In the high-octane world of professional darts, few stories are as captivating and heartbreaking as that of Corey Cadby, the Australian prodigy once dubbed the “Mario Balotelli of darts” for his raw talent and unpredictable off-stage antics. At just 30, Cadby’s career is a tale of unfulfilled potential, marked by dazzling performances, personal struggles, and a series of setbacks that have left fans and peers lamenting what could have been. “That one has everything but brains,” said podcast host Damian Vlottes, drawing a parallel to the mercurial Italian footballer. “Yes, such a shame. He had everything to become a world-class player,” added former world No. 1 Vincent van der Voort, capturing the sentiment of a darts community still mourning Cadby’s absence from the elite stage.
Cadby burst onto the international darts scene in 2016, a 21-year-old Tasmanian with a fearless swagger and a throwing arm that seemed destined for greatness. His breakout moment came at the 2016 UK Open, where he reached the quarter-finals, defeating top players and showcasing a flair that electrified crowds. “He had character and wasn’t afraid of the big stage,” Van der Voort recalled. “There was always something happening—an upset here or there.” Cadby’s audacity was evident early on; even without a PDC Tour Card, he boldly challenged darts legend Phil Taylor, forging a unique connection with the sport’s icon. His 2017 World Youth Championship title and a runner-up finish at the 2018 Masters cemented his reputation as a future star, with a style that blended precision with theatrical bravado.
Yet, like Balotelli, whose football career was marred by controversy, Cadby’s off-board troubles quickly overshadowed his talent. Legal issues in Australia, including multiple run-ins with the law, began to derail his promising career. “He had personal troubles in Australia that prevented him from entering England,” Van der Voort explained, highlighting the visa issues that became a recurring nightmare for Cadby. In 2018, at the peak of his powers, Cadby vanished from the professional circuit, his absence leaving fans puzzled and hopeful for a comeback. His attempt to reclaim his spot in 2023 showed flashes of the old magic— “After three flights and one set, he won his Tour Card back,” Vlottes noted—but visa denials due to his criminal record barred him from competing in the UK, effectively stalling his return.
The parallels to Balotelli extend beyond their shared knack for controversy. Both possessed extraordinary talent that captivated audiences, yet struggled with discipline and decision-making. “It’s a real shame he ended up sabotaging himself,” Van der Voort said, reflecting on Cadby’s inability to harness his potential. Stories of Cadby’s off-stage behavior, while less documented than Balotelli’s headline-grabbing antics, painted a picture of a young man grappling with the pressures of fame. “He can’t even step off Tour because he can’t get into certain places,” Vlottes added wryly, noting the bureaucratic and legal barriers that have kept Cadby sidelined. His criminal record, described as extensive enough to require printing, became an insurmountable obstacle, with Van der Voort concluding bluntly, “Then it’s the end of his career. Just done. A real shame.”
Cadby’s story draws comparisons to other darts prodigies who faced early hurdles. The podcast discussion touched on Michael van Gerwen, who overcame a dip in form at 18 to become a multiple world champion. “Michael was phenomenal at seventeen, eighteen, but then hit a massive dip,” Vlottes said. “Once he overcame that, he grew as a person—more resilient.” For Cadby, however, the dip proved too deep. Unlike Van Gerwen, who found stability, or even Luke Littler, the 18-year-old sensation who has navigated fame with a steadier head, Cadby’s personal struggles and legal entanglements left him stranded. His inability to secure a visa not only cost him his Tour Card but also his place in a sport where he once seemed destined to dominate.
The darts community still holds out hope for Cadby, now competing in smaller Australian circuits like the Australian Darts Masters. His 2023 Q School performance proved he still has the skill, but the path back to the PDC’s elite level is fraught with challenges. “I really thought he was a very good player,” Van der Voort said, his words tinged with regret. Cadby’s story serves as a cautionary tale in a sport where mental fortitude is as crucial as physical skill. As Littler chases the world No. 1 ranking and Van Gerwen continues his storied career, Cadby remains a “what if” figure—a talent who could have rivaled the greats but was undone by his own choices and circumstances. For now, the “Mario Balotelli of darts” lingers in the shadows, a reminder of the fine line between stardom and self-destruction.
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