Betting on a reliable player is always better than choosing some trending stars, and that’s why every darts bettor loves Michael Smith. He has been one of the most consistent and reliable names in the world of darts for years. Showcasing his incredible skills for years, Smith finally became the World Champion in 2023.
Want to know more about Michael Smith? Here is a detailed profile of this darts player, including his stats, biography, highlights, and some personal secrets.
| Full name: | Michael Smith |
| Nationality: | British |
| Dominant hand: | Right hand |
| Playing since: | PDC Tour Card in 2011 |
| 180s Hit: | Heavy 180 hitter with frequent averages above 100, capable of 170 checkouts |
| Major Titles: | 2023 PDC World Champion after a nine-dart finish in the final |
Michael Smith’s darts biography
Early Life
Michael Smith was born in St. Helens, Merseyside, in 1990. Growing up, he wasn’t always destined for darts success. Initially, Smith was just a sports enthusiast who actively played rugby league as a child. But destiny had different plans, which flashed when a life-altering tragedy changed his future. Smith was just 15 years old when he fell off his bike and got a serious hip injury. His incident forced him to use crutches for a long period after his injury, and it was at this time that he became more serious about dart throwing.
The breakthrough years
Smith followed the traditional path to enter the world of darts. He made his way up through local leagues, youth events, and the PDC Development Tour. While he initially struggled, Smith got his first accomplishment in 2013, when he won the PDC World Youth Championship by defeating Ricky Evans in the final. That victory announced his arrival as one of the brightest young prospects in the darts space.
Smith’s early career was jam-packed with flashes of brilliance and instability. After a bumpy start, Smith registered himself as a high-scoring individual with impressive averages. However, he often struggled to close the matches in big encounters. That’s why, although he stepped into a ton of finals, he was unable to cross the winning line. But trophies don’t define how good a player is. This reputation accompanied him through years of heartache on the highest platforms.
Michael Smith’s Darts Career Highlights
If you don’t know about Michael Smith’s darts player career and the most iconic moments, how can you call yourself a fan? Also, if you are a bettor, you must know about his achievements to be aware of the stages of where he performs the best. That’s why here is a detailed report of the most exciting highlights in his career.
- PDC World Youth Champion 2013: Michael Smith bagged the PDC World Youth Champion 2013 tournament, his first major title on the professional scene.
- Premier League Darts Finalist 2018: This is where Smith got his first taste of a major senior final. He delivered incredibly, although he lost to Michael van Gerwen.
- World Championship Finalist 2019: In 2019 also Smith reached the final of another epic tournament, the World Championship. Again he performed amazingly but was ultimately defeated by Alexandra Palace.
- Grand Slam of Darts Champion 2022: He won his long-awaited first major TV trophy by defeating Nathan Aspinall in the final. After waiting for a decade for this breakthrough, Smith finally registered his name in the book of darts.
- PDC World Champion 2023: Finally, Smith defeated Michael van Gerwen 7-4 in one of the best finals ever to become the 2023 PDC World Champion. Smith scored his remarkable nine-dart finish in the same leg as Van Gerwen’s narrow miss at nine darts. The leg is already regarded as “the greatest leg of darts ever played.”
- World Cup of Darts 2024 Champion: Smith won the World Cup of Darts 2024 alongside Luke Humphries for England, adding another feather to his crown.
What Darts Does Michael Smith Use?
No matter whether you are a serious fan or an aspiring darts player, if you love Michael Smith, you may always be curious to know about the equipment he uses on the darts court.
The most exciting thing is that Michael Smith’s darts setup has evolved through sponsorships and personal preference. So, in case you want to know more. Here are all the details about his darts gear:
Barrels
Smith currently uses 24g Shot Michael Smith Gen 1 darts, his first signature set with Shot after previously using Unicorn Darts. The barrels are 90% tungsten, with a straight-barrel shape with target grip portions. They enable a steady release and complement his quick, fluid toss.
Grip and Shape
The grip is moderate, with radial cuts and a balanced center weight. This makes them ideal for stacking in the triple 20 bed, Smith’s strongest scoring area.
Points
Smith prefers standard steel-tip points, although like many pros, he occasionally tests with longer points to assist his darts in resting flatter on the board.
Shafts
Smith relies on medium-length Shot Pro-Grip or comparable polycarbonate shafts that balance stability and speed.
Other Info, Fun Facts, and Extras
- Michael Smith’s nickname, Bully Boy, does not stem from his aggression or the bullseye. But he got his name from his childhood farm job tagging calves.
- Smith’s nine-dart finish versus Van Gerwen in the 2023 World Championship Final was named one of darts history’s greatest moments.
- Smith married Dagmara and has two boys. His family has been a big source of inspiration throughout his career.
- Michael Smith has suffered from arthritis in his throwing hand as well as shoulder ailments. He has overpowered all these problems to rock in the darts world.
- Smith routinely takes part in exhibition matches, local community activities, and grassroots darts development in St. Helens.
