| Rank | Match | Event | Score |
| 1 | Raymond van Barneveld vs Phil Taylor | 2007 PDC World Championship Final | 7-6 in sets (Barneveld won) |
| 2 | Adrian Lewis vs Simon Whitlock | 2011 PDC World Championship Quarter-Final | 6-5 in sets (Lewis won) |
| 3 | Gary Anderson vs Stephen Bunting | 2015 PDC World Championship Last 16 | 6-5 in sets (Anderson won) |
| 4 | Mensur Suljovic vs Rob Cross | 2019 PDC World Championship Last 16 | 5-4 in sets (Suljovic won) |
| 5 | Peter Wright vs Dave Chisnall | 2019 World Grand Prix Quarter-Final | 5-4 in sets (Wright won) |
| 6 | James Wade vs Mervyn King | 2010 World Matchplay Semi-Final | 18-16 in legs (Wade won) |
| 7 | Michael van Gerwen vs James Wade | 2018 Premier League Darts Group Stage | 6-6 draw |
| 8 | Gerwyn Price vs Jonny Clayton | 2021 PDC World Championship Last 32 | 5-4 in sets (Price won) |
| 9 | Glen Durrant vs Michael Smith | 2020 Premier League Darts Group Stage | 6-6 draw |
| 10 | Adrian Lewis vs Mensur Suljovic | 2016 World Grand Prix Semi-Final | 6-5 in sets (Lewis won) |
| 11 | Michael van Gerwen vs Gary Anderson | 2015 PDC World Championship Semi-Final | 6-5 in sets (Van Gerwen won) |
| 12 | Phil Taylor vs Kevin Painter | 2002 PDC World Championship Final | 7-6 in sets (Taylor won) |
| 13 | Rob Cross vs Michael Smith | 2020 PDC World Championship Semi-Final | 5-4 in sets (Cross won) |
| 14 | Raymond van Barneveld vs Kevin Painter | 2003 World Matchplay Last 16 | 18-16 in legs (Van Barneveld won) |
| 15 | Peter Wright vs Rob Cross | 2021 PDC World Championship Quarter-Final | 5-4 in sets (Wright won) |
| 16 | Simon Whitlock vs Jelle Klaasen | 2012 European Championship Semi-Final | 6-5 in sets (Whitlock won) |
| 17 | Daryl Gurney vs Peter Wright | 2017 World Grand Prix Semi-Final | 6-5 in sets (Gurney won) |
| 18 | Phil Taylor vs John Part | 2002 PDC World Championship Semi-Final | 6-5 in sets (Taylor won) |
| 19 | Mensur Suljovic vs Ian White | 2018 World Matchplay Last 16 | 18-16 in legs (Suljovic won) |
| 20 | Gary Anderson vs Michael Smith | 2018 Premier League Darts Group Stage | 6-6 draw |
1. Raymond van Barneveld vs Phil Taylor – 2007 PDC World Championship Final (7-6 in Sets, Van Barneveld Won)
This showdown is immortalized as one of the greatest finals in darts history. Raymond van Barneveld, a five-time world champion in the BDO, faced the legendary Phil Taylor, the reigning PDC champion. Taylor, with his clinical precision, stormed into an early lead, leaving many believing the match was heading for a quick finish.
But Van Barneveld, spurred on by the raucous Alexandra Palace crowd, staged one of the most remarkable comebacks ever seen. He clawed his way back, leg by leg, showcasing nerves of steel and sublime finishing. The tension reached its zenith in the deciding set, with Van Barneveld holding firm under intense pressure to win 7-6. His victory dethroned Taylor and etched his name in the annals of darts as a true legend.
2. Adrian Lewis vs Simon Whitlock – 2011 PDC World Championship Quarter-Final (6-5 in Sets, Lewis Won)
Adrian Lewis and Simon Whitlock delivered an edge-of-the-seat quarter-final at the 2011 PDC World Championship. Whitlock’s steady rhythm contrasted with Lewis’s explosive style, making for a pulsating contest.
As the match progressed, it became clear that neither player was willing to give an inch. Whitlock’s clinical checkouts kept him in the hunt, but Lewis’s power scoring and ability to hit key doubles carried him through. The deciding set was a nerve-wracking affair, with Lewis finally closing it out, 6-5, to advance in one of the most gripping encounters of the tournament.
3. Gary Anderson vs Stephen Bunting – 2015 PDC World Championship Last 16 (6-5 in Sets, Anderson Won)
This clash between Gary Anderson and Stephen Bunting was a battle of brilliance. Both players were in scintillating form, trading 180s and big checkouts throughout the match. Anderson, known for his relentless scoring power, found a worthy adversary in Bunting, who refused to back down.
The match swung back and forth, with both players producing moments of pure genius. In the decisive set, Anderson’s composure on the doubles proved pivotal. He edged Bunting 6-5, advancing to the quarter-finals and laying the foundation for what would eventually become a world title-winning campaign.
