| Rank | Player(s) | Event | Details |
| 1 | Phil Taylor | 2002 PDC World Championship | Apologized mid-match for opponent’s bad luck |
| 2 | Raymond van Barneveld | 2007 PDC World Championship | Hugged his opponent after a close defeat |
| 3 | Gary Anderson | 2016 PDC World Championship | Allowed opponent extra time after a mistake |
| 4 | Gerwyn Price | 2019 Grand Slam of Darts | Encouraged opponent after a poor throw |
| 5 | Peter Wright | 2020 Premier League | Gave his opponent advice mid-match |
| 6 | Michael van Gerwen | 2017 Grand Slam of Darts | Offered to replay a leg after a scoreboard error |
| 7 | Mensur Suljovic | 2019 PDC World Matchplay | Bowed to opponent despite winning |
| 8 | James Wade | 2018 World Matchplay | Gave credit to his opponent in post-match speech |
| 9 | Daryl Gurney | 2019 Premier League | Refused to celebrate after opponent’s injury |
| 10 | Simon Whitlock | 2012 World Matchplay | Let his opponent reset after a bounce-out |
| 11 | Joe Cullen | 2021 UK Open | Apologized after winning on a lucky deflection |
| 12 | Rob Cross | 2018 PDC World Championship Final | Praised opponent extensively post-match |
| 13 | Glen Durrant | 2019 BDO World Championship | Acknowledged opponent’s better performance |
| 14 | Nathan Aspinall | 2022 World Matchplay | Gestured for silence after fans disrupted play |
| 15 | Fallon Sherrock | 2019 PDC Women’s Series | Shook hands despite opponent’s refusal earlier |
| 16 | Adrian Lewis | 2014 PDC World Matchplay | Advised opponent on stage distractions |
| 17 | Michael Smith | 2018 PDC World Championship | Gave opponent space after a family emergency |
| 18 | Steve Beaton | 2016 European Championship | Offered to reset the score after confusion |
| 19 | Jelle Klaasen | 2013 World Matchplay | Complimented opponent mid-match for a 9-darter |
| 20 | Chris Dobey | 2020 Premier League | Wished opponent good luck before deciding leg |
1. Phil Taylor – 2002 PDC World Championship – Apologized Mid-Match for Opponent’s Bad Luck
During the 2002 PDC World Championship, Phil Taylor demonstrated rare sportsmanship when his opponent suffered repeated bad luck, including a bounce-out and near misses. Taylor paused mid-match to apologize, acknowledging the opponent’s frustration.
This act of humility showcased Taylor’s respect for his competitor, even in high-stakes matches. It remains a memorable moment, highlighting the human side of a dominant champion.
2. Raymond van Barneveld – 2007 PDC World Championship – Hugged His Opponent After a Close Defeat
In an emotional 2007 PDC World Championship final, Raymond van Barneveld embraced his opponent, Phil Taylor, after narrowly losing the match. Despite the disappointment, Van Barneveld chose to honor the contest and his rival’s performance with a heartfelt hug.
This gesture exemplified mutual respect and sportsmanship, turning the moment into one of darts’ most iconic post-match scenes.
3. Gary Anderson – 2016 PDC World Championship – Allowed Opponent Extra Time After a Mistake
During a tense 2016 PDC World Championship match, Gary Anderson showed fairness when his opponent made a critical mistake. Rather than capitalizing on the moment, Anderson allowed extra time for his competitor to reset and regain focus.
This act of integrity earned Anderson widespread admiration and reinforced his reputation as a class act in professional darts.
4. Gerwyn Price – 2019 Grand Slam of Darts – Encouraged Opponent After a Poor Throw
Known for his intense demeanor, Gerwyn Price surprised fans during the 2019 Grand Slam of Darts by encouraging his opponent after a particularly poor throw. Price offered reassuring words, breaking character to lift his competitor’s spirits.
This brief moment of empathy showed Price’s human side and his respect for the struggles all players face under pressure.
5. Peter Wright – 2020 Premier League – Gave His Opponent Advice Mid-Match
Peter Wright’s playful and generous personality shone during a 2020 Premier League match when he offered mid-match advice to his opponent. Wright pointed out adjustments that could improve their performance, an unusual move in a competitive setting.
While unconventional, Wright’s gesture reflected his sportsmanship and desire to see fair competition, even if it meant helping a rival.
6. Michael van Gerwen – 2017 Grand Slam of Darts – Offered to Replay a Leg After a Scoreboard Error
During the 2017 Grand Slam of Darts, a scoreboard malfunction caused confusion during a leg. Michael van Gerwen immediately offered to replay the leg to ensure fairness, despite the potential risk to his own game.
This decision highlighted Van Gerwen’s integrity and commitment to a fair contest, earning him widespread respect from fans and peers.
7. Mensur Suljovic – 2019 PDC World Matchplay – Bowed to Opponent Despite Winning
After a hard-fought victory at the 2019 PDC World Matchplay, Mensur Suljovic bowed respectfully to his opponent as a gesture of honor. Suljovic’s humility and class earned applause from the crowd and further endeared him to fans.
His respectful bow emphasized his belief in celebrating the efforts of all players, win or lose.
