Joe Cullen threw down the gauntlet at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, delivering one of his finest performances of the year by clinically dispatching Wessel Nijman 3-0 at the iconic Alexandra Palace. This victory not only showcased Cullen's formidable skills but also set him up for an intriguing post-Christmas showdown against the formidable Gerwyn Price.
On paper, the clash was viewed as one of the standout ties of the second round. Cullen entered the match buoyed by his near-miss against Luke Humphries at the same venue the previous year. The stakes were high, with Nijman being one of the most promising young talents and the bookmakers' sixth favorite to lift the world title.
The match opened with Cullen establishing dominance early on, racing to a 2-0 lead. While Nijman managed to get on the board during the third leg, Cullen secured the first set, clinching it with double 16 after holding his throw. His second set began with another impressive finish on double 16 for a 66 checkout, asserting even more pressure on his younger opponent.
Nijman, with averages hovering around the mid-90s, initially looked capable of mounting a comeback, leveling the set after the initial exchanges. Both players held their throw until the set reached its climax. Cullen, opting to throw first, ensured his victory with two legendary 180s to take the second set on double 13.
The third set saw Nijman rise to the occasion, starting strong with a 14-dart hold. Yet, frustration mounted as the Dutchman missed five darts at the outer ring during the second leg, allowing Cullen to maintain his momentum. Seizing the moment, Cullen broke Nijman’s throw and quickly moved within one leg of victory.
With the crowd roaring behind him, Cullen sealed his triumph, demonstrating tactical finesse and unshakeable composure throughout the match. Post-match, Cullen acknowledged his performance and expressed eagerness for the impending clash against Price, noting, “This match is exactly what I needed to boost my confidence going forward.”
A player equally known for his electrifying style as for his signature walk-on music “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, Cullen’s remarkable darting career began back when he was just 18. Originally from Bradford, he turned his back on his job as a postman to chase his dreams—an ambition he has pursued with relentless determination.
With his current ranking at No. 23 on the PDC Order of Merit, Cullen’s road to the top hasn’t been devoid of challenges. He faced difficulties during the tumultuous 2024 season, watching his previously steady rise through the ranks stall. Cullen himself expressed concern, saying, “This is the first year I’ve not progressed. Every year, I seem to have sort of progressed and I think this is the first year where I am starting to slip.”
But don’t count Cullen out. His unwavering belief reflects not just his talent but also the dedication he puts forth during training. “I’ve got 100% belief in my ability. I’m as good as anyone on my day,” he affirmed, spotlighting his drive to hit the reset button on his performance for the coming year.
Having played at every PDC World Darts Championship since 2011, Cullen has witnessed the evolution of the game firsthand. His perseverance has led to key victories, including clinching 10 ranking PDC titles and his historic televised triumph at the Masters, where he vanquished Gary Anderson.
Now, as Cullen eyes his next match, the darting community eagerly anticipates how the rest of the Championship will pan out, especially with his equal parts precision and buoyant energy. His unique ability to inspire with each throw cements Cullen as one of the competitors to watch as he surges through the ranks.
