In a raw and unflinching interview that has sent shockwaves through the darts community, popular PDC star Joe Cullen, known to fans as “The Rockstar,” has laid bare his inner turmoil, admitting that he has “lost the love” for the sport that has defined his professional life for over a decade. The 36-year-old Englishman, whose explosive throwing style and charismatic stage presence have made him a crowd favorite, pulled no punches as he reflected on a challenging period that has seen his form dip and his passion wane.
Cullen’s candid revelations come at a pivotal moment, just weeks before the PDC World Darts Championship kicks off at Alexandra Palace in London. As one of the tour’s most consistent performers in recent years – with multiple Players Championship titles, a memorable run to the Premier League final in 2022, and a highest ranking of world number six – his words carry significant weight. Fans have grown accustomed to seeing the Huddersfield thrower pumping up crowds with his signature walk-on to “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” but behind the rockstar persona, Cullen has been grappling with a profound loss of enjoyment.
“I’ve lost the love for darts,” Cullen confessed, his voice heavy with honesty during the interview. He went further, turning the spotlight inward and criticizing his own mindset: “My attitude has been hideous towards the game.” It’s a stark admission from a player who has always thrived on the adrenaline of competition, but recent months have painted a different picture. Cullen pointed to a string of disappointing results on the Pro Tour and European Tour events, where early exits have become more frequent than the deep runs fans expect from him.
The turning point, he revealed, has been a growing detachment from the grind of professional darts. The relentless schedule – weekends dominated by floor tournaments, midweek Players Championships, and the high-pressure televised majors – has taken its toll. “I’ve not been enjoying it,” he continued, explaining how the constant travel, practice sessions, and pressure to perform have eroded the joy that once fueled his performances. Cullen described moments where stepping onto the oche felt more like a chore than the thrill it used to be, admitting that his mental approach had slipped into negativity, affecting everything from his scoring power to his finishing.
This isn’t the first time a top PDC player has spoken openly about the psychological demands of the sport. The modern darts circuit is unforgiving, with over 30 Players Championship events alone in a typical year, plus European Tours scattered across the continent and the marquee majors that demand peak condition. Players like Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price have previously highlighted the need for breaks to recharge, echoing Cullen’s sentiments about burnout. Yet for Cullen, it’s deeply personal. He acknowledged letting himself down, saying his “hideous” attitude had directly contributed to subpar showings, including a lackluster defense of titles and struggles to recapture the consistency that once saw him challenge the elite like Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright.
Despite the gloom, there are glimmers of hope in Cullen’s words. Approaching the World Championships, where he has a solid record with quarter-final appearances in recent years, he expressed a desire to rediscover his spark. “I need to get back to loving it again,” he said, hinting at a renewed focus on the basics: more structured practice, better mental preparation, and perhaps a shift in perspective to reignite the fire. Cullen has always been a fighter on stage, known for epic comebacks and high averages when in the zone, and he believes that addressing his attitude head-on could turn things around.
The darts world has rallied behind him, with fellow pros praising his bravery for speaking out. Mental health and enjoyment have become hotter topics in the PDC since the pandemic era, as the sport’s popularity explosion – driven by teenage sensations and global TV coverage – has intensified the spotlight. Cullen’s interview serves as a reminder that even the most entertaining players are human, battling doubts amid the arrows and 180s.
As the Ally Pally lights prepare to shine once more, all eyes will be on The Rockstar. Can he channel this brutal honesty into a resurgence? If he rediscovers that lost love, few would bet against him producing some championship magic. For now, his words resonate as a powerful testament to the highs and lows of life at the top of professional darts – a sport where passion is the ultimate weapon.
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