Top 5 Walk-Ons from Round 1 of the PDC World Darts Championship - 180UK.com
Darts News PDC World Championships Sarah Leaver

Top 5 Walk-Ons from Round 1 of the PDC World Darts Championship

17 December 2025
Tom Sansom

By Sarah Leaver

Nothing beats a good sing-along as a darts hero walks up to the oche. These five starts from the opening round of the PDC World Darts Championship nailed their pre-match anthem of choice, as we’ve summarised the top five walk-ons from the opening assortment of Ally Pally entrances.

Ricky Evans – Merry Christmas Everyone:

Starting off strong with the Ally Pally’s own Father Christmas, Ricky Evans walked into his first-round clash against Man Lok Leung donning a shirt featuring himself as Santa Claus and snowflake trousers, complete with a Christmas tree hat and glasses.

The 35-year-old entered to the tune of Shakin’ Stevens’ Merry Christmas Everyone, a song which immediately inspired the crowd to sing along with Evans, egging him on to the stage.

Despite his Christmassy attire, Rapid Ricky has revealed that he “hates” Christmas, saying: “I’m a right Scrooge. I only like Christmas now if I’m still in the World Championship!” and declaring that “gravy is the devil” following his win over the Hong Kongese.

Although he claims to dislike Christmas, Evans’ World Darts Championship walk-on is a sure sign for fans that the festive season has begun.

Simon Whitlock – Down Under:

The only non-English player on this list Simon Whitlock has claimed quite possibly the most Australian song known to man: Down Under by Men at Work. As soon as the Aussie’s name is read out, the rock’ band’s voices are immediately drowned out by supporters in the Palace.

Considering that Australia is on the other side of the planet, Whitlock has a hefty support when playing in the UK, with fans scattered throughout the arena wearing cork hats, Australian cricket kits and holding inflatable kangaroos.

Stephen Bunting – Titanium:

As soon as David Guetta’s Titanium starts playing, you just know it’s time for the self-proclaimed “People’s Champion” Stephen Bunting. The world number four has one of the most recognisable walk-on songs in darts at the minute, and it always kick-starts a party.

One Sia starts singing, the noise is deafening from the fans – and “The Bullet” loves it, often holding his hand to his ear or gesturing to the crowd to hype them up, and then basking in the admiration.

Joe Cullen – Don’t Look Back in Anger:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bil95eb8slc

Joe Cullen has had his fair share of walk-on songs, previously using Gala’s Freed from Desire before turning to the Oasis hit. The song is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, and it works really well to get the fans on Cullen’s side.

The song is sung long after the music has stopped, and fans often start their own Oasis karaoke sessions during the match too, especially when “The Rockstar” is ahead.


Ross Smith – Red Light Spells Danger:

Billy Ocean’s Red Light Spells Danger is a real feel-good anthem for a feel-good player. Ross Smith’s work ethic and steady rise to the top have made him a fan-favourite in recent years.

The walk-on doesn’t always reflect the performance though, with its latest outing being paired with a defeat to World Championship debutant Andreas Harrysson in the first round of the 2026 competition.

AS IT HAPPENS: 2025/26 PDC WORLD DARTS CHAMPIONSHIPS

EDITORS PICKS