| Rank | Player(s) | Incident | Details |
| 1 | Michael van Gerwen | A bird flew onto the stage | During the 2019 PDC World Championship |
| 2 | Mensur Suljovic | Dartboard malfunctioned | Occurred at the 2017 Grand Slam of Darts |
| 3 | Gary Anderson | Lighting failure mid-match | Match delayed for 10 minutes at the 2016 Matchplay |
| 4 | Simon Whitlock | Dart broke mid-flight | Happened during the 2014 European Championship |
| 5 | Raymond van Barneveld | Requested a dartboard change | Claimed it was uneven at the 2018 PDC World Championship |
| 6 | Joe Cullen | Dropped his darts case mid-walk-on | Caused a delay during the 2019 European Championship |
| 7 | Gerwyn Price | Argued with the crowd | During the 2019 Grand Slam of Darts |
| 8 | Phil Taylor | Dart stuck in the outer board rim | Occurred at the 2013 Premier League Darts |
| 9 | Peter Wright | Walk-on music stopped abruptly | Happened during the 2020 Premier League |
| 10 | Adrian Lewis | Match paused due to crowd interference | During the 2015 World Matchplay |
| 11 | Glen Durrant | Darts bounced out consecutively | Rare back-to-back bounce-outs at the 2020 Premier League |
| 12 | Vincent van der Voort | Scoreboard failure | Occurred during the 2017 PDC World Championship |
| 13 | Michael Smith | Mic failure mid-throw | Distracted during the 2019 Grand Slam of Darts |
| 14 | Daryl Gurney | Misread his leg score | Happened during the 2018 PDC World Championship |
| 15 | Jelle Klaasen | Played with broken flights | Managed to finish the match at the 2012 European Championship |
| 16 | Fallon Sherrock | Opponent refused to shake hands | Happened during the 2019 PDC Women’s Series |
| 17 | Rob Cross | Walked to the wrong oche | Embarrassing pre-match moment at the 2021 Premier League |
| 18 | James Wade | Chair broke mid-match | Resulted in a brief delay during the 2018 Premier League |
| 19 | Steve Beaton | Stage carpet came loose | Stumbled slightly during the 2015 World Matchplay |
| 20 | Chris Dobey | Opponent’s dart fell out mid-throw | Happened during the 2020 PDC World Championship |
1. Michael van Gerwen – A Bird Flew onto the Stage
During the 2019 PDC World Championship, Michael van Gerwen experienced one of the most bizarre moments in darts history. Mid-match, a bird unexpectedly flew onto the stage, startling both players and the audience. Van Gerwen paused in disbelief as the bird circled the brightly lit arena before eventually being ushered away by officials.
The incident caused a brief disruption, with fans jokingly dubbing the bird Van Gerwen’s “new challenger.” Despite the interruption, the Dutch star regained his focus quickly and went on to win the match, showcasing his ability to remain composed even in the most unusual circumstances.
2. Mensur Suljovic – Dartboard Malfunctioned
At the 2017 Grand Slam of Darts, Mensur Suljovic encountered a rare technical glitch when the electronic dartboard malfunctioned mid-match. The scoring system failed to register Suljovic’s throws correctly, causing confusion for both players and officials.
The match was halted as the board was replaced, leading to a lengthy delay. Suljovic, known for his calm demeanor, showed visible frustration but managed to refocus once play resumed. The incident sparked debates about the reliability of electronic boards in professional darts.
3. Gary Anderson – Lighting Failure Mid-Match
The 2016 World Matchplay brought an unexpected challenge for Gary Anderson when a sudden lighting failure left parts of the stage in darkness. The referee had no choice but to halt the match as engineers worked to resolve the issue.
During the 10-minute delay, Anderson stayed composed, using the downtime to mentally prepare for the remaining legs. The Scottish star’s ability to maintain focus paid off, as he went on to win the match, demonstrating his adaptability in the face of unexpected disruptions.
4. Simon Whitlock – Dart Broke Mid-Flight
At the 2014 European Championship, Simon Whitlock experienced an extraordinary moment when one of his darts broke mid-flight. The dart split upon impact with the board, leaving pieces dangling awkwardly. Whitlock paused, visibly confused, as the crowd reacted with surprise.
