Ricky Evans: The Lightning-Fast Showman of Darts Returns to Ally Pally

Ricky Evans: The Man Behind the Moniker ‘Rapid’

In the world of professional darts, where precision and nerves define champions, Ricky Evans has carved a niche for himself with something entirely different: speed. Known universally as ‘Rapid’, Evans has become a sensation not just for his accuracy but for his ability to unleash a three-dart maximum in less than three seconds. It’s a spectacle that both delights fans and occasionally baffles broadcast crews, whose cameras sometimes struggle to keep up.

Evans’ journey began in Kettering, Northamptonshire, where he was born on July 29, 1990. Picking up darts at just ten years old, he quickly developed a style that would later become his trademark. By the time he entered the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuit, his fast-paced approach was already drawing attention. In 2013, he earned his professional tour card, officially joining the ranks of the sport’s elite.

Signature Style: Entertainment Meets Athleticism

What truly sets Evans apart isn’t just his rapid-fire accuracy, but the sense of showmanship he brings to the oche. His walk-on music, most famously the Village People’s ‘YMCA’, turns his entrance into a mini-event, with crowds often singing and dancing along. Around Christmas, he switches things up, opting for ‘Merry Christmas Everyone’ by Shakin’ Stevens and sporting a festive-themed shirt. These touches have made him a fan favorite, especially during the year-end World Darts Championship at the Alexandra Palace, affectionately known as Ally Pally.

This blend of skill and personality has made Evans a must-watch player. Fans don’t just come to see if he can win; they come for the energy and unpredictability he injects into every match. His style challenges the very rhythm of the game, sometimes even pushing the limits of TV coverage. “It’s like trying to follow a Formula 1 car with a bicycle,” one commentator quipped, highlighting just how unique Evans’ presence is in the sport.

Achievements on the Oche: From Youth Star to Major Contender

Evans’ career is more than just entertainment—he has the credentials to back up his reputation. His standout performance came at the 2024 UK Open, where he battled through a series of high-ranked opponents to reach the semi-finals. It was a career-best showing in a major tournament, underlining that his speed is paired with real competitive grit. Over his tenure, he’s reached six PDC Pro Tour finals and twice captured titles on the PDC Development Tour during his youth career. In 2013, he was runner-up at the PDC World Youth Championship, signaling early that he was one to watch.

His consistency has kept him on the professional tour for over a decade. Evans is sponsored by Bull’s Darts, and he plays with 19-gram signature darts—a nod to his preference for light, responsive equipment that matches his fast style. These details matter in a sport where the smallest variation can mean the difference between victory and defeat.

Festive Spirit and Fan Connection

Evans’ connection with fans goes beyond his darts. Each December, as the World Darts Championship rolls around, he leans into the holiday spirit. Donning a Christmas-themed shirt and switching up his walk-on music, he brings a dose of joy and color to the stage. For many, he represents the lighter, more playful side of professional sport—a reminder that competition can be exhilarating without losing its sense of fun.

His playful nature and crowd engagement have turned him into something of a cult hero. The anticipation surrounding his matches isn’t just about the result, but about the spectacle. Will he break his own speed record? What song will he choose this year? It’s this blend of unpredictability and reliability that makes Evans such a compelling figure in the darts world.

As he faces Man Lok Leung in the opening round of the 2025 World Darts Championship, the question isn’t just whether he can progress through the tournament, but how he’ll continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible—and entertaining—on the oche.

Ricky Evans’ enduring appeal comes from more than just his speed; it’s his ability to connect with audiences and inject fresh energy into a centuries-old sport. In an era where personality and performance go hand in hand, Evans reminds us that sometimes, the most memorable competitors are those who play not just to win, but to entertain. His presence at Ally Pally is a testament to how individuality and tradition can coexist, creating moments that transcend the scoreboard.