In the electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, where the PDC World Darts Championship always delivers drama both on and off the oche, Joe Cullen provided one of the most memorable moments of the opening rounds. The Yorkshireman, known as “The Rockstar” for his charismatic and fiery personality, cruised to a commanding 3-0 victory over Bradley Brooks in their first-round clash on December 14, 2025. Despite entering the match as the underdog in some betting circles—despite his higher ranking—Cullen delivered a stellar performance, posting an impressive average of 99.33, his second-highest ever on the famous Ally Pally stage. He fired in multiple 180s and maintained a solid 50% checkout rate, silencing any doubters with a display of precision and power.
The real buzz, however, came immediately after the match during Cullen’s live on-stage interview. Riding the high of victory and the adrenaline from a hard-fought win, the 36-year-old was asked about his outstanding average. In a playful attempt to mimic the Welsh accent of the interviewer and nod to the beloved British sitcom *Gavin and Stacey*, Cullen responded with enthusiasm: “Cracking, love, f****** cracking.” The expletive slipped out naturally in the heat of the moment, turning what was meant to be a light-hearted quip into an unintended X-rated outburst.
The reaction was instantaneous. Cullen’s face shifted from elation to realization as he pulled an awkward grimace, clearly aware of his mistake. He quickly interjected, “I didn’t mean to say that, I am sorry, that is a fine. I’ll pay it now!” His immediate self-awareness and humorous acceptance of the impending penalty drew chuckles from the crowd and even prompted the broadcaster to issue a swift on-air apology to viewers for the language.
This incident highlights Cullen’s unfiltered personality, which has endeared him to many fans over the years. Later reflecting on the moment, he emphasized his commitment to authenticity, saying, “I like to think I’m honest and decent at what I do, and if you listen to 100 interviews this week you’ll probably hear the same monotone stuff, so hopefully it must be refreshing to hear somebody speak their mind and not resort to one-dimensional answers all the time.” It’s this raw honesty that sets him apart in a sport often filled with scripted responses, even if it occasionally lands him in hot water.
Cullen’s history at the World Championship adds layers to his emotional responses. Just 12 months earlier, he made headlines for a very different reason: storming out of a post-match press conference after a win over Wessel Nijman. Feeling disrespected by being labeled the underdog despite his experience, he gave curt answers on stage before abruptly leaving the media room. That episode stemmed from frustration over media and betting perceptions, but it underscored his passionate nature—traits that fuel his best performances.
This time around, the vibe was far more jovial. Cullen’s victory over Brooks not only advanced him to the next round, where he could face Mensur Suljovic or David Cameron, but it also positioned him for potential blockbuster clashes deeper in the tournament, including a possible showdown with teenage sensation Luke Littler. When asked about looking ahead in the draw, Cullen remained focused: “If I’d had a favourable draw in the first round, I might have looked a bit further into the draw, but I knew I had to play well against Bradley, and I’m not looking past Mensur Suljovic or David Cameron. Littler is incredible. I do so many exhibitions with him and he’s just very, very good at darts.”
The swearing slip is likely to result in a fine from the Darts Regulation Authority, as similar incidents involving profanity have led to penalties for other players in the past. Yet, given the good-spirited context and Cullen’s prompt apology, many hope it might be treated leniently—perhaps just a warning. Fans on social media praised his quick remorse and humor, with some calling for leniency: “Obviously not deliberate, in good spirits and immediate apology.”
As the championship progresses, Cullen’s blend of talent, emotion, and entertainment value reminds everyone why darts captivates millions. Whether he’s hitting ton-plus averages or dropping unexpected one-liners, The Rockstar continues to deliver unforgettable moments, keeping the spirit of the sport alive and thrilling.
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