On March 27, 2025, the atmosphere in Newcastle's Utilita Arena was electric as local hero Chris Dobey prepared to face world number one Luke Humphries in the quarter-finals of the Premier League Darts. This was no ordinary match for Dobey, a lifelong Newcastle United fan, who had the chance to perform in front of his home crowd, adding an extra layer of excitement to the occasion.
Dobey, who has been following Newcastle United since he was a child, was on a high after witnessing his beloved team win the Carabao Cup just days earlier. "To be there [at Wembley] to finally see them win something, and to do it with your family and friends, it was just brilliant," he shared with the Northern Echo. The victory over Liverpool had reignited his passion, and he was eager to channel that energy into his performance on the darts stage.
As the clock struck 7 PM, the sold-out crowd awaited Dobey's entrance, which would feature a change in his traditional walk-on song. Known for his usual choice of PJ & Duncan's "Let's Get Ready to Rhumble," Dobey announced he would instead walk out to the iconic "Local Hero," a song that resonates deeply with the North East community. "Of course there will be a change. It is obvious it is going to be Local Hero. It is a massive song in the North East and it gives me that little bit extra than normal, especially being in Newcastle too. So I am really looking forward to seeing what happens," he explained.
Despite sitting in seventh place in the Premier League standings with just five points, Dobey remained optimistic about his chances. He expressed that it would be "unbelievable" to secure his first nightly win of the season in front of his home supporters. "It’s going to be a tough task, but it is one I am ready for. If I can play my game, then I can certainly do it with the best of them," he stated, showcasing his determination.
Last weekend, Dobey had showcased his skills on the Euro Tour, reaching the last 32 of the German Open before falling to Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena. Although he averaged over 101 in that match, Wattimena's average of 111 was a record for him. Reflecting on the match, Dobey said, "It does seem to be Jermaine every time! I think in his last game he had 107 against us, but he is a great player. I know I am playing well. It is going to take a good game to beat us when I play in that kind of form."
As Dobey prepared to take the stage, he was buoyed by the support of his family and friends, many of whom had traveled to cheer him on. He recalled the pressure he faced during previous home matches, noting, "I remember playing a couple of years ago against Michael Smith [at Newcastle]. That was the first time I’d won in so many weeks and I put so much pressure on myself. I managed to get the win but I lost the next game because it took so much out of me. I’m just going to go up there and enjoy it."
In a heartwarming moment, Dobey received a FaceTime call from several Newcastle United players, including Sean Longstaff and Nick Pope, while he was in Cardiff preparing for the Premier League. "It's really good to have their support," he remarked, reflecting on the strong connection he feels with his football club.
Tonight’s match was not just a personal milestone for Dobey; it also marked the culmination of a significant initiative, "Darts on Your Doorstep," launched by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in partnership with Smart Energy GB. The program aims to enhance grassroots darts venues across the country, and Dobey expressed pride in representing the North East at the launch event held at the Northern Social Club in Ashington just the night before. "I have shown my interest in local darts ever since I first picked a dart up, and to be here at the Northern Social Club in Ashington for Darts on Your Doorstep, which the PDC and the community have put on in partnership with Smart Energy GB, is amazing," he stated.
As the match unfolded, Dobey's performance was a testament to his preparation and resolve. He began strong, taking the lead with a 140 score that put him in a position to break Humphries' throw. With the crowd roaring in support, he leveled the match at 4-4 with a precise 13 and a double 16. The tension in the arena was palpable as Dobey, who started with the throw, prepared to capitalize on his momentum, knowing he would have the opportunity to throw for two of the last three legs if the match reached that point.
As fans rallied behind him, chanting and cheering, Dobey reflected on the importance of community support in his journey. "I just want to go out and enjoy it and put yourself in the mix to try and make that playoffs. Give yourself a chance on the last night. I think that'll be a good campaign," he said, looking ahead to the rest of the season.
With the Premier League Darts having arrived in Newcastle, the stakes were high, and the atmosphere was electric. Dobey's journey from local fan to competitor in front of his home crowd was a story of dreams coming true, and as he took to the stage, he embodied the spirit of the North East. The night promised to be one for the ages, with Dobey aiming to prove that he could hang with the best while making his home crowd proud.
As the match continued, fans held their breath, knowing that every dart thrown could change the outcome. Would Dobey secure his first win of the season, or would Humphries' experience prevail? The excitement was palpable, and the night was still young.
