In one of the most electrifying upsets of the 2025/26 PDC World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace, 20-year-old English debutant Charlie Manby stunned the darts world by defeating the seasoned 26th seed Cameron Menzies in a thrilling five-set battle that ended 3-2. The match, filled with high drama, missed doubles, and raw emotion, will be remembered not just for Manby’s triumphant breakthrough but also for the explosive aftermath that left fans and commentators stunned.
Manby, nicknamed “Champagne Charlie,” showcased remarkable composure under the bright lights of Ally Pally. The young talent from Huddersfield, a breakout star on the Development Tour and a close friend of reigning sensations like Luke Littler, twice fought back from a set down. Menzies stormed ahead early, claiming the first set despite missing multiple darts at doubles, and later regained the lead to make it 2-1. But Manby refused to buckle, leveling the score and breaking Menzies’ throw in the deciding set. In a nail-biting finale, both players squandered chances at doubles before Manby finally sealed victory on his seventh match dart, pinning double one after a tense exchange that saw Menzies miscount and leave himself vulnerable.
As the crowd erupted in cheers for the underdog, Manby sprinted across the stage in jubilation, arms raised in triumph. “It was absolutely amazing,” Manby reflected afterward, still buzzing from the experience. “I think when I won my first set, I settled a lot. It was a good feeling to get settled on the stage where I’ve never played before. This is 100% hands down the greatest thing I’ve ever done in darts.” He emphasized the match’s high quality, noting, “The game was played at a great pace and it was a good standard, so it was an enjoyable game to be a part of.” Overwhelmed by the moment, he added, “It’s a bit overwhelming, but it felt amazing up there.”
However, the celebrations were overshadowed by Menzies’ immediate reaction. The 36-year-old Scot, unable to contain his frustration after throwing away a commanding position, turned to the drinks table on stage and unleashed three powerful punches to its underside. Water bottles tumbled off as the crowd’s cheers turned to boos. Blood streamed from Menzies’ knuckles—he even wiped it across his face before leaving the stage—and referee Kirk Bevins intervened to guide him off. Some accounts suggested Menzies briefly placed his hand near the celebratory pyrotechnics, adding to the intensity of the moment.
When asked directly about his opponent’s outburst, Manby chose to stay focused on his own achievement, responding diplomatically: “I was doing my own thing. I couldn’t tell you really. Simple as that.” His restraint highlighted the maturity of a player tipped for big things, with commentators hailing him as “a superstar in the making.”
Menzies, visibly shaken, later issued a heartfelt apology, acknowledging the personal toll behind his emotional display. “First of all, I would like to apologise for what happened,” he stated. “I am sorry that I reacted in the manner that I did. It’s not an excuse, but I have had a lot of things on my mind recently and I suppose it all just became too much at the end.” He revealed the recent passing of his uncle Gary, whom he described as treating him “like a son,” adding poignant context: “I saw him four days before he died and he gave a look which told me how much he thought of me… Had I won the game against Charlie, my second match would have been on the day of Gary’s funeral and that hasn’t been lost on me.” Insisting on fairness, Menzies continued: “It was the wrong thing to do and I don’t want it to take anything away from Charlie. He played well and deserved his win. This is not how I would like people to view me. Yes, I can get emotional at times, but not like that and that wasn’t right.”
The incident drew sharp commentary, with one pundit noting, “It wasn’t the ending we all want to see. For Cameron Menzies, I think he will regret that for the rest of his life, it wasn’t a good watch.” The Professional Darts Corporation prioritized support, with its chief executive confirming discussions with Menzies and his team, emphasizing access to welfare resources while noting the matter would be reviewed by the regulatory authority.
This marks the second consecutive year Menzies has exited in the first round at the World Championship, a stark contrast to his strong form earlier in the season. For Manby, the victory propels him into the next round against the winner of Matt Campbell and Adam Sevada, cementing his status as one of darts’ exciting new prospects. In a sport where pressure can forge legends or expose vulnerabilities, this encounter captured the raw heart of competition—triumph for one young star, and a painful lesson in resilience for another.
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