In the electric atmosphere of Alexandra Palace, known affectionately as Ally Pally, the PDC World Darts Championship always delivers drama, but few moments have stirred as much debate as Ricky “Rapid” Evans’ third-round clash against rising star Charlie Manby. The 35-year-old crowd favorite, renowned for his lightning-fast throws and larger-than-life personality, crashed out with a 4-2 defeat on December 29, 2025, leaving spectators and viewers alike questioning his on-stage demeanor.
Evans, who had electrified the venue earlier in the tournament with his trademark festive antics—including pom-pom waving walk-ons and high-energy performances—appeared visibly frustrated as the match slipped away. Fans noted a shift in his behavior once Manby, a 20-year-old debutant from Yorkshire, seized control in the later sets. What started as typical Evans showmanship gave way to signs of exasperation: slow retrievals of darts, visible sighs, and a demeanor that some described as disengaged or even defeated. The young opponent, averaging just 89.50, capitalized on Evans’ struggles, noticing the change almost immediately. “I like Ricky, he’s good, but you can see it changing more or less as soon as I went in front,” Manby later reflected. “I got ahead of him and scoring power was always there all game and I just knew if my doubles went, then I’d come out on the right side.”
This wasn’t the Evans fans had come to expect. The Kettering thrower has built a devoted following over his 11 World Championship appearances, earning nicknames like the “Michael Bublé of darts” for his seasonal flair—he humorously claims friends say, “You don’t see me all year, and then I just defrost in November!” His walk-ons to Shakin’ Stevens’ “Merry Christmas Everyone,” complete with custom festive shirts and energetic dances, have become holiday staples at Ally Pally. Yet, in this match, the joy seemed overshadowed by frustration, prompting concern among supporters. Social media buzzed with comments about a potential “headloss,” with some worrying that the pressure of the iconic stage had gotten to him once again.
Evans has long been open about the emotional rollercoaster of professional darts. He loves the tournament despite his self-proclaimed hatred of Christmas outside the oche, saying, “Ally Pally is always special. I love this tournament, which is weird for a bloke who hates Christmas! I don’t mind the party vibes and all that.” His journey to this point included a thrilling upset over seventh seed James Wade in the previous round, where he survived missed match darts and celebrated wildly, declaring, “Imagine coming to darts and winning 3-0? What’s the point? Make it interesting!” That victory showcased his resilience, but the loss to Manby highlighted the fine line between passion and meltdown in the sport.
In the aftermath, the backlash was swift and harsh. Evans revealed he faced a torrent of online abuse, including death threats, personal insults, and cruel jabs at his appearance. Rather than retreat, he issued a candid statement confronting the critics head-on while owning his shortcomings. “I was poo and I’m still better than you,” he fired back, blending self-deprecation with defiance. He admitted his performance fell short but reminded detractors that their venom reflected more on them than on him. Amid the vitriol, Evans showed class by throwing support behind his conqueror, urging fans to cheer on Manby’s impressive debut run toward a potential quarter-final spot.
This incident underscores the intense scrutiny faced by players in the modern era of darts, where social media amplifies every triumph and tumble. Evans, a veteran who has battled personal challenges—including the heartbreaking loss of his sister earlier in the year—has always worn his heart on his sleeve. His rapid throwing style mirrors his personality: explosive, entertaining, and unfiltered. While the defeat marks another early Ally Pally exit for a player yet to break beyond the last 32 at the Worlds, his response highlights the human side of the sport. Darts isn’t just about averages and checkouts; it’s about mental fortitude in the face of roaring crowds and relentless pressure.
As the championship continues without him, Evans’ words serve as a poignant reminder of the toll competitive sport can take. He backed the young talent who bested him and stood firm against the trolls, proving that even in defeat, “Rapid” Ricky remains a compelling figure in the darts world—one who entertains, endures, and refuses to be silenced.
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