Christian Kist made headlines at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship by executing a stunning nine-darter during his first-round match against Latvia's Madars Razma. Kist's perfect leg, achieved with back-to-back 180s and finishing with a treble 20, treble 19, and double 12, not only thrilled the packed Alexandra Palace crowd but also secured him £60,000, significantly more than even advancing to the quarter-finals would have earned him.
The achievement stands as the 15th nine-dart finish recorded in PDC World Championship history, and it came after last year’s memorable moment when Michael Smith unveiled the perfect leg during the tournament final. Even as the joy of the nine-darter reverberated throughout the venue, Kist unfortunately moved on from the match with disappointment as he lost to Razma with a final score of 3-1.
Commenting on his remarkable finish, Kist expressed, "Hitting the double 12 felt amazing. It was a lovely moment for everyone and I hope Kris enjoys the money. Maybe I will go on vacation next month" (Reported by BBC). His moment of glory, coupled with the dramatic atmosphere of the tournament, suggested the evening would mark one to be remembered.
Notably, the title sponsor, Paddy Power, also allocated £60,000 to Prostate Cancer UK, as well as awarding the same sum to one lucky fan. "This perfect leg of darts means Christian has etched his name in the darting history books – but he’s also helped raise an incredible £60,000," noted Laura Kerby, the chief executive of Prostate Cancer UK, highlighting the broader impact of Kist’s performance beyond just sporting achievement.
While Kist ignited excitement among darts fans, Razma's persistence showed remarkable mental strength. After dropping the first set to Kist’s dazzling shot, Razma managed to regroup and clinch three sets, winning nine of the next thirteen legs, showing his determination and skill. The matchup illustrated the fluctuable nature of competition where one moment can shift the outcome.
Earlier in the evening, another significant match featured Nathan Aspinall, the 12th seed, who fought through challenges against American player Leonard Gates, securing his own victory at 3-1. This match was particularly significant for Aspinall as he had faced struggles throughout the year, failing to reach quarter-finals of major tournaments.
Losing to Ricky Evans the previous year crushed him, but this win marked his redemption arc, securing his place firmly within the tournament. Aspinall reflected on his performance with relief, noting how imperative it was for him to start this tournament strongly.
The night also saw Paolo Nebrida triumph over Jim Williams with a subsequent match-deciding leg wherein Nebrida triumphed after Williams squandered five match darts, adding to the evening's unexpected turns.
Evans, matching the excitement, edged past Gordon Mathers with a 3-2 score, anchoring his own victory on the back of strategic play, including nailing a 109 checkout at one pivotal moment. These games highlighted both the intensity of the competition and the individual narratives playing out within the championship.
With all eyes on the matches being broadcast live on Sky Sports and through other providers globally, excitement continued to build for the rest of the tournament, as fans anticipated who might make it to the coveted final rounds.
This year’s championship has already proven to be historic not just for Kist, but for all players as they engage with the legacy of the sport and the impact it can have beyond the oche.
With more qualifying matches scheduled, the stage is set for drama, excitement, and perhaps even more perfect legs as the PDC World Darts Championship continues through the holiday season.
