Matthew Dennant: Walsall Darts Player Fulfils Childhood Dream at World Championship

Introduction: A Dream Realised at Alexandra Palace

Matt Dennant, from Bloxwich in Walsall, faced Dutchman Kevin Doets in the first round at Alexandra Palace on Friday, marking a significant milestone in his professional darts career. After playing darts since the age of 10, the 34-year-old professional finally achieved what he described as a ‘childhood dream’ by making his debut at the prestigious PDC World Darts Championship. This appearance represents the culmination of nearly 15 years of dedication to the sport at professional level.

The Match: Dennant’s Championship Debut

Despite the excitement surrounding his debut, Kevin Doets beat Matthew Dennant 3-1 in Friday’s opening match of the day. Doets averaged more than 92 but Dennant battled hard to remain in the contest, winning two legs in both the third and fourth sets. The match showcased Dennant’s resilience, though the experienced Dutchman’s quality ultimately proved decisive. Dennant struck first, breaking Doets in the fifth leg to take the opener, demonstrating he belonged on the world stage.

Background: The Journey to World Championship Glory

The Walsall darts sensation made his PDC Tour comeback in 2025 after a two-year hiatus and claimed a major scalp when he beat four-time World Championship winner Raymond van Barneveld in April. Dennant has a practice room set up at his father’s pub, The Kings Head in Blakenall Heath, where he hones his skills regularly. Known by his nickname ‘The Scholar’, Matthew Dennant is a professional darts player and 5 times tournament winner.

Conclusion: Significance and Future Prospects

While the result wasn’t what Dennant hoped for, his World Championship debut represents a remarkable achievement for the Walsall player. His appearance at Alexandra Palace, watched by millions globally, validates years of perseverance on the PDC circuit. For aspiring darts players across the West Midlands and beyond, Dennant’s journey from practising in his father’s pub to competing on darts’ biggest stage demonstrates that dedication and resilience can lead to extraordinary opportunities. His 2025 comeback season, including that memorable victory over Raymond van Barneveld, suggests that this World Championship debut may be just the beginning of more prestigious tournament appearances for ‘The Scholar’.