On a vibrant summer evening in London’s Hyde Park, the inaugural Hyde Park Darts Championship transformed the iconic Great Oak Stage into a battleground of precision and personality. Held on July 8, 2025, as part of the BST Hyde Park Open House festival, the event blended top-tier darts with celebrity flair, drawing thousands of fans for a night of thrilling competition and unexpected triumphs. Featuring darting giants like Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Fallon Sherrock, and Michael van Gerwen, alongside special guests Olly Murs, Roman Kemp, Joe Swash, and Dion Dublin, the championship delivered a unique pro-am spectacle. In a stunning finale, Fallon Sherrock and Joe Swash emerged as the Pro-Am doubles champions, defeating Nathan Aspinall and Dion Dublin, while Humphries outshone Littler to claim the professional tournament crown.
The evening kicked off with a professional knockout tournament, where world No. 1 Luke Humphries proved why he’s nicknamed “Cool Hand Luke.” Facing off against teenage sensation Luke Littler, the 17-year-old world champion who has taken darts by storm, Humphries secured a gripping 6-4 victory in the final. The match was a clash of titans, with Littler’s fearless energy meeting Humphries’ clinical precision. Earlier, Humphries had edged out Sherrock in a tight 6-5 semi-final, showcasing his ability to handle pressure. “I feel like a champion, mate!” Humphries exclaimed after clinching the title, his third match dart on D10 sealing the inaugural Hyde Park crown. Littler, despite the loss, remained a crowd favorite, his meteoric rise from 2023 World Championship finalist to 2025 champion at Alexandra Palace cementing his status as darts’ biggest draw.
The Pro-Am doubles tournament, however, stole the spotlight with its blend of sporting prowess and celebrity charm. Pairings saw darts stars team up with entertainers, creating a lively atmosphere amplified by the festival’s setting. Fallon Sherrock, the “Queen of the Palace,” and TV presenter Joe Swash formed an unlikely but unbeatable duo. Their journey to the final was marked by tense moments, including a semi-final where Sherrock’s steady hand guided Swash through missed doubles. Facing Nathan Aspinall and former footballer Dion Dublin in the final, the pair faced a nail-biting deciding leg. Aspinall fell to his knees after missing double tops, and Dublin faltered at the same target. Swash, despite missing three chances at 18, handed the oche to Sherrock, who coolly hit D9 to secure the trophy. “I don’t know how many more history-making things I can do!” Sherrock beamed, celebrating her latest milestone as the first winner of this unique event. Swash, swinging the trophy triumphantly, added, “I feel like I had the advantage with having [Sherrock] as my partner.”
The crowd’s energy was electric, fueled by moments like Olly Murs belting out his hit “Troublemaker” mid-match, joined by Aspinall’s playful gestures. Murs, paired with van Gerwen, showed surprising skill, hitting a 100 to open a leg, but their run ended in the semi-finals against Aspinall and Dublin. Roman Kemp, the charismatic radio host, also took to the oche, adding to the star-studded spectacle. The event’s festive vibe was enhanced by access to BREW//LDN, the UK’s largest craft drinks festival, where fans sipped on over 1,000 beverages from 100 brands, making it a true celebration of British summer culture.
Sherrock’s victory was particularly poignant. As the first woman to win matches at the PDC World Championship, her partnership with Swash showcased her ability to shine under pressure while mentoring a novice. “I feel like a champion, mate!” Swash repeated post-match, crediting Sherrock’s decision to switch darts with him—a move that paid off spectacularly. For Aspinall and Dublin, the loss stung, but their spirited performance, including Dublin’s near-miss at D10, kept the crowd roaring. PDC chief Matthew Porter summed up the night’s success: “We’re really looking forward to putting on a world-class darts show as part of this year’s BST Hyde Park Open House Festival. It’s an iconic part of British Summer Time, and darts is an iconic part of British culture.”
The Hyde Park Darts Championship was more than a sporting event; it was a cultural moment, blending elite competition with accessible entertainment. With tickets starting at £39.95 and premium options offering early access to meet the pros, the event drew a diverse crowd, from die-hard darts fans to curious festival-goers. As Sherrock and Swash lifted the Pro-Am trophy and Humphries claimed the professional title, the Great Oak Stage became a symbol of darts’ growing appeal, proving that in the heart of London, arrows and charisma can create unforgettable magic.
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