In the high-stakes world of professional darts, few stories are as captivating and confounding as that of Corey Cadby, the Australian prodigy once heralded as the future of the sport. At just 21, Cadby stunned the darts community by defeating the legendary Phil Taylor, a 16-time world champion, in a thrilling first-round match at the 2016 Perth Masters. This victory, a redemption after a loss to Taylor in the Sydney Masters, marked Cadby as a rising star with limitless potential. Yet, despite the hype and early triumphs, Cadby’s career took an unexpected turn, leaving fans and pundits wondering how a talent tipped to dominate the oche could seemingly vanish from the sport’s spotlight.
Cadby’s journey began in Tasmania, where his raw talent quickly caught attention. In 2016, at the age of 20, he claimed the PDC World Youth Championship, a title later won by current sensation Luke Littler in 2023. This victory propelled him to the 2017 PDC World Championship, where he secured qualification by topping the DPA Australian Grand Prix circuit rankings. Expectations were sky-high, with analysts comparing his aggressive style and natural flair to the game’s greats. His win over Taylor, known as “The Power,” was a defining moment. “At the age of 21, ‘The King’ beat darts legend Taylor in the first round of the Perth Masters,” one observer noted, highlighting the significance of Cadby’s upset over the sport’s most dominant figure. The victory avenged an earlier defeat and showcased his ability to compete with the elite, fueling predictions that he could one day challenge Taylor’s record of 16 world titles.
However, Cadby’s World Championship debut was less triumphant. Facing Joe Cullen in the first round, he fell 3-1, marking his only appearance at the prestigious Alexandra Palace event. Despite this setback, his youth and potential kept the darts world buzzing. Cadby’s powerful throwing style, combined with his fearless demeanor, suggested a bright future. Yet, personal and professional challenges soon began to overshadow his promise. Injuries, including a reported hand issue, disrupted his consistency, and visa complications limited his ability to compete regularly on the PDC’s global stage. These hurdles, coupled with the pressures of living up to lofty expectations, began to take their toll.
By 2018, Cadby’s appearances became sporadic, and his once-dazzling trajectory seemed to stall. Fans who had seen him as the heir to Taylor’s throne were left puzzled as he faded from major tournaments. His absence sparked speculation, with some attributing his struggles to the mental and physical demands of professional darts. Unlike Luke Littler, who at 17 has thrived under similar scrutiny, Cadby appeared to grapple with the weight of being a prodigy. The sport’s grueling schedule, requiring relentless dedication and travel, can test even the most resilient players, as Taylor himself noted when discussing the challenges of maintaining dominance: “It’s a lot of darts, a lot of hotels, a lot of miles traveling.”
Despite his retreat from the limelight, Cadby has not entirely abandoned his ambitions. In a candid conversation last year, he outlined a plan to rebuild his career from the ground up. “I think I’m going to go back onto the DPA circuit to get some match practice and hopefully win the Oceanic Masters to get in the Worlds,” he said, signaling his intent to return to the PDC World Championship. He also expressed determination to silence doubters, stating, “They all say that I’m done – I’m nowhere near done.” His words reflect a resolve to reclaim his place among the sport’s elite, starting with the grassroots of the Australian darts scene before tackling Q School, the PDC’s qualifying pathway.
Cadby’s story resonates as a cautionary tale in a sport where mental fortitude is as crucial as technical skill. Comparisons to Littler, who has been tipped to eclipse Taylor’s records, highlight the unique pressures faced by young talents. Littler’s rise has been meteoric, but Cadby’s experience underscores the challenges of sustaining early success. Taylor himself, reflecting on Littler’s potential, emphasized the need for long-term dedication: “If he wants to carry on and win, beat my records, then he’s going to have to be dedicated. And I mean dedicated for at least 25 years.” For Cadby, who once stood on the cusp of greatness, the path back to the top will require similar commitment.
As the darts world turns its attention to the 2025 PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace, where Littler is a favorite, Cadby’s name lingers as a reminder of untapped potential. His victory over Taylor remains a highlight reel moment, a testament to his capability. Whether he can overcome past obstacles and fulfill the promise of his youth remains uncertain, but his story continues to captivate fans, who hope to see “The King” return to the oche and reign once more.
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