David Davies, a 40-year-old NHS area manager from Denbigh, Wales, has become the talk of the darts world after a commanding debut performance at the World Darts Championship. On December 14, 2025, Davies stunned the Alexandra Palace crowd with a straight-sets 3-0 victory over Belgium's Mario Vandenbogaerde, dropping just four legs in the process. The win not only marked a dream start to his World Championship journey but also set up a tantalizing second-round clash against none other than world number one Luke Littler.
For Davies, the road to the Palace has been anything but conventional. Balancing a demanding career in the NHS with his passion for darts, he managed to qualify for the World Championship through the fiercely contested UK & Ireland qualifying tournament at the start of November 2025. Until now, Davies' only previous experience at the iconic venue had been as a fan—this time, he took to the stage and made it count.
"I've got minimal annual leave left - but I'm sure if I take unpaid leave the £25,000 will come in handy!" Davies quipped after his victory, according to BBC Sport. That £25,000 payday is guaranteed for all players who reach the second round, a sum that could make a real difference for someone juggling work and elite sport. With the next round looming, Davies' first priority is a practical one: sorting out time off from his day job.
The win over Vandenbogaerde was not just a personal milestone; it was a statement. Davies threw three 180s and posted an average of 86.50, showing composure and class under pressure. The performance drew admiration from fans and commentators alike, especially considering Davies does not even hold a professional tour card. "There's no games easy here, we're all here because we deserve to be," he told reporters. "But Luke on the other hand, he's a different breed, isn't he? He's blown the sport to a different dimension."
Indeed, Luke Littler's rise has been nothing short of meteoric. At just 18 years old, the Warrington native has taken the darts world by storm over the past twelve months. Littler's trophy haul in 2025 alone includes the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, UK Open, Grand Slam, and, of course, the World Championship. His combination of youthful swagger and clinical finishing has made him a household name and the favorite for every tournament he enters. Facing Littler is a daunting prospect for any player, let alone a relative newcomer to the professional circuit.
Davies, however, is relishing the underdog role. "I'm going to be the underdog in every single game I play. I haven't got a tour card and people say this, that and the other, but I deserve to be here. I've won my first game and now Luke's next. I'll try my best and see what happens," he said, echoing the fighting spirit that has endeared him to fans back home. For Davies, the journey to Alexandra Palace has already been a victory of sorts—a testament to perseverance and belief.
The question now is whether this remarkable run might prompt a career change. The prospect of going full-time in darts is suddenly on the table, thanks in no small part to the £25,000 prize money and the exposure from the world stage. Davies admits the decision is weighing on him. "I'm not going to get ahead of myself," he said. "The money is obviously massive because I haven't got any massive backing. I've got a full-time job... do I take the plunge and go full-time in darts? I don't know yet. I want to provide for people, that's why I joined the NHS. So it's a really difficult decision to make, but then it's also about self-belief on how far I can go. But my main priority right now is the World Championship, and then I'll make that decision in January."
His story resonates with so many who juggle work and sporting dreams. The NHS, where Davies serves as an area manager, is a world away from the glitz and pressure of the darts stage. Yet, his commitment to both professions is clear. "I want to provide for people, that's why I joined the NHS," he reflected, underlining the sense of duty that makes his journey all the more compelling.
As the second round approaches, the anticipation is building. The clash with Littler is scheduled for Sunday, December 21, 2025, and it's already being billed as a classic David versus Goliath encounter. Littler, with his dazzling form and hunger for more titles, will be a heavy favorite. But Davies, buoyed by his debut win and the support of fans who love an underdog, is not to be counted out. After all, in darts, momentum and belief can carry a player a long way.
Fans and pundits alike are eager to see how Davies will fare against Littler's relentless scoring and icy nerves. Can the Welshman conjure another upset, or will Littler's dominance continue unchecked? One thing's for sure: Davies has already made his mark, and his story highlights the human side of a sport often defined by numbers and finishes.
Whatever happens in the next round, Davies' journey has inspired many. His blend of humility, humor, and grit has made him a crowd favorite and a symbol of what can be achieved with hard work and self-belief. As he prepares for the biggest match of his life, the darts world will be watching closely—not just to see if he can topple the world champion, but to witness the next chapter in a remarkable sporting story.
With the action set to continue at Alexandra Palace, all eyes are on Davies and Littler. Whether or not the NHS manager from Denbigh decides to go professional, his World Championship adventure has already captured the imagination. The next few days promise high drama and, perhaps, another surprise or two. Stay tuned as the story unfolds.