4. Mensur Suljovic vs Rob Cross – 2019 PDC World Championship Last 16 (5-4 in Sets, Suljovic Won)
Mensur Suljovic’s steady, deliberate approach met Rob Cross’s aggressive, fast-paced style in this last-16 encounter at the 2019 PDC World Championship. The match was a captivating contest of contrasting styles, with neither player managing to pull away.
Suljovic’s calm under pressure was key in the final set. He delivered clutch finishes, including a brilliant 116 checkout to break Cross’s throw, and ultimately sealed a 5-4 victory in one of the most mentally draining matches of the tournament.
5. Peter Wright vs Dave Chisnall – 2019 World Grand Prix Quarter-Final (5-4 in Sets, Wright Won)
Peter Wright and Dave Chisnall faced off in a rollercoaster quarter-final at the 2019 World Grand Prix. Wright, with his colorful personality and calculated play, went toe-to-toe with Chisnall, whose raw power and scoring ability kept him in the hunt.
The match went the distance, with Chisnall threatening to snatch victory in the final set. However, Wright showcased his trademark composure, hitting a decisive 14-dart leg and finishing on double-12 to secure a 5-4 win. The victory was a testament to Wright’s ability to perform under pressure.
6. James Wade vs Mervyn King – 2010 World Matchplay Semi-Final (18-16 in Legs, Wade Won)
James Wade and Mervyn King delivered a masterclass in resilience during their semi-final at the 2010 World Matchplay. The match was an epic, with both players pushing each other to the limit.
King’s steady scoring kept him in contention, but Wade’s clinical finishing made the difference. At 16-16, Wade held his nerve to break King’s throw and then checked out on double-10 to clinch the 18-16 victory. It was a brutal, high-quality encounter that left both players emotionally and physically drained.
7. Michael van Gerwen vs James Wade – 2018 Premier League Group Stage (6-6 Draw)
This group-stage clash in the 2018 Premier League saw Michael van Gerwen and James Wade produce a thrilling 6-6 draw. Van Gerwen’s relentless power scoring was matched by Wade’s ability to finish under pressure, creating a contest that captivated the audience.
The match featured 11 maximums and several high checkouts, with neither player able to break the other’s throw in the latter stages. The draw was a fair result, reflecting the incredible standard of darts displayed by both players.
8. Gerwyn Price vs Jonny Clayton – 2021 PDC World Championship Last 32 (5-4 in Sets, Price Won)
Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton’s last-32 encounter at the 2021 World Championship was a battle of Welsh titans. Clayton’s smooth rhythm and Price’s fiery intensity created a captivating contest.
The match went the full nine sets, with Price producing a stunning 140 finish in the penultimate leg to take control. He sealed the victory with a double-20, showcasing his trademark roar of triumph as he advanced to the next round.
9. Glen Durrant vs Michael Smith – 2020 Premier League Group Stage (6-6 Draw)
Glen Durrant and Michael Smith played out an entertaining 6-6 draw during the 2020 Premier League group stage. Durrant’s steady, deliberate style contrasted with Smith’s quick, heavy scoring, creating a match filled with twists and turns.
Both players had chances to win, but missed doubles at crucial moments meant neither could claim victory. The draw highlighted the razor-thin margins at the top level of darts.
10. Adrian Lewis vs Mensur Suljovic – 2016 World Grand Prix Semi-Final (6-5 in Sets, Lewis Won)
Adrian Lewis and Mensur Suljovic faced off in a gripping semi-final at the 2016 World Grand Prix. Suljovic’s methodical play tested Lewis’s patience, but the latter’s explosive scoring kept him in the match.
In the deciding set, Lewis produced a stunning 11-dart leg to break Suljovic’s throw and followed it up with a nerveless 86 checkout to seal a 6-5 victory. It was a match that showcased Lewis’s flair and resilience under pressure.
11. Michael van Gerwen vs Gary Anderson – 2015 PDC World Championship Semi-Final (6-5 in Sets, Van Gerwen Won)
This semi-final showdown between two darting giants was a clash of explosive power and unyielding precision. Michael van Gerwen’s relentless scoring ability met Gary Anderson’s smooth, calculated style, creating an epic encounter that spanned 11 sets.
Anderson struck early, capitalizing on Van Gerwen’s missed doubles to gain an early lead. However, “Mighty Mike” found his rhythm, hammering in a flurry of 180s and high checkouts to level the match. The deciding set saw Van Gerwen edge ahead with an incredible 121 finish under pressure, sealing a 6-5 victory. This battle remains one of the finest showcases of modern darts.
12. Phil Taylor vs Kevin Painter – 2002 PDC World Championship Final (7-6 in Sets, Taylor Won)
The 2002 World Championship final between Phil Taylor and Kevin Painter is remembered as a grueling test of mental fortitude and skill. Painter, the underdog, pushed Taylor to his absolute limit, showcasing incredible resolve and shot-making.
