Quick Read
- David Munyua became the first Kenyan to win at Alexandra Palace, defeating Mike De Decker in a dramatic comeback.
- The notorious Ally Pally wasp, a fixture of darts folklore, appeared to be killed by Munyua during his match.
- Raymond van Barneveld hinted at retirement after a heavy first-round defeat to Stefan Bellmont.
- Crowd behavior stirred debate, with some players criticizing booing and whistling.
- 128 players entered the first round this year, reflecting the tournament’s expanding global reach.
History Made: Munyua’s Shock Win and the End of the Ally Pally Wasp
On December 18th, 2025, Alexandra Palace—known affectionately as ‘Ally Pally’—once again became the epicenter of darting drama. It wasn’t just the arrows flying or the roars of the crowd that caught attention. This year, the World Darts Championship delivered a spectacle that blurred the lines between sport and folklore.
Kenyan debutant David Munyua carved his name into darts history with a comeback victory over Belgium’s Mike De Decker, becoming the first Kenyan to win at the iconic venue (PDC.tv). But it wasn’t only his darts that made headlines. During his match, the notorious Ally Pally wasp—an insect infamous for interrupting players for years—landed on Munyua’s face. In a moment that had the crowd gasping, Munyua appeared to kill the wasp and tuck it into his pocket (Daily Mail). Alexandra Palace erupted. The wasp, a small but persistent symbol of the venue’s quirks, had met its match. For years, players—from Ross Smith to Gabriel Clemens—had endured its distractions, with tales ranging from bites to mid-flight collisions with darts. The Palace’s woodland setting and historic architecture had always made it a haven for these airborne gatecrashers.
Legendary Careers at a Crossroads
While Munyua celebrated, other giants faced hard truths. Raymond van Barneveld—a five-time world champion—suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat to Stefan Bellmont, hinting that retirement could be near (Sky Sports). “No one wants to suffer every week. This one hurts,” he admitted after the loss. His struggles mirrored the unforgiving nature of top-tier darts, where legends are only as good as their last performance.
Michael van Gerwen, one of the sport’s most decorated players, reignited his rivalry with young sensation Luke Littler. Despite losing to Littler in last year’s final, van Gerwen insisted he remained the player most feared on the circuit. “If Littler says otherwise, he’s lying,” van Gerwen asserted, staking his claim as darts’ dominant force (Express).
Crowd Energy: Celebration and Controversy
Ally Pally’s crowd is renowned for its passion—and, sometimes, its rowdiness. During Munyua’s win, the crowd’s reaction bordered on euphoria, but not all players felt the love. Mike De Decker criticized the audience’s booing and whistling on social media, highlighting the double standards between UK and European venues. The debate about sportsmanship and crowd behavior is as old as the championship itself, but in 2025, social media amplified every slight.
Fans also enjoyed lighter moments. Former England striker Peter Crouch made an appearance on the big screen, drawing cheers and waves from the stands. In another quirky incident, Jurjen van der Velde sprayed anti-wasp spray during his walk-on—a tongue-in-cheek nod to the insect that had become a darting meme. Organizers, however, were less amused by the stunt, underlining the tension between spectacle and decorum.
Global Stage: New Heroes and Rising Stars
The Championship’s expanded format saw 128 players enter the first round, with no byes for seeded stars (Radio Times). The international flavor was unmistakable. Motomu Sakai, a Japanese debutant, stunned Thibault Tricole with a 3-0 victory and a 148 checkout. Sakai’s energetic walk-on and underdog triumph made him an instant fan favorite, proof that Ally Pally’s magic isn’t reserved for established names.
Ryan Joyce and Callan Rydz also advanced with clinical performances, showing that consistency is as vital as flair. Joyce, in particular, impressed with a 64% double success rate—numbers that signal intent for the rounds ahead (PDC.tv).
Order of Play and What’s Next
The Thursday schedule was packed, with matches running from early afternoon into late evening. Jermaine Wattimena survived a tense five-set battle against Dominik Gruellich, while Dave Chisnall swept aside Fallon Sherrock in straight sets. Michael van Gerwen took to the stage against Mitsuhiko Tatsunami, beginning his 20th world title campaign at age 36.
Fans can catch all the action live on Sky Sports Darts, with options to stream via Sky Go and NOW. As the tournament rolls on, the blend of global talent, unpredictable drama, and the ever-present Ally Pally energy ensures every session is must-see TV (Radio Times).
The Ally Pally Wasp: More Than a Pest
For years, the Ally Pally wasp was more than just a nuisance—it was a character in darts’ grand narrative. Its appearances became legendary: biting Ross Smith, buzzing players mid-throw, even being struck by a dart in flight. The Palace’s unique environment—surrounded by woods and riddled with historic nooks—gave the wasp its home. Players adapted, joked, and endured.
In 2025, Munyua’s decisive action may have closed the book on the wasp’s reign. But its legacy, like so many quirks of the sport, lives on in the stories fans will retell for years.
Conclusion: Sport, Spectacle, and the Soul of Ally Pally
The 2025/26 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace was about more than winning or losing. It was a celebration of resilience—of Munyua’s comeback, van Barneveld’s reflection, and van Gerwen’s bravado. It was a stage where legends faltered, newcomers dazzled, and even a wasp could become part of sporting lore. For players and fans alike, Ally Pally remains a place where anything can happen—and often does.
As the tournament moves forward, the events at Ally Pally remind us that sport’s true magic lies in its unpredictability. Whether it’s a historic debut, a career crossroads, or the demise of an infamous insect, this championship has proven again why Alexandra Palace is the heart of darts—and why its stories are never just about the scores.