The iconic Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as Ally Pally, has long been the spiritual home of the PDC World Darts Championship, hosting the tournament amid its grand Victorian architecture and sprawling parkland surroundings. But in recent years, an unexpected guest has become almost as famous as the players themselves: the persistent wasps that buzz around the stage, drawn to the bright lights and warm atmosphere during the winter event.
These insects, believed to be queen wasps seeking shelter in the venue’s lofts or nearby grounds, have interrupted matches, landed on players’ shoulders, and even been struck mid-flight by errant darts. Fans have embraced the chaos, chanting in support of the “Ally Pally wasp” as it disrupts proceedings.
This year, the wasps once again made headlines during the early rounds, buzzing close to competitors and adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the high-stakes competition. One young debutant, however, decided to fight back in spectacular fashion.
Twenty-three-year-old Dutch player Jurjen van der Velde stepped onto the famous stage for his first-ever World Championship match against compatriot Danny Noppert. The pressure of a debut at such a prestigious event is immense—the roaring crowd, the glittering lights, and the weight of expectation can overwhelm even seasoned professionals. For van der Velde, it proved emotional from the very start.
As he made his walk-on, the young talent was visibly moved, wiping tears from his eyes with a cloth. The moment captured the raw emotion of achieving a lifelong dream, playing on the biggest stage in darts in front of family and fans.
But van der Velde came prepared for more than just the arrows. Aware of the ongoing wasp saga that had already affected several players—including interruptions during post-match interviews and close encounters on stage—he pulled a can of insect repellent from his pocket. To the delight and amusement of the crowd, he began spraying the air around him and even himself, determined not to let the buzzing intruders derail his focus.
The plan, however, had an unexpected twist. Moments after spraying, van der Velde was seen dabbing at his eyes again, leading to playful speculation from tournament organizers on social media: “Unconfirmed whether Jurjen Van der Velde is emotional or has sprayed bug spray in his eyes.” It seems the repellent may have backfired slightly, irritating his eyes and blending with the tears of debut nerves.
Despite the humorous mishap and the persistent threat of wasps—one even approached during the match—van der Velde composed himself admirably. He bounced back strongly after losing the first set, claiming the second with impressive checkouts over 100 and solid scoring. Yet, experience prevailed as Noppert, a higher-seeded player, secured a 3-1 victory to advance.
Van der Velde’s antics quickly went viral, endearing him to fans who appreciated his proactive approach and vulnerability. In a sport known for its theatrical walk-ons, fierce rivalries, and electric atmosphere, this debut combined heartfelt emotion with outright comedy, perfectly encapsulating the unpredictable magic of the World Darts Championship.
The wasp phenomenon shows no signs of abating, with the venue’s natural surroundings ensuring these uninvited guests return year after year. Players have dodged, swatted, and now sprayed in defense, turning a nuisance into one of the tournament’s most endearing traditions. For debutants like van der Velde, navigating the oche under such spotlight—and airborne distractions—is a rite of passage that builds character and stories that last a lifetime.
As the championship continues toward its January finale, one thing is certain: whether it’s 180s, nine-darters, or buzzing insects, Ally Pally never fails to deliver drama.
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