After replacing the broken dart, Whitlock managed to continue his performance without further issues. The incident became a humorous highlight of the tournament, with commentators joking about the “raw power” behind his throw.
5. Raymond van Barneveld – Requested a Dartboard Change
During the 2018 PDC World Championship, Raymond van Barneveld made headlines by halting his match to request a dartboard change. Claiming the board was uneven, Van Barneveld approached the referee, who approved the replacement after a brief inspection.
The interruption drew mixed reactions, with some applauding Van Barneveld’s attention to detail and others questioning whether it was a tactical move. Regardless, the Dutchman went on to win the match, proving that even the smallest adjustments can make a difference at the highest level.
6. Joe Cullen – Dropped His Darts Case Mid-Walk-On
Joe Cullen provided an unintentionally comedic moment during the 2019 European Championship when he dropped his darts case while walking onto the stage. The case spilled open, scattering darts and accessories across the floor.
Cullen, visibly embarrassed, quickly gathered his belongings as the crowd laughed and cheered. Despite the awkward start, Cullen delivered a strong performance, turning the mishap into a lighthearted memory for fans.
7. Gerwyn Price – Argued with the Crowd
During the 2019 Grand Slam of Darts, Gerwyn Price found himself at odds with the audience after persistent heckling. Frustrated, Price gestured towards sections of the crowd, prompting the referee to issue a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The incident divided opinion, with some defending Price’s passion and others criticizing his reaction. The Welshman channeled his frustration into his game, ultimately winning the match and using the controversy as fuel for his fiery playing style.
8. Phil Taylor – Dart Stuck in the Outer Board Rim
In a peculiar moment at the 2013 Premier League Darts, Phil Taylor’s dart inexplicably lodged itself in the outer rim of the board. The unusual landing drew gasps from the crowd, with even Taylor laughing at the bizarre sight.
The referee inspected the dart, confirming it was valid but awarding no score. Taylor quickly shrugged off the incident and maintained his focus, going on to win the match with his trademark precision.
9. Peter Wright – Walk-On Music Stopped Abruptly
Peter Wright, known for his vibrant walk-ons, experienced an awkward moment during the 2020 Premier League when his entrance music suddenly cut off. The unexpected silence left the usually energetic crowd in confusion, while Wright waved and smiled to ease the tension.
Despite the disruption, Wright delivered a stellar performance, proving that even technical hiccups couldn’t shake his confidence. Post-match, he joked about needing to sing his own theme music next time.
10. Adrian Lewis – Match Paused Due to Crowd Interference
Adrian Lewis faced a frustrating situation during the 2015 World Matchplay when persistent heckling from the crowd forced the referee to pause the match. The noise disrupted Lewis’s focus during a critical leg, prompting him to appeal for quiet.
After a brief delay, order was restored, and Lewis regained his composure to finish the match. The incident reignited debates about crowd etiquette in darts, highlighting the fine line between enthusiasm and disruption in the sport’s lively atmosphere.
11. Glen Durrant – Darts Bounced Out Consecutively
In the 2020 Premier League, Glen Durrant faced an astonishing and rare misfortune when two of his darts bounced out of the board consecutively. Bounce-outs are a common annoyance in darts, but seeing two happen back-to-back at a professional level is almost unheard of. The crowd audibly reacted with surprise, and Durrant, visibly frustrated, paused to inspect the board.
The incident disrupted his rhythm and cost him critical points in the leg. Despite the setback, Durrant demonstrated remarkable resilience by regaining his composure and recovering in subsequent legs. Post-match, he joked that the darts seemed to have a mind of their own that night.
12. Vincent van der Voort – Scoreboard Failure
At the 2017 PDC World Championship, Vincent van der Voort’s match was interrupted when the electronic scoreboard malfunctioned mid-leg. The scores froze, creating confusion for players, officials, and the audience. The match had to be paused while the problem was investigated, with manual scorekeeping temporarily taking over.
Van der Voort maintained his focus during the delay, ensuring the disruption did not impact his performance. The incident raised discussions about the reliance on electronic systems in professional darts, but Van der Voort’s calm response highlighted his professionalism under unexpected circumstances.