8. James Wade – 2018 World Matchplay – Gave Credit to His Opponent in Post-Match Speech
Following a tight match at the 2018 World Matchplay, James Wade used his post-match interview to praise his opponent’s performance. Rather than focusing on his own victory, Wade highlighted their skill and determination.
This act of humility resonated with fans, showcasing Wade’s respect for the competitive spirit of darts.
9. Daryl Gurney – 2019 Premier League – Refused to Celebrate After Opponent’s Injury
During the 2019 Premier League, Daryl Gurney chose not to celebrate after his opponent sustained an injury mid-match. Instead, Gurney checked on their condition and showed genuine concern for their well-being.
This selfless gesture highlighted Gurney’s empathy and respect for his fellow players, earning him praise for prioritizing sportsmanship over personal achievement.
10. Simon Whitlock – 2012 World Matchplay – Let His Opponent Reset After a Bounce-Out
Simon Whitlock displayed fairness during the 2012 World Matchplay when his opponent experienced a bounce-out. Rather than taking advantage, Whitlock allowed them to reset and take their throw again.
This decision reflected Whitlock’s belief in fair play and his commitment to winning on skill rather than misfortune. It remains a standout example of sportsmanship in darts.
11. Joe Cullen – 2021 UK Open – Apologized After Winning on a Lucky Deflection
In the 2021 UK Open, Joe Cullen secured a leg victory after a lucky deflection caused his dart to hit the target unexpectedly. Instead of celebrating, Cullen immediately apologized to his opponent for the fortunate outcome.
This rare display of humility highlighted Cullen’s respect for fair competition and his awareness of how luck can influence the game.
12. Rob Cross – 2018 PDC World Championship Final – Praised Opponent Extensively Post-Match
After defeating Phil Taylor in the 2018 PDC World Championship Final, Rob Cross used his victory speech to honor his legendary opponent. Cross praised Taylor’s career and credited him as a major influence in his journey.
This heartfelt acknowledgment showcased Cross’s humility and respect for the sport’s greats, earning him widespread admiration on darts’ biggest stage.
13. Glen Durrant – 2019 BDO World Championship – Acknowledged Opponent’s Better Performance
Following his victory at the 2019 BDO World Championship, Glen Durrant candidly admitted in his post-match interview that his opponent had played the better darts. Despite winning, Durrant’s honesty demonstrated remarkable humility.
This unusual moment of self-awareness earned respect from fans, reinforcing Durrant’s reputation as a gracious and fair competitor.
14. Nathan Aspinall – 2022 World Matchplay – Gestured for Silence After Fans Disrupted Play
During the 2022 World Matchplay, Nathan Aspinall intervened when fans disrupted his opponent’s concentration with excessive noise. Aspinall gestured to the crowd to quiet down, ensuring fair conditions for both players.
The gesture highlighted Aspinall’s respect for his peers and the integrity of the game. Fans praised his efforts to maintain fairness in a high-pressure environment.
15. Fallon Sherrock – 2019 PDC Women’s Series – Shook Hands Despite Opponent’s Refusal Earlier
At the 2019 PDC Women’s Series, Fallon Sherrock exhibited professionalism when she extended her hand for a handshake, despite her opponent’s earlier refusal to do so. Sherrock’s grace under such circumstances won her widespread admiration.
This act of class solidified her reputation as a role model for sportsmanship in darts, showcasing her respect for the game and its traditions.
16. Adrian Lewis – 2014 PDC World Matchplay – Advised Opponent on Stage Distractions
In the 2014 PDC World Matchplay, Adrian Lewis offered advice to his opponent about managing distractions caused by the noisy crowd. His willingness to support a competitor mid-match surprised fans and commentators alike.
This rare moment of guidance reflected Lewis’s empathy and commitment to fair competition, earning him respect from peers and spectators.
17. Michael Smith – 2018 PDC World Championship – Gave Opponent Space After a Family Emergency
Michael Smith displayed remarkable sportsmanship during the 2018 PDC World Championship by giving his opponent time and space after learning of a family emergency. Smith’s understanding and empathy stood out during the intense competition.
This act of compassion resonated deeply with fans and players, reminding everyone of the human element behind professional sports.
18. Steve Beaton – 2016 European Championship – Offered to Reset the Score After Confusion
At the 2016 European Championship, Steve Beaton showed fairness when a scoring error caused confusion during a match. Beaton suggested resetting the leg to ensure both players had a fair chance.
His calm and generous response highlighted his sportsmanship and commitment to integrity in the game. Fans praised Beaton for his composure and fairness.
19. Jelle Klaasen – 2013 World Matchplay – Complimented Opponent Mid-Match for a 9-Darter
Jelle Klaasen stopped mid-match during the 2013 World Matchplay to congratulate his opponent on achieving a perfect 9-dart finish. The spontaneous gesture of admiration drew applause from the crowd.
Klaasen’s sportsmanship reflected his appreciation for excellence, even in the heat of competition. The moment remains a rare and memorable display of mutual respect.
20. Chris Dobey – 2020 Premier League – Wished Opponent Good Luck Before Deciding Leg
In the 2020 Premier League, Chris Dobey wished his opponent good luck before a crucial deciding leg. The simple but sincere gesture emphasized his respect for the competitive nature of the match.
Fans praised Dobey for his class and positive attitude, turning the moment into an example of camaraderie in darts.
