In the electrifying atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, where the roar of the crowd and the sharp thud of darts create a symphony of tension and triumph, Ricky Evans found himself at the center of a storm during the recent World Darts Championship. The 35-year-old from Kettering, known affectionately as “Rapid” for his lightning-fast throwing style, entered his third-round match against tournament debutant Charlie Manby with high hopes. What started as a promising display quickly unraveled into a spectacle that left fans, commentators, and even Evans himself reflecting on the fine line between passion and professionalism.
Evans burst out of the gates with confidence, showcasing the flair that has endeared him to a massive fanbase. His theatrical walk-ons, complete with over-the-top antics and crowd-pleasing energy, have always been part of his charm. But as the match progressed, his focus seemed to wane. Trailing in a crucial leg, one of his darts dramatically fell out of the board. In a moment of levity—or perhaps frustration—Evans dashed forward and quipped, “It’s in!” The referee, however, was not amused, and the incident only amplified the growing sense that Evans was losing his grip on the game. Manby capitalized, sealing a 4-2 victory with a composed double 16, sending Evans packing from the tournament that would ultimately see teenage sensation Luke Littler claim his second consecutive title.
The fallout was swift and pointed. Commentators noted how Evans appeared to simply “give up,” with his demeanor shifting from energetic to disengaged. One pundit described the behavior as “unprofessional,” suggesting that Evans would regret his reactions long into the night. “Ricky will not sleep. He will not like how he reacted to that,” the observation went, capturing the raw disappointment of a player who had let the pressure get the better of him. In the digital age, criticism didn’t stop at the oche. Evans took to social media to reveal the darker side of fame: a barrage of online hate, including death threats, fat jokes, and relentless trolling. Yet, amid the vitriol, he reminded everyone of the silver lining—he’d pocketed a respectable £35,000 for his efforts at Ally Pally.
But Evans isn’t one to shy away from self-reflection. In a candid admission, he owned up to his shortcomings, acknowledging that his larger-than-life personality can sometimes misfire under the spotlight. “I’ve got one of those personalities where it just looks like I’m not trying in a way,” he explained. He pointed to past successes, like his performance at the Grand Slam, where his unique approach led to victory. “But when they’re going, like I said, I did it at the Grand Slam and I won the game. So it does work.” Still, he recognized the need for change. “I just have to grow up. Just learn how to lose with dignity,” he said, his words carrying a mix of humility and determination. “But that’s life. Hopefully we can get that sorted this year and we can get the happy Ricky and smiley again.”
The online backlash, he conceded, might have been partly warranted. “I did get a bit of online hate and probably so in a way.” It’s a tough pill to swallow for a player who thrives on making people laugh. Evans has built his reputation not just on skill but on showmanship—silly ideas, exaggerated entrances, and a throwing rhythm that’s as entertaining as it is effective. “For someone that’s never won nothing, I’ve got one of the biggest fan bases in the world,” he reflected. “I’m not going to go full Bunting on everyone, but it’s brilliant. I can’t thank them enough. I love showing. I love making people laugh. That is my goal in life.”
In a world filled with “doom and gloom,” as he puts it, Evans sees himself as a beacon of fun. “There’s a lot of doom and gloom in the world these days. So if one silly darts player can make you smile on a walk-on or because of a big checkout, then let that be me. I class myself as a big show-off. Keep cheering me on because I’m just going to keep coming up with these silly ideas and walk-ons. Because that’s who I am.” Ranked World No. 40, he had a solid 2025 season, reaching the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam and Players Championship 16. Yet, he’s pragmatic about his limits, especially when it comes to elite invitations like the Premier League. “I’m not good enough,” he admitted. “I’ve got the odd hundred average in me, but they do it every week, them boys. My music and walk-ons would certainly liven it up and we’d have a bit of fun on it. I think I’d put bums on seats.”
Beyond the darts board, personal life has played a pivotal role in Evans’ journey. Nearly a year after the heartbreaking loss of his best friend and sister, Elisha, to illness, he’s found solace and motivation in his new girlfriend, Sharne. “I was going through a bad time. I’ve lost one best friend and I’ve got another one now. So it’s lovely. I’ve got something to play for now,” he shared. Looking ahead, he dreams of stability: “Obviously, I’m never going to live at home with my dad all the time. I can move out maybe one day and start a life with her. That’s the goal.”
As Evans gears up for the World Masters qualifying rounds this week, his story serves as a reminder of the human element in sports. Darts isn’t just about precision and points; it’s about resilience, personality, and growth. From the highs of crowd adoration to the lows of public scrutiny, Evans is committed to evolving while staying true to the “silly darts player” who brings joy to the game. With a renewed focus on dignity in defeat and a smile that’s hard to extinguish, the future looks bright for Rapid—ready to throw his way back into the hearts of fans worldwide.
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