts, Glen Durrant experienced back-to-back bounce-outs on successive throws. The crowd gasped as the darts hit the wire and fell to the floor, a frustrating scenario for any player. Durrant’s composure shone through as he refocused and finished the leg, earning admiration for his mental resilience.
14. Jelle Klaasen Played with Broken Flights (2012 European Championship) – Managed to Finish the Match
Jelle Klaasen faced an unusual challenge during the 2012 European Championship when his flights broke mid-match. Without immediate replacements available, Klaasen had to adapt and continue playing with the damaged equipment. Despite the setback, he showcased incredible adaptability, finishing the match with admirable determination.
15. Fallon Sherrock’s Opponent Refused to Shake Hands After Losing (2019 PDC Women’s Series) – A Sportsmanship Controversy
Fallon Sherrock made headlines during the 2019 PDC Women’s Series not just for her performance but for the aftermath of one match. After losing to Sherrock, her opponent refused to shake hands, sparking controversy and debate about sportsmanship in darts. The incident drew widespread attention, highlighting the pressures and emotions involved in competitive play.
16. Rob Cross Walked to the Wrong Oche During His Entrance (2021 Premier League Darts) – Embarrassing Pre-Match Moment
Rob Cross had a moment of embarrassment at the 2021 Premier League Darts when he walked to the wrong oche during his entrance. The crowd erupted in laughter as Cross quickly realized his mistake and adjusted course with a sheepish grin. The lighthearted blunder became a talking point, showing even the pros can have moments of human error.
17. James Wade’s Chair Broke During the Match (2018 Premier League Darts) – Caused a Stoppage for Replacement
James Wade encountered an unexpected setback during a 2018 Premier League Darts match when his chair broke mid-game. The incident caused a brief delay as officials scrambled to provide a replacement. Wade took the mishap in stride, joking with the crowd while waiting, and soon returned to action unfazed.
18. Daryl Gurney Mistakenly Celebrated Mid-Leg (2017 World Matchplay) – Realized the Leg Wasn’t Finished
Daryl Gurney provided a comedic moment at the 2017 World Matchplay when he prematurely celebrated, believing he had won the leg. Realizing his mistake, Gurney laughed it off, reset, and finished the leg properly. The crowd loved the lighthearted moment, which showcased Gurney’s ability to stay relaxed even during competitive play.
19. Peter Wright’s Darts Were Replaced Mid-Match Due to Damage (2020 Grand Slam of Darts) – Requested a Change Mid-Leg
Peter Wright’s meticulous attention to his equipment was evident during the 2020 Grand Slam of Darts when he requested replacement darts mid-leg due to damage. The brief delay allowed Wright to ensure his tools were in perfect condition, demonstrating the importance of precision and preparation in his game.
20. A Wasp Disrupted the Players Mid-Leg (2019 PDC World Championship) – Players Had to Stop Throwing
A wasp became the center of attention during the 2019 PDC World Championship, forcing players to pause mid-leg as it buzzed around the stage. Both competitors stopped throwing, cautiously eyeing the unwelcome intruder until it was dealt with. The crowd roared with amusement as the insect was finally removed, allowing the match to continue.
