In a moment that lit up the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, Joe Cullen, the fiery Yorkshireman known as “The Rockstar,” delivered a commanding performance on the oche before unleashing his frustrations in a tense post-match scenario. The 35-year-old, seeded in the top 32, whitewashed promising Dutch newcomer Wessel Nijman 3-0 in the second round, showcasing the kind of clinical finishing and heavy scoring that has made him one of the most entertaining players on the circuit. Yet, what should have been a celebratory aftermath turned into high drama, highlighting the intense emotions that fuel professional darts.
Cullen’s victory was no fluke. Entering the tournament amid a challenging year both on and off the stage, he had faced scrutiny for his recent form, winning only a handful of his previous matches. Many in the darts world, including bookmakers, had installed Nijman as the favorite—a young talent generating buzz with his potential. But Cullen silenced the doubters with a dominant display, averaging well into the high 90s and rarely giving his opponent a sniff. It was a statement win, proving that when motivated, Cullen remains a force capable of upsetting the odds on the biggest stage.
The tension spilled over immediately after the final dart. On stage for the traditional post-match interview, Cullen was noticeably curt with the reporter. When asked about his performance, he offered brief, clipped responses, including a simple “No” to whether it felt like one of his best shows on a major stage in recent times. The exchange was awkward, charged with underlying frustration, as Cullen seemed determined to let his arrows do the talking rather than elaborate for the cameras.
Things escalated in the press conference room shortly after. Sitting down briefly, Cullen didn’t hold back. “I don’t know Wessel personally but I think the surrounding of the media led to his demise a little bit,” he said, suggesting the hype around the young Dutchman had backfired. He then turned his fire on the assembled journalists and the broader coverage: “The media attention that Wessel has got—again, this is not a reflection on him—he seems like a fantastic kid. The way I’ve been treated with the media and things like that… I know you guys have no control of the bookies, but I’ve been shown no respect so I won’t share any respect to any of you guys tonight. I’m going to go home. Cheers.”
With that, Cullen stood up and walked out, leaving the room in stunned silence. It was a raw, unfiltered outburst that captured the passion many love about the sport—players who wear their hearts on their sleeves, unafraid to call out perceived slights. Cullen later reflected that the buildup had fired him up in unexpected ways. “I’ve struggled this year on the oche and off the oche so to find a performance like that, to be honest I’ve got you guys to thank because I don’t think I would have played like that if I had read some of the nonsense that I read beforehand,” he noted in follow-up comments.
The incident divided opinion among fans and pundits. Some criticized Cullen for his abruptness, viewing it as unprofessional in a sport that thrives on post-match accessibility. Others empathized, seeing it as a justified response from a seasoned pro tired of being underestimated despite his pedigree—a former Masters champion and Premier League runner-up who has thrilled crowds with his rockstar persona and explosive scoring power.
The reporter involved handled the situation with grace, later revealing she had been tipped off moments before going live that Cullen might not be in a talkative mood. “As the commentator was throwing to me, he did whisper in my ear that he wasn’t going to give me anything in that interview,” she shared. “But, look, I respect Joe, I get on with Joe.” She expressed no ill will, understanding the pressures of the moment and praising Cullen’s talent when he’s at his peak: “The majority of darts fans will want to see Joe Cullen firing on all cylinders because, when he is at his best, he is one of the best players in the world to watch.”
Cullen himself admitted the frosty approach was premeditated, fueled by what he described as “hideous” treatment in the lead-up. The controversy only amplified the narrative of his win, turning a routine second-round victory into one of the tournament’s early talking points. It underscored the fine line between motivation and confrontation in high-stakes competition, where personal pride can ignite extraordinary performances.
As the World Championship progresses, Cullen’s path remains intriguing. His display against Nijman served as a reminder of his capabilities, potentially setting the stage for a deep run if he channels that intensity positively. Darts has always been as much about mental fortitude as precision, and moments like this add to the drama that keeps fans hooked. Whether this clash becomes a turning point or a footnote, it reaffirmed Joe Cullen’s status as one of the sport’s most compelling characters—unapologetic, passionate, and always ready to rock the stage.
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