In a tournament full of surprises at the PDC World Darts Championship, 20-year-old debutant **Charlie “Champagne” Manby** has emerged as one of the breakout stars. The young Yorkshireman from Huddersfield delivered another upset on December 29, 2025, defeating fan favorite Ricky “Rapid” Evans 4-2 to advance to the last 16 at the iconic Alexandra Palace. Manby overcame early deficits, rallying from 1-0 and 2-1 down in sets by winning seven of the final eight legs in a display of composure and scoring power that belied his tender age.
Manby’s path to this point has been nothing short of remarkable. He kicked off his maiden Worlds campaign with a thrilling five-set victory over Cameron Menzies, followed by a dominant 3-0 whitewash of American Adam Sevada. Against Evans, known for his rapid throwing and entertaining antics, Manby stayed focused despite the electric atmosphere and his opponent’s early momentum. He fired in 11 maximums and capitalized on Evans’ visible frustration as the match wore on. “Ricky is a funny character, but you could see his [demeanour] changing,” Manby observed afterward, showing maturity in not dwelling on his opponent’s struggles.
The win secures Manby a fourth-round clash on Tuesday evening against fellow young gun Gian van Veen, who advanced with a convincing win over Madars Razma. Manby expressed excitement about the matchup, noting their similar styles. “I like Gian, I like the way he plays, quick and young player. He’s doing well but so am I,” he said confidently. “I’m just waiting for my A-game to come. I’ll be here all the time if my A-game comes.” This upcoming battle between two rising talents promises to be a high-speed affair, with both players embodying the new generation pushing the boundaries in darts.
Yet, amid the jubilation of reaching the last 16 on debut—a feat that places him among an elite few non-Tour Card holders—Manby’s post-match emotions revealed a deeply personal side. In candid and honest scenes during his interview, the young star admitted to feeling “heartbroken” because his girlfriend was unable to attend the match due to work commitments. He didn’t hold back, openly discussing her job and calling the situation “out of order.” “My girlfriend couldn’t make it today because of work, which was heartbreaking,” he shared, his voice tinged with disappointment. “She works for Ford in Huddersfield in admin… You want your close family there.”
This raw moment highlighted the sacrifices behind the glamour of Ally Pally. For a 20-year-old experiencing the biggest stage in darts for the first time, having loved ones in the crowd can make all the difference. Manby’s family and close supporters have been a constant presence in his previous rounds, cheering him on as he navigates the pressure cooker environment. The absence of his girlfriend clearly weighed on him, turning what should have been unbridled celebration into a bittersweet triumph. Despite the emotional toll, Manby channeled his feelings into his performance, proving his resilience when it mattered most.
Manby’s rapid rise draws inevitable comparisons to reigning champion Luke Littler, who achieved similar feats at a young age. He openly admires what Littler has accomplished, saying, “You can’t look past Luke Littler and what he’s done for the game.” But Manby is carving his own path, with ambitions that extend far beyond a one-off deep run. “Tour Card or not, I feel like I’ve shown what I can do. I haven’t even hit second gear yet, and I think that’s the scary thing,” he declared. His goals are lofty: “I don’t just want a Tour Card and to stay there – I want top 16, top 10, top eight.”
Reaching the last 16 guarantees Manby significant prize money and a strong chance at securing a PDC Tour Card through the tournament’s rewards or the Development Tour Order of Merit. Earlier in 2025, he made headlines by posting a staggering 130.70 average on the Development Tour—the highest in its history—signaling his potential. Now, on the world’s biggest stage, he’s backing it up with results, handling the highs and lows with a blend of youthful exuberance and growing poise.
As the championship heads into its later stages, Manby’s story adds another layer of intrigue. Here is a player not just competing but captivating, blending explosive talent with genuine emotion. His honest admission about his girlfriend’s absence humanized him further, resonating with fans who appreciate the personal stakes behind the oche. Whether he can maintain this momentum against van Veen remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Charlie Manby is no flash in the pan. He’s a name darts enthusiasts will be hearing for years to come, and his heartfelt words after the Evans win only endeared him more to the Ally Pally faithful.
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