Taylor’s experience became evident in the final set. After Painter missed a crucial double, Taylor stepped up with his signature calmness and landed the winning dart to secure a 7-6 victory. This match underscored Taylor’s dominance and ability to thrive under the most intense pressure.
13. Rob Cross vs Michael Smith – 2020 PDC World Championship Semi-Final (5-4 in Sets, Cross Won)
In this thrilling semi-final, Rob Cross and Michael Smith engaged in a seesaw battle that kept fans glued to their seats. Both players displayed exceptional scoring power, hitting a combined total of over 15 180s.
Smith looked poised to clinch the match in the eighth set, but Cross’s resilience shone through as he broke Smith’s throw with a sensational 146 checkout. In the deciding set, Cross hit a critical 11-dart leg to seal the 5-4 victory, earning his place in the final and further cementing his reputation as a player who thrives under pressure.
14. Raymond van Barneveld vs Kevin Painter – 2003 World Matchplay Last 16 (18-16 in Legs, Van Barneveld Won)
This epic clash in the 2003 World Matchplay featured Raymond van Barneveld and Kevin Painter locked in a battle of stamina and precision. The match saw both players trade leads throughout, with neither able to pull away.
Painter’s relentless scoring kept him in contention, but Van Barneveld’s ability to finish under pressure proved decisive. In the 34th leg, Van Barneveld landed a double-16 to secure the 18-16 victory, demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the game’s greatest competitors.
15. Peter Wright vs Rob Cross – 2021 PDC World Championship Quarter-Final (5-4 in Sets, Wright Won)
Peter Wright and Rob Cross faced off in a dramatic quarter-final that swung back and forth with breathtaking momentum shifts. Wright’s colorful persona was matched by his steely focus, while Cross brought his trademark power scoring to the oche.
In the decisive set, Wright held his nerve, producing a sensational 104 checkout to edge out Cross 5-4. His victory showcased his ability to combine showmanship with deadly efficiency, earning him a spot in the semi-finals.
16. Simon Whitlock vs Jelle Klaasen – 2012 European Championship Semi-Final (6-5 in Sets, Whitlock Won)
This semi-final featured Simon Whitlock and Jelle Klaasen in a duel that highlighted their flair and determination. Klaasen’s rapid pace and accuracy seemed to have Whitlock on the ropes early on, but “The Wizard” clawed his way back with pinpoint doubles and high-scoring visits.
In the final set, Whitlock hit back-to-back maximums to break Klaasen’s throw and closed the match with a stunning 128 checkout, securing a 6-5 victory and advancing to the final.
17. Daryl Gurney vs Peter Wright – 2017 World Grand Prix Semi-Final (6-5 in Sets, Gurney Won)
Daryl Gurney and Peter Wright’s semi-final clash at the 2017 World Grand Prix was a battle of nerves and resilience. Gurney, known for his steady scoring, faced immense pressure as Wright kept the match level throughout.
In the deciding set, Gurney landed a critical 15-dart leg to break Wright’s throw and held his own serve to claim a hard-fought 6-5 victory. The win marked a defining moment in Gurney’s career, proving he could thrive under the brightest lights.
18. Phil Taylor vs John Part – 2002 PDC World Championship Semi-Final (6-5 in Sets, Taylor Won)
Phil Taylor’s semi-final against John Part in 2002 was a battle of darting titans. Part, known for his strategic play, pushed Taylor to the brink, taking the match to a decisive 11th set.
With the match in the balance, Taylor showcased his unmatched ability to handle pressure. A clinical 141 checkout in the penultimate leg gave Taylor the edge, and he closed the match on double-16 to secure a 6-5 victory in one of his career’s toughest battles.
19. Mensur Suljovic vs Ian White – 2018 World Matchplay Last 16 (18-16 in Legs, Suljovic Won)
Mensur Suljovic and Ian White produced a marathon match in the 2018 World Matchplay Last 16, lasting 34 legs. White’s rapid scoring kept him in contention, while Suljovic’s methodical style allowed him to weather the storm.
In the 34th leg, Suljovic capitalized on a missed double from White to clinch the win with a clinical 64 checkout. The victory was a testament to Suljovic’s resilience and ability to maintain focus over such a lengthy contest.
20. Gary Anderson vs Michael Smith – 2018 Premier League Group Stage (6-6 Draw)
Gary Anderson and Michael Smith faced off in a Premier League group-stage match that showcased their incredible skills. Both players traded 180s and high checkouts in a match filled with drama and tension.
Neither player managed to break away, as Anderson’s consistent scoring was matched by Smith’s finishing prowess. The match ended in a 6-6 draw, leaving fans thrilled by the sheer quality of play and the palpable tension that defined this encounter.