13. Michael Smith – Microphone Failure Mid-Throw
During the 2019 Grand Slam of Darts, Michael Smith encountered a distracting technical glitch when the referee’s microphone failed mid-throw. The sudden silence disrupted Smith’s concentration, causing him to reset his stance before taking his shot. While the issue was resolved quickly, the moment demonstrated how even minor interruptions can impact players at critical moments.
Smith later admitted that such occurrences are challenging to ignore but praised his ability to adapt and stay focused. His recovery and strong performance in the match showcased his resilience in the face of unforeseen distractions.
14. Daryl Gurney – Misread His Leg Score
In a moment of confusion during the 2018 PDC World Championship, Daryl Gurney misread the score in a crucial leg and began celebrating prematurely. Gurney, thinking he had clinched the leg, raised his arms in triumph before realizing he still had points left to finish. The crowd erupted into laughter, and Gurney, clearly embarrassed, quickly refocused.
The incident became a lighthearted talking point post-match, with Gurney admitting it was an error of concentration. He turned the mishap into a motivation to finish strong, showing his ability to laugh at himself while maintaining professionalism.
15. Jelle Klaasen – Played with Broken Flights
Jelle Klaasen faced a challenging situation at the 2012 European Championship when his dart flights broke mid-match. Rather than replacing them, Klaasen decided to continue playing, adjusting his throwing technique to compensate for the damaged equipment.
The decision showcased Klaasen’s determination and adaptability, as he managed to perform well despite the disadvantage. The unusual moment highlighted the importance of mental toughness in darts, where even minor equipment issues can pose significant challenges.
16. Fallon Sherrock – Opponent Refused to Shake Hands
During the 2019 PDC Women’s Series, Fallon Sherrock encountered an unsportsmanlike incident when her opponent refused to shake hands after losing. Sherrock, known for her professionalism, extended her hand as part of the sport’s customary post-match gesture, only to be ignored as her opponent walked off the stage.
The moment sparked debates about sportsmanship in darts, with many praising Sherrock for handling the situation with grace. Her focus remained on her performance, further cementing her reputation as a trailblazer in the sport.
17. Rob Cross – Walked to the Wrong Oche
Rob Cross experienced an awkward moment during the 2021 Premier League when he mistakenly walked to the wrong oche during his pre-match entrance. The error, spotted by the crowd, led to laughter and applause as Cross sheepishly corrected his position.
Cross handled the situation with humor, acknowledging the mishap with a smile and a wave. The incident showcased his ability to remain composed and even turn a minor embarrassment into a lighthearted moment. It remains a memorable clip for fans of the sport.
18. James Wade – Chair Broke Mid-Match
In the 2018 Premier League, James Wade faced an unexpected interruption when the chair he was sitting on broke mid-match. Wade leaned back during a break between legs, only for the chair to collapse beneath him, leaving him momentarily stunned.
The referee and staff quickly replaced the chair while the audience erupted into laughter. Wade took the incident in stride, joking about it with the referee before resuming play. The lighthearted moment became a fan favorite, demonstrating Wade’s ability to maintain his focus despite unexpected distractions.
19. Steve Beaton – Stage Carpet Came Loose
During the 2015 World Matchplay, Steve Beaton encountered a rare hazard when the stage carpet came loose underfoot. Beaton stumbled slightly but quickly regained his balance, drawing gasps from the audience. Officials paused the match briefly to secure the carpet and ensure player safety.
The incident didn’t faze Beaton, who laughed it off and delivered a strong performance. The moment highlighted his composed demeanor and ability to adapt, even when faced with unexpected physical challenges on stage.
20. Chris Dobey – Opponent’s Dart Fell Out Mid-Throw
In a peculiar incident during the 2020 PDC World Championship, Chris Dobey watched as his opponent’s dart fell out of the board mid-throw. The dart, initially well-placed, inexplicably slipped out and dropped to the floor, causing confusion.
The referee clarified the situation, and play resumed without further issues. Dobey maintained his composure, unaffected by the unusual occurrence. Such rare moments underline the unpredictable nature of darts, where even the equipment can contribute to surprising scenarios.
