Darts Showman Stuns Everyone with Cocky Camera Wink After Ridiculous Checkout

By Lewis Barnett 6 April, 2025 5 mins read 62 Views

I'm still laughing about this one. Last night I was watching some Modus Super Series darts (yes, that's how I spend my Thursday evenings now - don't judge) when I witnessed possibly the cockiest moment I've seen on a darts stage.

Brian Raman, this Belgian player I've been following since 2021, just pulled off the most audacious checkout against Mark Dudbridge. Then - and this is the part that had me choking on my beer - he straight-up WINKED at the camera like he knew exactly what he'd just done.

That Moment When You're Too Cool for the Room

So here's what happened. Raman lost the first leg against his throw (always a nightmare start). But then... oh my god.

With Dudbridge sitting pretty on a double 18 checkout, Raman decides to go completely off-script. Bull, double 16, bull. Just like that. Three darts, thrown with the casual confidence of someone who's already counted their winnings.

The commentator was absolutely blindsided. Poor guy was just settling in, probably thinking about what sandwich he'd have during the break.

Wait for it...

But the checkout wasn't even the best part! The SECOND that last bull went in, Raman turned directly to the camera, put his hands on his hips like some sort of darts superhero, and gave the most deliberate wink I've ever seen. Topped it off with this little smirk that screamed "yeah, I meant to do that."

The cameraman clearly had no idea what was happening - you could tell by how the shot wobbled slightly. Wasn't ready for that level of swagger.

Commentator Lost His Mind (Understandably)

The caller's reaction was priceless: "Oh no! Oh yes! How about that. A showstopper from teh showman. That is the boldest play of the week."

Bold is an understatement. My roommate walked in right at that moment and I made him watch the replay three times. His response: "Is that even allowed? Like, legally?"

Pride Comes Before a 4-1 Fall

Here's the twist though - and this is why I find darts so fascinating - Raman's moment of glory was short-lived. After that magnificent start, he proceeded to lose EVERY SINGLE LEG afterward. Ended up with a 4-1 defeat to Dudbridge.

Karma? Maybe. Though he did manage to beat Tom Sykes 4-3 later on Friday, so not a complete disaster.

I actually met Raman at an exhibition in Manchester back in 2022. Spent $75 on tickets and another $40 on merch that I now realize was overpriced. He seemed much quieter in person - none of this on-stage "Riddler" persona he's cultivated. Makes me wonder how much of this is just performance.

The Darts World Has Opinions (Shocking)

Social media went wild, obviously. One fan called him out for loving "unconventional finishes" while another pointed out that "not even the cameraman knew what was going on 😂😂"

Listen. I've watched enough darts over the years to know this kind of showboating is divisive. The old-school crowd hates it. The younger fans eat it up.

Personally? I'm here for it. Darts needs characters. And at 28, Raman's clearly trying to make a name for himself.

Would You Have the Nerve?

What gets me is the confidence. Imagine knowing you're about to nail that sequence, then immediately turning to wink. What if he'd missed? We'd be watching a very different kind of viral video.

That's what separates these players from us mortals.

I'm definitely keeping an eye on his next matches. This guy's either going to be a future champion or flame out spectacularly.

Either way, I'll be watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I improve my dart throwing technique?

Improving your dart technique comes down to consistency and deliberate practice. First, establish a comfortable stance—feet shoulder-width apart, with your dominant foot slightly forward. Your weight should be balanced and stable, not leaning forward or back.

I keep hitting 5s and 1s when aiming for 20s. How do I fix this?

This is probably the most common frustration in darts—those dreaded 5s and 1s when you're aiming for the 20 segment! The good news is that this specific problem usually stems from a few identifiable issues.

How do I practice darts effectively if I'm playing alone?

Solo practice doesn't have to be boring—in fact, it's often more productive than casual games with friends. The key is having structured practice routines that target specific skills rather than just throwing randomly at the board.

What's the standard height for hanging a dartboard?

The standard height for a dartboard is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) from the floor to the bullseye. This measurement is official across professional darts organizations worldwide, including the PDC and BDO. It's designed to create a fair playing field for players of different heights.

What are "flights" and "stems" and do they really matter?

Flights and stems (also called shafts) are the components that stabilize your dart during flight, and yes, they absolutely matter—though perhaps not in the way beginners often think.

Can you recommend some fun dart games for parties?

Absolutely! Darts doesn't have to be all about 501 and cricket. For parties, you want games that keep everyone involved, accommodate different skill levels, and create some friendly competition.

Statistics

The first televised nine-dart finish was thrown by John Lowe in 1984, earning him £102,000.
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Championship has been held since 1994, with Phil Taylor winning a record 14 titles.
The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.
A perfect leg of 501 can be completed in nine darts, known in the sport as a "nine-darter."

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Common Problems & How I Fixed Them

Inconsistent grouping was my biggest issue for years. The solution? I recorded my throw in slow motion and noticed I was dropping my elbow at different heights. Once I fixed that, my grouping tightened up immediately.