In the high-stakes world of professional darts, where players like Scott Williams are known for their larger-than-life personalities and razor-sharp aim at the oche, few could have predicted the bizarre twist that would sideline one of the PDC’s most flamboyant figures. Williams, the 36-year-old Englishman affectionately dubbed “Shaggy” by fans for his wild hair and even wilder on-stage antics, has issued a stark warning to anyone tempted by the allure of curling—a Winter Olympic staple that’s captivating audiences worldwide right now. What started as a lighthearted adventure during a trip to Switzerland has left the world number 44 in unexpected agony, with soreness plaguing not just his legs and neck, but an even more delicate area.
It all unfolded in the picturesque city of Zurich, where Williams was gearing up for an exhibition match alongside fellow PDC pros Ricky Evans and Swiss talent Stefan Bellmont. The event, set against the backdrop of next week’s Players Championship fixtures, was meant to be a fun interlude before the grind of competitive darts resumed. But with the Winter Olympics unfolding in nearby Milan, the icy thrill of curling proved too tempting for the six-foot-four powerhouse to resist. “As a large human being—a six-foot-four, without-the-heels-on human being—do not do it,” he later quipped in a viral video that has since sent ripples of laughter and caution through the darts community.
Williams, ever the showman, wasted no time sharing his ordeal on social media. Dressed in what appeared to be a standard curling suit—complete with the sport’s signature sliding shoes and brooms—he dove headfirst into the action, gripping the stone and pushing off the ice like a seasoned Olympian. Or so he thought. “Yesterday I experienced curling for the first time,” he recounted with a mix of horror and humor. “Not hair curling, obviously—my hair is not long enough for that. But curling that is going on in the Winter Olympics right now… Do not curl. Do not do curling. Do not get stones. Don’t even think about it because it is the most ridiculous sport.”
The physical toll was immediate and unrelenting. Curling, for the uninitiated, demands a unique blend of explosive power, balance, and endurance. Players must slide across the ice on one knee, sweeping furiously to guide the granite stone toward the target, all while maintaining precise control. For a towering figure like Williams, whose frame is built more for the explosive throws of a dart than the low-slung glides of the rink, the strain proved catastrophic. “It’s the most painful sport I have ever experienced in my life and I don’t wish it upon anyone,” he declared, his voice laced with genuine exasperation. “My legs hurt, my neck hurts, my penis hurts—that’s probably because I caught it in the zipper. But that’s a different story. Don’t curl.”
The zipper mishap, delivered with deadpan delivery that only amplified the absurdity, has become the stuff of darts lore overnight. Fans have flooded social media with memes and well-wishes, speculating on the mechanics of how a simple wardrobe malfunction could turn a casual Olympic trial into a private catastrophe. Williams, never one to shy away from self-deprecation, leaned into the moment, his warning serving as both a public service announcement and a masterclass in comedic timing.
This isn’t the first time Williams has turned heads with his off-the-board exploits. A stalwart on the PDC circuit since breaking through in the early 2010s, he’s built a reputation for his charismatic presence and consistent performances on the floor. Just recently, he enjoyed a strong run in several Pro Tour events, showcasing the form that saw him dispatch Paolo Nebrida in the opening round of the 2024 PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace. Though he bowed out in the second round to Jermaine Wattimena, that campaign reignited hopes for a deeper run in the upcoming season. At world number 44, Williams is eyeing a return to the Ally Pally spotlight in December, where his theatrical walk-ons and crowd-pleasing energy have made him a fan favorite.
Yet, even as he recovers from this peculiar setback—likely with a hefty dose of ice packs and perhaps a few laughs from his peers—Williams’ tale underscores the unpredictable nature of pushing one’s limits. Curling may look deceptively simple on television, with its polished ice sheets and strategic sweeps, but as Williams discovered, it’s a grueling test of core strength, flexibility, and sheer grit. The sport’s Olympic pedigree, dating back to its inclusion in the 1924 Chamonix Games, has only grown in popularity, drawing millions to the edge of their seats during events like the mixed doubles and team competitions currently underway in Milan.
For Williams, the experience has been a humbling reminder that not every athletic crossover is created equal. “We’re over here—it’s an absolutely delightful venue with delightful players,” he began his video, painting a picture of camaraderie amid the Swiss Alps. But by the end, the tone shifted to one of emphatic deterrence. His message resonates beyond the darts world, serving as a cautionary yarn for weekend warriors and Olympic dreamers alike: sometimes, the most “ridiculous” pursuits leave the deepest marks—literally.
As the PDC season heats up and Williams prepares to unleash his signature 180s once more, one thing is certain: his penis injury saga has cemented his status as the circuit’s ultimate storyteller. Whether it’s a bullseye on the board or a zipper slip on the ice, Shaggy always finds a way to keep things entertaining. And for now, at least, fans can rest assured that his next conquest will be strictly on the darts stage—far from the slippery perils of curling.
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