| Rank | Player(s) | Event | Details |
| 1 | Michael van Gerwen | 2019 PDC World Championship | A pigeon flew onto the stage mid-throw |
| 2 | Phil Taylor | 2002 PDC World Championship | Match stopped due to a dartboard issue |
| 3 | Gary Anderson | 2016 World Matchplay | Lighting failure caused a 10-minute delay |
| 4 | Simon Whitlock | 2014 European Championship | A spectator fainted during his throw |
| 5 | Peter Wright | 2020 Premier League Darts | Walk-on music cut off abruptly |
| 6 | Gerwyn Price | 2019 Grand Slam of Darts | Argument with crowd paused the game |
| 7 | Rob Cross | 2021 Premier League Darts | Stage microphone failure mid-match |
| 8 | Mensur Suljovic | 2017 Grand Slam of Darts | Dartboard malfunction caused delay |
| 9 | Raymond van Barneveld | 2018 PDC World Championship | Requested dartboard replacement mid-leg |
| 10 | Joe Cullen | 2019 European Championship | Dropped darts case mid-walk-on |
| 11 | Adrian Lewis | 2015 World Matchplay | Crowd shouting forced him to pause |
| 12 | Glen Durrant | 2020 Premier League Darts | Dartboard camera froze during his turn |
| 13 | Jelle Klaasen | 2012 European Championship | Player played with a broken flight |
| 14 | Fallon Sherrock | 2019 PDC Women’s Series | Opponent refused handshake, delaying match |
| 15 | James Wade | 2018 Premier League Darts | Chair collapsed mid-match |
| 16 | Michael Smith | 2019 World Championship | Scoreboard failure paused the game |
| 17 | Daryl Gurney | 2017 World Grand Prix | Spectator heckling interrupted throw |
| 18 | Steve Beaton | 2015 World Matchplay | Stage carpet came loose, causing a stumble |
| 19 | Chris Dobey | 2020 PDC World Championship | Opponent’s dart fell out mid-throw |
| 20 | Nathan Aspinall | 2022 UK Open | Fire alarm interrupted play |
1. Michael van Gerwen – 2019 PDC World Championship – A Pigeon Flew Onto the Stage Mid-Throw
During the 2019 PDC World Championship, Michael van Gerwen encountered an unanticipated distraction when a pigeon flew onto the stage mid-throw. The bird, likely drawn by the bright arena lights, fluttered in front of the players, causing play to stop momentarily. The startled crowd erupted into laughter and cheers as security staff attempted to usher the bird away.
Van Gerwen, initially amused, quickly refocused once the pigeon was removed. The surreal moment became a highlight of the tournament, sparking jokes from fans about the bird being a “wild card” entrant. Van Gerwen’s professionalism allowed him to continue dominating the match, turning the unusual incident into a memorable part of darts folklore.
2. Phil Taylor – 2002 PDC World Championship – Match Stopped Due to a Dartboard Issue
Phil Taylor’s match during the 2002 PDC World Championship was interrupted when a section of the dartboard near the treble 20 became worn, causing inconsistent landings. Taylor, known for his precision, was visibly annoyed and requested a replacement board. Officials inspected the issue and ultimately swapped the dartboard, leading to a lengthy delay.
The interruption drew mixed reactions from fans, with some criticizing the timing. Taylor later explained that such malfunctions could affect his scoring accuracy and that fair conditions were essential. Despite the delay, Taylor maintained his focus and went on to win, underscoring his ability to manage disruptions at the highest level.
3. Gary Anderson – 2016 World Matchplay – Lighting Failure Caused a 10-Minute Delay
At the 2016 World Matchplay, Gary Anderson’s match was halted when the arena’s lighting system unexpectedly failed, plunging parts of the stage into darkness. The referee suspended play as technicians scrambled to resolve the issue. Fans expressed their impatience, but Anderson appeared unbothered, taking the opportunity to relax.
After a 10-minute pause, the lights were restored, and Anderson returned to the oche with his usual focus. Post-match, he joked that the lights “needed a rest more than the players.” His ability to adapt and recover quickly highlighted his professionalism and resilience under unusual circumstances.
4. Simon Whitlock – 2014 European Championship – A Spectator Fainted During His Throw
Simon Whitlock’s concentration was interrupted during the 2014 European Championship when a spectator fainted in the crowd. The match was paused as medical personnel attended to the individual, who quickly recovered after receiving treatment. Whitlock, showing great sportsmanship, waited patiently for the situation to be resolved.
Once the match resumed, Whitlock maintained his focus and delivered a strong performance. He later emphasized the importance of fan safety and praised the crowd for their quick response. The incident served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live events and the need for player adaptability.
