The Average 3 Dart Score of the Top 32 PDC Darts Players

The growth of darts in recent years has seen the sport become a global phenomenon. Viewing figures are on the increase as is betting on Darts events like the PDC World Championships and are only bettered by football among major broadcasters. 

The surge in popularity of the sport has seen global expansion into world-famous venues such as New York's Madison Square Garden where the PDC debuted in July 2022 and will be returning later this year. 

We tasked former PDC tour card holder and youtube content creator of Edgar TV, Matthew Edgar to look deeper into the stats of the top 32 players in the world regarding the conclusion of fixtures. 

Top 32 PDC Players by World Ranking

(The stats provided are based on the most recent 12-month period at the release of this article)

Here we will look into the average 3 dart scores of each player, overall, when they are 1 leg away from winning and again when one leg away from defeat to see how each player has reacted.

First up, let's take a look at the average three dart scores from each player to see how closely the scores represent their respective world rankings.

The PDC World number one and current world Champion Michael Smith was regarded by many as a bottler when he was struggling to win his first major title. However, the 12-month running average suggests otherwise as his standard appears to be the same when he is just one leg away from winning the match. 

In conflict with this, the machine James Wade is often regarded as one of the best matchplay players to ever play the game and robotic in his approach to pressure situations which is where the nickname the machine comes from, along with his love for cars, However in James Wade's situation when he is throwing for the match his average tends to drop by 2.93 points. 

If you want a player to dig you out of a hole when they are behind, look no further than former Grand Slam Champion Jose De Sousa, who increased his performance when facing match-losing situations by 3.53 points. This stat was recently backed up at the PDC World Championship at ally pally when he produced an incredible turnaround in his victory over Ryan Searle.

But if it's the consistency you want, look no further than the sport's elite in Michael Van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price. Regardless of the situation you put these players in, they produce similar levels across the board and it's that ability to take the emotion out of the situation and provide an equivalent level of performance that separates them from the rest. 

One of the best players in the world at closing out matches is Josh Rock who currently sits outside the PDC top 32 he runs at an overall average of 96.42 which if the rankings were to be written on averages would see him world number 11. Josh Rock has been heavily tipped by PDC Chairman and owner of Matchroom sport Barry Hearn to be a huge success in the sport based on his number, which will see him enter the world's top 32 during the 2023 campaign due to future earnings based on his high levels of performance

How Darts Averages Work

One thing that might be good to know as you explore this article is how Darts Averages work, so here's a clip from EdgarTV to explain.

When 1 Leg Away From Winning

There is no surprise to see 3 of the top 4 ranked players sitting at the top of the average throw score table when one leg away from winning a game - That killer instinct to put a result to bed is on show from the best players.

Van gerwen has that killer instinct to put a set to bed when one leg away - Sven Mandel, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Dirk Van Dujivenbode belies his 13th place ranking, and of more note, Damon Heta has proven himself able to up his game in both behind and in-front scenarios.

When 1 Leg Away From Losing

For those that like to bet on darts in play, this is a most interesting table showing the average throw score of three players outside the top 12, who would seem to step up their game when under pressure and fighting to win a leg when just on away from losing the set.

Damon Heta is particularly effective when up against the ropes in a set - Darts Actueel on YouTube, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Damon Heta, Jose De Sousa and Dirk Van Dujivenbode all have shown an ability to step up to the plate and record superb averages when their backs are again the wall. Perhaps a little insight into some in-play betting strategies on darts for future events?

Methodology and Creation

The stats are sourced from the excellent Darts Orakel and were collected for the purpose of this article.

This page was written by Professional Darts player Matthew Edgar, Edited and published by  Steve Madgwick OLBG Editor-in-Chief

Data and Words

Dan Tracey is a multi-talented writer, data analyst and podcaster whose six-year career in the sports data sphere has seen incredible successes. From helping UEFA create their annual technical reports to writing articles for Sports Betting Websites including sites like TheLinesUS and Goal - there's no shortage of areas where his expertise shines through! In addition, he can be heard on podcasts lending an insightful voice as well as providing weekly betting angles - all culminating with him teaming up OLBG.com in the present day. Simply put: wherever you find angled data being crunched? You'll also likely find Dan not far behind!

👨‍🏫 Specialist Subjects🔬📚

Dan's specialist area is data; and lots of it! Wherever we need numbers to create our unique deep dive articles, Dan is our go-to. Dan is also a Tottenham Fan and a football commentator for Newcastle Blue Star

- Dan Tracey, Data scientist and football editor

OLBG Sponsored Darts Professional

Matthew Edgar, born on August 28, 1986, is an English professional darts player currently targeting the WDF World championships at Lakeside in December 2024 and commentating on Darts for Sky Sports. Known for his practice sessions with former world championship runner-up Kevin Painter, Edgar began his sports career as a coach for Northampton Town before shifting to darts. Prior to his darts career, he trained in mixed martial arts and was a professional wrestler. Edgar also hosts a dedicated darts YouTube channel, "Edgar TV," where he interacts with followers and shares his professional competition experiences.

Follow Matthew as he targets Lakeside and the WDF World Championships in December 2024.

- Matthew Edgar, Darts editor and wdf professional

Darts Betting Guides

We have a range of in-depth articles looking at specific darts events, with history, stats and betting angles to consider. Check out any of the list below.

• World Seniors Darts Championship Preview & Betting Guide
• Grand Slam of Darts Betting Guide
• Premier League Darts Betting Guide
• Masters Darts Betting Guide
• PDC World Darts Championship Betting Guide
• World Cup of Darts Preview & Betting Guide
• World Grand Prix Darts Betting Guide
• UK Open Darts Preview & Betting Guide
• World Matchplay Darts Betting Guide