Inside the Oche: The 17 Richest Darts Players of All Time Ranked
Professional darts has evolved dramatically over the last two decades. What was once viewed as a niche pub sport has grown into a global spectacle, complete with packed arenas, worldwide television audiences, and prize money that now rivals many mainstream sports. As a result, elite players are earning more than ever before, building impressive fortunes through tournament winnings, sponsorships, and regular appearances on the biggest stages.
The list of the 17 richest darts players of all time, based primarily on modern prize-money earnings, highlights just how lucrative the sport has become — particularly in the PDC era.
Luke Humphries: Leading the New Era
Sitting at the top of the rankings is Luke Humphries, who has emerged as the dominant financial force in modern darts. His consistent performances across World Championships, Premier League events, and televised majors have seen him accumulate well over £1.8 million in ranking prize money in a remarkably short period. Humphries’ rise reflects the changing economics of the sport, where sustained excellence across a packed calendar can rapidly elevate a player to the very top of the earnings list.
His success is often attributed to his calm temperament and relentless scoring power, qualities that have allowed him to thrive under pressure and regularly reach the latter stages of major tournaments.
Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen: Proven Heavy Earners
Close behind is Michael Smith, whose long-term consistency has translated into one of the most reliable income streams in professional darts. Known for his heavy scoring and emotional edge, Smith has banked hundreds of thousands through repeated deep runs at the World Championship and other majors.
Meanwhile, Michael van Gerwen remains one of the sport’s all-time financial giants. Although he no longer tops the current earnings charts, his career prize money comfortably stretches into eight figures. Van Gerwen dominated the sport for years, and his relentless winning streaks, combined with commercial endorsements and exhibition fees, helped him build one of the largest personal fortunes darts has ever seen.
Reflecting on his mentality, van Gerwen once summed up his approach by saying that winning was never optional — it was expected — a mindset that paid off both competitively and financially.
The Chasing Pack: Consistency Pays
Behind the top three are players who may not always grab headlines but have built serious wealth through longevity and consistency. Rob Cross, a former world champion, quickly turned early success into sustained earnings. Dave Chisnall and Jonny Clayton have also remained near the top of the Order of Merit thanks to regular quarter-final and semi-final appearances across the tour.
Players like Stephen Bunting, Damon Heta, Gerwyn Price, and Dimitri van den Bergh represent the modern professional — athletic, media-savvy, and capable of winning on any given night. Price, in particular, made the transition from rugby to darts seamlessly, using his competitive edge to secure multiple major titles and substantial prize money.
Veterans and Fan Favourites Round Out the Top 17
The lower half of the top 17 still features some of the most recognisable names in the sport. Nathan Aspinall, Danny Noppert, and Chris Dobey have all enjoyed breakthrough runs that significantly boosted their earnings. Gary Anderson, despite being in the latter stages of his career, continues to add to his wealth thanks to occasional deep runs and his enduring popularity.
Meanwhile, James Wade and Peter Wright prove that adaptability and longevity matter. Wade’s methodical style has kept him competitive for over a decade, while Wright’s flamboyant image and multiple world titles have made him one of darts’ most marketable stars.
A Sport Transformed Financially
Perhaps the most striking aspect of this list is what it says about the growth of darts itself. Prize money has skyrocketed, with world titles now offering seven-figure rewards and even early-round exits guaranteeing substantial payouts. This financial boom has allowed players to train full-time, invest in support teams, and extend their careers well into their forties.
As the sport continues to expand globally, the earnings ceiling is likely to rise even further. New stars are already pushing into the elite, and future rankings may look very different. For now, however, these 17 players stand as proof that precision, consistency, and nerves of steel can turn a dartboard into a pathway to lasting wealth.
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