The darts world is buzzing with fresh ideas, and Premier League star Josh Rock is at the center of it, pitching an innovative tournament concept that could shake up the sport’s calendar and create some thrilling new matchups on the oche.
The 24-year-old Northern Irish sensation, who has rapidly risen through the ranks with standout performances and a memorable World Cup of Darts triumph alongside Daryl Gurney last year, believes there’s room for more pairs events beyond the traditional formats fans already know. Rock’s proposal centers on a dedicated pairs competition where players get to choose their own partners freely—something he describes as “blind pairs.” The twist? Competitors would be barred from teaming up with their usual World Cup of Darts partners, forcing fresh combinations and injecting unpredictability into the game.
“One more pairs event where you can pick your own partner. Blind pairs,” Rock explained in a recent interview. He went on to highlight potential dream lineups that could emerge under this rule: “Gezzy (Gerwyn Price) and Jonny [Clayton], Luke [Humphries] and Luke [Littler], me and Daryl.” By explicitly ruling out the established national pairings—like his own successful partnership with Gurney or the Welsh duo of Price and Clayton—the format would open the door to unexpected alliances. That includes the exciting possibility of Rock himself linking up with teenage sensation Luke Littler, a pairing that darts enthusiasts would undoubtedly clamor to see.
Rock and Littler already share a strong bond off the stage. As close friends and fellow representatives for Target Darts, they’ve developed a camaraderie that extends beyond competition. Their mutual respect is evident, with Rock acknowledging Littler’s dominance as the current world No. 1 and reigning world champion. Littler has been in scintillating form, recently powering to victory at the Polish Darts Open with impressive averages and a commanding performance in the final. Rock himself has praised the young star, noting that he’s “the man to beat” for good reason, highlighting Littler’s ability to handle pressure and deliver consistently at the highest level.
This proposed tournament would stand apart as a separate event, not overlapping with existing flagship competitions like the Premier League Darts, where Rock is currently competing. He’s making his mark in the league this season, including a high-profile homecoming night in Belfast at the SSE Arena. Facing Gian van Veen in the quarter-finals, Rock is eager to capitalize on the passionate local support to boost his campaign after some challenging nights earlier in the league.
Rock’s idea comes at a time when darts continues to grow in popularity, driven by charismatic young talents like Littler and emerging forces like Rock himself. Having experienced the thrill of pairs success on the international stage, he sees this as a natural evolution—giving players more opportunities to collaborate in novel ways while keeping the competitive edge sharp by preventing predictable reunions.
Whether darts authorities take up the suggestion remains to be seen, but the concept has clear appeal: it promises explosive chemistry between top players who don’t usually pair together, massive crowd-pleasing potential, and a fresh twist on a format that has already produced memorable moments. For fans dreaming of seeing Rock and Littler combine their talents—two players with blistering scoring power and nerves of steel—the proposal offers a tantalizing glimpse of what could be. In a sport that thrives on rivalries and surprises alike, Rock’s vision could add another layer of excitement to an already electrifying calendar.
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