5. Peter Wright – 2020 Premier League Darts – Walk-On Music Cut Off Abruptly
Known for his vibrant entrances, Peter Wright experienced an awkward moment at the 2020 Premier League Darts when his walk-on music abruptly stopped halfway through. The unexpected silence left Wright momentarily confused, but the supportive crowd filled the void with cheers, ensuring his entrance wasn’t entirely muted.
Wright, ever the showman, smiled and waved to the audience before stepping onto the stage. Post-match, he joked about the incident, saying he might “sing his own walk-on song next time.” The lighthearted response highlighted Wright’s ability to turn an awkward situation into a fan-favorite memory.
6. Gerwyn Price – 2019 Grand Slam of Darts – Argument with Crowd Paused the Game
At the 2019 Grand Slam of Darts, Gerwyn Price’s fiery personality clashed with a rowdy crowd, resulting in a temporary suspension of play. Persistent heckling disrupted Price’s focus, prompting him to confront the referee and request order. Officials paused the match, warning the crowd to respect the players.
Price, visibly frustrated, took a moment to compose himself before continuing the game. He later defended his reaction, stating that players should be able to compete without unnecessary distractions. Despite the interruption, Price went on to win, showcasing his mental toughness and determination.
7. Rob Cross – 2021 Premier League Darts – Stage Microphone Failure Mid-Match
Rob Cross faced an unusual disruption during the 2021 Premier League Darts when the referee’s stage microphone stopped working. The sudden silence left players and the audience unable to hear the score announcements, causing confusion. Officials paused the match briefly while technicians fixed the issue.
Cross handled the situation with patience, using the break to reset his focus. Post-match, he quipped that he might “start shouting the scores myself next time.” The lighthearted comment showcased his ability to remain composed under unexpected circumstances.
8. Mensur Suljovic – 2017 Grand Slam of Darts – Dartboard Malfunction Caused Delay
During the 2017 Grand Slam of Darts, Mensur Suljovic encountered a dartboard malfunction that caused significant confusion. His accurate throws failed to register properly on the electronic scoring system, forcing officials to pause the match and replace the faulty board. The delay disrupted the rhythm of both players.
Suljovic maintained his professionalism, resuming play with focus once the issue was resolved. Post-match, he described the incident as “frustrating but unavoidable,” earning praise for his calm handling of the situation. The event reignited debates about the reliability of electronic systems in modern darts.
9. Raymond van Barneveld – 2018 PDC World Championship – Requested Dartboard Replacement Mid-Leg
Raymond van Barneveld made headlines at the 2018 PDC World Championship when he halted play to request a dartboard replacement. Frustrated by what he described as uneven sections on the board, Van Barneveld’s insistence prompted officials to inspect and ultimately swap the board.
The delay sparked mixed reactions, with some fans viewing it as a strategic move, while others supported his demand for fair conditions. Van Barneveld later defended his decision, stating that even small imperfections could affect performance at the highest level. He went on to win the match, solidifying his reputation as a meticulous and focused competitor.
10. Joe Cullen – 2019 European Championship – Dropped Darts Case Mid-Walk-On
Joe Cullen’s walk-on at the 2019 European Championship turned into a moment of unintentional comedy when he dropped his darts case on the stage. The case opened on impact, scattering darts and accessories across the floor. Cullen quickly knelt to retrieve his gear, laughing along with the amused crowd.
Rather than letting the mishap fluster him, Cullen used the moment to connect with the audience, turning an embarrassing situation into a lighthearted memory. Post-match, he joked about needing “a better grip” on his case next time. The incident showcased Cullen’s ability to handle unexpected interruptions with humor and grace.
11. Adrian Lewis – 2015 World Matchplay – Crowd Shouting Forced Him to Pause
Adrian Lewis’s 2015 World Matchplay match faced an unexpected interruption when persistent shouting from the crowd disrupted his concentration. As Lewis lined up a crucial throw, the noise grew louder, forcing him to step back and appeal to the referee. The referee paused the match, calling for silence while security addressed the unruly fans.
Visibly frustrated, Lewis took a moment to reset before continuing. Despite the interruption, he maintained his composure and delivered a strong performance. Post-match, Lewis expressed his irritation, emphasizing the need for respectful crowd behavior during high-stakes games.
12. Glen Durrant – 2020 Premier League Darts – Dartboard Camera Froze During His Turn
Glen Durrant experienced a technical glitch during the 2020 Premier League Darts when the dartboard camera froze mid-turn. The malfunction disrupted the live broadcast, leaving viewers unable to see Durrant’s throws. Officials paused play to resolve the issue, creating an awkward break in the match.
