Darts at Alexnader Palace is unlike any other sporting event. It’s a carnival of colour, noise, and celebration that perfectly complements the festive season when the World Championships come to town.
Fancy dress costumes fill the crowd, from superheroes to Santa Claus, while the players themselves add to the spectacle with their flamboyant outfits, charismatic personalities, and iconic walk-on songs. The atmosphere is electric, with fans creating moments of magic – from inspiring comebacks to turning the tide for an underdog – making the Worlds a true sporting phenomenon and the most highly-anticipated events on the darts calendar.
This year looks to be one of the tightest tournaments in years, with the odds for Darts World Championship proving increasingly hard to pick, and crowd influence could go some way to deciding who takes home the £500,00 prize.
For the players, the walk-on song for matches is more than just an entrance – it’s a statement, a way to connect with the crowd, and sometimes a bit of psychological warfare.
Some players, like Gerwyn Price, thrive on playing the villain with brash antics like donning ear defenders, while others ride the wave of crowd adoration to victory. In this article, we take a look at some of the best walk-on songs that have lit up the World Darts Championship, showcasing the fun, flair, and passion that make Ally Pally so special.
Stephen Bunting
Stephen Bunting’s decision to change his walk-on song from “Bird is the Word” to “Titanium” has cemented his status as a crowd favourite.
The switch reflects his resilience on the oche, as “Titanium” embodies strength and determination – traits Bunting showcases in his performances, with the scouser admitting a change needed to be made after it began to affect his game.
The song’s anthemic build-up draws the audience in, setting the stage for a show-stopping performance every time he steps out.
Ricardo Pietreczko
Nicknamed “Pikachu,” Ricardo Pietreczko brought pure fun and flair to Ally Pally last year with his Pokémon-themed walk-on.
The moment the iconic theme music hit, the crowd erupted into cheers, celebrating the light-hearted energy the German brought to the stage.
His walk-on was a reminder that darts isn’t just about competition – it’s about entertaining the fans, and Pietreczko’s creativity earned him widespread applause, and even a few punters in the Ally Pally crowd sporting Nintendo-themed fancy dress.
Michael van Gerwen
Few songs get a crowd chanting like “Seven Nation Army,” and Michael van Gerwen’s walk-on is a prime example.
The Dutchman’s name seamlessly replaces the song’s iconic riff as the crowd roars in unison. It’s a spine-tingling moment that sets the tone for Van Gerwen’s dominance on the oche.
The anthem has become synonymous with the three-time world champion, striking fear into opponents as he looks to live up to his 12/1 odds with the darts bets and lift a fourth title.
Gerwyn Price
2021 champion Price thrives on dividing opinion, and his choice of “Ice Ice Baby” as a walk-on song perfectly complements his larger-than-life persona.
The Welshman storms onto the stage with swagger, feeding off the crowd’s energy – whether it’s cheers or jeers. “Ice Ice Baby” is a playful nod to his nickname, “The Iceman,” and its catchy beat ensures that Price’s entrances are always memorable.
Nathan Aspinall
Despite the seeded players, including Nathan Aspinall, struggling in last year’s competition, his walk-on of “Mr Brightside” has become one of the most iconic moments in darts.
Entire arenas erupt into song, belting out the chorus in unison while Aspinall soaks in the atmosphere like a conductor orchestrating his orchestra. The track’s infectious energy and universal appeal have made it a staple of Ally Pally nights.
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