This Kid Just Made Me Believe in Fairy Tales Again

By Lewis Barnett 10 July, 2025 5 mins read 187 Views

I'm not gonna lie - I teared up watching Bradley Brooks fight back tears after his insane victory yesterday.

The 25-year-old from Blackburn just pulled off what might be the most beautiful underdog story I've witnessed in darts. We're talking 500/1 odds here, people. That's "your nan has a better chance of beating Usain Bolt in a sprint" territory. Yet somehow, this kid walked away with £15,000 and his first PDC title at Players Championship 21.

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When Lightning Strikes in Leicester

Brooks didn't just stumble into this win either. He systematically dismantled Chris Dobey and James Wade before facing Gerwyn Price in the final. Price - you know, the guy who actually won a World Championship and has that terrifying stare that could melt steel.

The final score was 8-5, with Brooks throwing a solid 97 average. Not spectacular by today's standards, but when you're facing 'The Iceman' with everything on the line? That's clutch performance right there.

What got me was watching Price mount his comeback. For a moment, I thought we were about to witness another heartbreak story. But Brooks held his nerve.

The Comeback Nobody Saw Coming

Here's the thing that makes this story incredible - Brooks lost his Tour Card last year. Think about that for a second. Twelve months ago, this guy was probably wondering if his professional darts career was over. Now he's banking £15K and climbing 23 spots in the PDC Order of Merit to 73rd place.

His post-match interview absolutely destroyed me. "I struggled when I lost my Tour Card last year... if it wasn't for the people around me I wouldn't be where I am today." The kid was fighting back tears talking about his family, his manager, his girlfriend, his nan - everyone who believed in him when he probably didn't believe in himself.

You could see it in his eyes. Pure disbelief mixed with overwhelming gratitude.

Sometimes the Good Guys Actually Win

Brooks treated the final "like I had nothing to lose," which is exactly the mindset that separates champions from also-rans. When you've already hit rock bottom, there's something liberating about swinging for the fences.

The victory shoots him up to 60th in the ProTour Order of Merit, putting him in decent position for a World Championship spot in December if he can maintain this form. From losing his Tour Card to potentially playing at Alexandra Palace in 18 months? That's the kind of redemption arc that gives me goosebumps.

Meanwhile, Bully Boy's Nightmare Continues

While Brooks was living his dream, Michael Smith was experiencing his worst nightmare. The former world champion crashed out in the first round to Thibault Tricole, 6-4. That result sealed his fate - he'll miss the World Matchplay for the first time in 12 years.

Smith needed at least a semi-final appearance to crack the top 16 and secure his Blackpool spot. Instead, he's probably at home right now wondering how everything went sideways so quickly.

It's brutal, really. The guy hasn't missed a World Matchplay since 2013, came closest to winning it in 2019 when he lost to Rob Cross in the final, and now he's watching from his couch.

That's darts for you - absolutely ruthless.

But today isn't about Smith's struggles. Today is about a 25-year-old kid from Blackburn who reminded us all why we fell in love with this crazy sport in the first place. Sometimes the fairy tale actually comes true.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between steel tip and soft tip darts?

Steel tip and soft tip darts represent two distinct branches of the sport, each with their own equipment, venues, and sometimes even scoring systems. The most obvious difference is in the point: steel tips have metal points for traditional bristle boards, while soft tips use flexible plastic points for electronic boards.

Is it worth spending more money on expensive darts?

The question of dart investment really depends on your commitment level and budget. You don't need to spend a fortune, but there's definitely a quality threshold worth crossing.

What weight darts should beginners use?

For beginners, I generally recommend starting with medium-weight darts between 21-24 grams. This range offers enough heft to fly straight without requiring too much force, but isn't so heavy that it becomes tiring during longer practice sessions.

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.

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.

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.

Statistics

Phil Taylor has hit a record 22 televised nine-dart finishes throughout his professional career.
A professional dart weighs between 18-50 grams, with most players preferring 21-24 gram darts.
The highest possible score with three darts is 180, achieved by hitting three triple 20s.
The Women's World Darts Championship was established in 2001, with Trina Gulliver winning 10 titles.
The World Darts Championship prize fund exceeded £2.5 million in 2023, with the champion receiving £500,000.
In 2016, Michael van Gerwen set a world record for the highest three-dart average in a major tournament at 123.40.
Research shows that top professional dart players achieve accuracy rates of over 80% when aiming at treble 20.
Statistical analysis reveals that professional players throw darts at an average speed of 40-60 miles per hour.

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How To

Aiming Systems & Practice Routines

When I first started, I would just aim at whatever number I needed. But after watching some YouTube tutorials in 2018, I learned about the "clock" system. Imagine the board as a clock face. If you're aiming for the 20, but hit the 5, you're throwing too far to the right (clockwise). Adjust accordingly.