The darts world is buzzing with excitement as Josh Rock continues his relentless charge up the ranks, earning high praise and bold predictions from those who know the game best. The young Northern Irishman, already a standout in a fiercely competitive field, has been labeled a “joke” in the best possible sense by former professional player Matthew Edgar, who marveled at Rock’s recent performances. “The guy is a joke, in the best way,” Edgar declared, emphasizing the 24-year-old’s extraordinary talent. “I won’t ask ‘how good is he’—we know. He’s a World Cup winner, a Matchplay semi-finalist, and he said at the start of the year he wanted to be right up there with Littler. He’s getting very close.”
Rock’s ascent comes at a time when darts is undergoing a seismic shift. Gone are the days when one player, like Phil Taylor or Michael van Gerwen, could dominate the sport unchallenged. Today, the landscape is unpredictable, with a new generation of talent making every tournament a battleground. Edgar, speaking on TalkSport, captured this evolution vividly: “I think the world of darts is changing. In the past, it was Phil Taylor—he was the man. Then Van Gerwen was the man. Who is it now? It’s Luke or Luke—it’s already split. There’s no single dominant player. And now Rock comes into that conversation.” Alongside rising stars like Gian van Veen, Wessel Nijman, and a resurgent Gerwyn Price, Rock is proving that no draw is safe, and any player can topple another on their day.
This past weekend, Rock showcased his brilliance at the latest European Tour event, storming into his second consecutive final. Though he ultimately fell to world No. 1 Luke Humphries, who claimed his eighth title of the season in Prague, Rock’s journey to the final was a statement of intent. His path included clinical victories that demonstrated both precision and composure under pressure. Edgar, who was on commentary duty, noted the depth of talent in the sport: “You look at the draw now and there’s no ‘safe’ half—anyone can beat anyone. That’s the beauty of it right now—it’s unpredictable.” Rock’s ability to consistently reach the latter stages of tournaments, including a Euro Tour title earlier this year, underscores his readiness to join the elite.
Rock’s ambitions are clear. At the start of 2025, he set his sights on matching the meteoric rise of Luke Littler, the teenage sensation who has redefined darts’ potential. Littler’s emergence has set a high bar, but Rock’s credentials—a World Cup title, a World Matchplay semi-final appearance, and now a string of deep tournament runs—suggest he’s not far behind. Edgar’s confidence in Rock’s trajectory is unwavering: “He’s already won a Euro Tour, and it’s not a matter of if he wins a major, but when.” This sentiment reflects the growing belief that Rock is on the cusp of a defining breakthrough, one that could cement his place among the sport’s giants.
The European Tour final wasn’t just a showcase for Rock’s skill but also a moment of relief for Humphries, who ended a period of uncertainty with a commanding performance. Edgar, observing the world No. 1’s reaction, noted, “I think he was starting to feel the pressure and you could see that in his interview afterwards. The joy when he walked off stage—that was genuine relief, like it was his first title.” For Rock, though, the loss was less a setback and more a stepping stone. His consistency this season, coupled with his fearless approach, has made him a fan favorite and a formidable opponent.
As the 2025 season progresses, Rock’s name is increasingly mentioned in the same breath as Littler and Humphries. The Players Championship 26, held on September 9, further highlighted the sport’s depth, with veterans like Gary Anderson and emerging talents like Niko Springer delivering standout performances. Yet Rock’s blend of youth, skill, and ambition sets him apart. His journey is a testament to the new era of darts—one defined by unpredictability and opportunity. With major titles within reach, the question isn’t whether Josh Rock will claim one, but how soon. For now, he’s proving that his dream of standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Littler is not just a goal, but an imminent reality.
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