Charlie Manby: Yorkshire’s Rising Darts Star Makes History at Ally Pally

A Breakthrough Debut at Alexandra Palace

Charlie Manby made an Alexandra Palace reception to remember after edging Cameron Menzies 3-2 to secure his place in the second round of the Worlds. The 20-year-old from Huddersfield delivered a dream debut performance at the PDC World Darts Championship, demonstrating composure beyond his years in a deciding-set thriller. Manby held his nerve in a deciding-set epic, twice recovering from a set down to justify his reputation as one of the sport’s most exciting young talents.

Record-Breaking Form Throughout 2025

Manby was the talk of darts when the Yorkshire slinger threw just 47 darts, racking up a staggering 130.70 average on the Winmau Development Tour in February. It was the best in the tour’s history, obliterating reigning world champion and good friend Luke Littler’s record of 115.22. This remarkable achievement catapulted him into the spotlight and marked him as a player to watch.

Manby responded to setbacks by winning a PDC Development Tour title at event 16 in September 2025, emerging from a 278-player field to secure the title, including victories over Jamai van den Herik, Beau Greaves and Owen Bates. Manby’s breakout year also earned him an invite to the Modus Super Series, where he won the finale to claim the £25,000 top prize.

Continued Success at the World Championships

Following his memorable first-round victory, Manby cruised into the last 32 of the World Darts Championship with a dominant 3-0 victory over Adam Sevada, with the victory guaranteeing Manby at least £32,000 in prize money from his first World Championship. A bricklayer by trade, Manby works for a construction company in his native Huddersfield.

The Road Ahead

Manby qualified for the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship via the 2025 Development Tour Order of Merit. Known by his nickname ‘Champagne Charlie’, the Yorkshire ace represents the exciting future of professional darts. His performances at Alexandra Palace have confirmed that the sport’s next generation of stars is ready to challenge the established order. With his blend of natural talent, determination, and breakthrough performances throughout 2025, Charlie Manby has firmly established himself as one of darts’ most promising prospects.