Durrant remained composed, using the time to gather himself mentally. Once the issue was resolved, he returned to the oche with renewed focus. Post-match, Durrant joked about the “best freeze-frame of his career,” turning an annoying incident into a humorous memory.
13. Jelle Klaasen – 2012 European Championship – Played with a Broken Flight
Jelle Klaasen demonstrated resilience during the 2012 European Championship by continuing to play with a broken dart flight. Instead of pausing the match to replace it, Klaasen adjusted his throwing technique to compensate for the imbalance. The decision surprised commentators and fans, as damaged flights can severely affect accuracy.
Despite the disadvantage, Klaasen managed to keep the match competitive, showcasing his adaptability under pressure. After the match, he admitted he didn’t want to disrupt the rhythm of play, earning praise for his determination and sportsmanship.
14. Fallon Sherrock – 2019 PDC Women’s Series – Opponent Refused Handshake, Delaying Match
Fallon Sherrock found herself in an awkward situation during the 2019 PDC Women’s Series when her opponent refused to shake hands after losing. The refusal caused a brief delay as Sherrock stood in confusion, maintaining her professionalism despite the unsportsmanlike behavior.
The incident sparked conversations about etiquette and respect in darts, with many fans and commentators criticizing the opponent’s actions. Sherrock, unfazed, went on to focus on her next match, further solidifying her reputation as a role model in the sport.
15. James Wade – 2018 Premier League Darts – Chair Collapsed Mid-Match
During the 2018 Premier League Darts, James Wade encountered a bizarre mishap when his chair collapsed during a break between legs. Wade leaned back, only for the chair to give way, leaving him momentarily stunned. The crowd erupted in laughter as event staff quickly replaced the broken chair.
Wade, ever the showman, laughed along with the audience and returned to the oche unfazed. Post-match, he joked about needing a sturdier chair next time, turning the incident into a fan-favorite moment that showcased his lighthearted nature.
16. Michael Smith – 2019 World Championship – Scoreboard Failure Paused the Game
Michael Smith’s match at the 2019 World Championship was interrupted when the electronic scoreboard failed mid-leg. The malfunction caused confusion among players and officials as scores stopped updating. The referee paused the match, resorting to manual scorekeeping until the issue was resolved.
Smith, known for his focused and fast-paced style, used the break to reset mentally. Despite the disruption, he delivered a strong performance, proving his ability to adapt to unexpected challenges. Post-match, Smith emphasized the importance of staying calm, even when technology fails.
17. Daryl Gurney – 2017 World Grand Prix – Spectator Heckling Interrupted Throw
At the 2017 World Grand Prix, Daryl Gurney faced a frustrating interruption when a heckling spectator disrupted his concentration. The persistent shouting forced Gurney to step back from the oche and address the referee. Officials quickly intervened, calling for silence and ejecting the disruptive fan.
Although visibly irritated, Gurney regained his focus and delivered a strong performance. Post-match, he expressed his frustration but praised the crowd’s overall respect, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a fair playing environment.
18. Steve Beaton – 2015 World Matchplay – Stage Carpet Came Loose, Causing a Stumble
Steve Beaton’s match during the 2015 World Matchplay took an unexpected turn when the stage carpet came loose, causing him to stumble as he retrieved his darts. The incident drew gasps from the audience, prompting officials to pause play and secure the carpet.
Beaton, known for his calm demeanor, laughed off the mishap and continued the match without letting it affect his performance. Post-match, he joked that the stage “was out to get him,” earning applause for his professionalism and humor.
19. Chris Dobey – 2020 PDC World Championship – Opponent’s Dart Fell Out Mid-Throw
Chris Dobey witnessed a rare occurrence during the 2020 PDC World Championship when his opponent’s dart fell out of the board mid-throw. The dart initially appeared to stick but dislodged and dropped to the floor, causing confusion. Officials paused play to clarify the scoring and reset the leg.
Dobey remained composed throughout the incident, demonstrating his professionalism. Post-match, he joked that “gravity wasn’t on his opponent’s side that day,” turning the unusual moment into a lighthearted memory for fans.
20. Nathan Aspinall – 2022 UK Open – Fire Alarm Interrupted Play
Nathan Aspinall’s match at the 2022 UK Open was dramatically interrupted when a fire alarm rang out across the venue. Players, officials, and fans were evacuated as security personnel investigated the alarm, which was later confirmed as a false alert. The unexpected interruption caused a significant delay in play.
Aspinall handled the situation with humor, using the break to relax and regroup. Once play resumed, he quickly found his rhythm, finishing the match with composure. Post-match, Aspinall joked that the alarm “wasn’t part of the strategy,” praising the organizers for prioritizing safety.
