Limerick's Magpie raises the bar as darts continues to grow in sporting consciousness

Willie 'The Magie' O'Connor from Cappamore in Limerick will face Michael van Gerwen in round two of the World Darts Championship

Willie O'Connor's 3-0 victory over Poland's Krzysztof Kciuk featured the highest three dart average to the tournament so far. Pic: John Walton/PA Wire.

A man in a batman costume, a woman dressed as a banana and eight Germans in minions outfits step onto a tube. Destination: Alexandra Palace.

The World Darts Championship is probably like no other sporting fixture, and this, the 2026 edition, has probably surpassed the dreams of its organisers, the PDC. A new-look 128 strong field has arguably seen some dip in quality but certainly seen a raise in drama and new storylines.