Darts World Champions: Unusual Hobbies & Life Beyond the Oche

Professional darts is heavily broadcast, so we all know the ups and downs of Phil Taylor, Luke Littler and other players. But what do Darts World Champions do when they step away from the oche? Some go on to achieve business success, others play poker and golf, collect expensive items, or find comfort in spending time with family.

Sometimes, hobbies of the best dart players are far removed from their professional interests – and it's truly fascinating to explore them. Discover the predicted and unexpected passions of Premier League Darts 2026 stars and not only.

 

Phil Taylor – Active Retiree & Sports Bettor

A 16-time World Darts Champion, Phil "The Power" Taylor, was never just about the darts. But the guy played everything smart: he poured his winnings into a solid real estate portfolio while crushing opponents. Now retired, Phil is not sitting around – he's got the bankroll to enjoy his hobbies, and the list is quite long. It just goes to show there is more to the darts legend than hitting double tops.

 

Key Interests of Phil Taylor

• Fishing and golf help The Power recharge – he's often spotted by tranquil lakes or out on the green.

• Betting on sports also plays a role in his life. Taylor has openly admitted that the rush of wagering runs through his veins, and fans often read headlines about him placing cheeky bets. One of the recent gambles was betting on a League One team (Port Vale) to shock Chelsea in the FA CUP (quarter finals).

• Phil has a non-surprising love for collecting memorabilia and trophies. The Power dominated the darts scene for decades, and this avocation both reminds him of his achievements and proves everything was real.

 

Michael van Gerwen – A Promising Poker Player

Michael van Gerwen, known for his aggressive and high-energy play, has won every major PDC event. Among the titles of big Mighty Mike are 3 World Championships and 6 Premier League crowns – bloody phenomenal results. Those are just two examples, and it seems that if there was anything else to win in darts, he would get it easily. Still, as we're talking about passion beyond professional career, van Gerwen has to show off more than just his exceptional finishing skills on the dartboard.

 

Mighty Mike's Hobbies

When he is not holding darts, the Dutch darts pro dabbles in highly competitive poker games. To relax. Though today's online poker sites offer plenty of action, fast withdrawals and generous bonuses in a safe and secure environment, Michael prefers live performance.

The guy has often been spotted at the World Series of Poker tables and only missed the WSOP Main Event 2025 because of a darts tournament. In an interview, Mike once said he grew up loving card games, which explains his attachment to poker. But van Gerwen does not play so much for the thrill of gambling, but for the competitive spirit he is accustomed to.

Michael is also striving for another victory, this time over his own body. Impressive 20kg weight loss last year, right before the PDC World Darts Championship, shocked fans. The stressful period and a new vision of his life led him to a paddle court. Mighty Mike is no gym enthusiast, as he explained, cardio workouts with a racquet work best for him. He also pays close attention to his diet, and this has now become the core of the guy's daily routine.

 

Peter Wright – Chicken Farmer & Trophy Hoarder

Peter Wright, known not only for his vibrant costumes and mohawks but also for winning the World Champion title twice, is a prominent figure in the darts world. Man Cave is actually one of the brightest representatives of PDC tournaments and, on top of that, quite successful. He creates even more excitement around himself by frequently changing his set of darts, sometimes even in the middle of a match. Red Dragon Snakebite has become another one of his unique ways of self-expression.

 

What Does Man Cave Enjoy?

When the dart counter switches off, Wright tends to his countryside home, where chickens and cats live their best life. His family is his foundation. His wife, who also acts as his personal stylist, is responsible for Peter's extravagant looks. Another passion is his personal "Man Cave" – a pub-style retreat filled with trophies and memorabilia that reflects both his career and personality.

 

Luke Littler – The Teenage Millionaire

Teenage passions can turn profitable, and you will hardly find a better example than young Luke Littler. Jumping ahead, Luke has secured contracts with Xbox, Target Darts, Boohoo Man, and these collaborations have turned the guy into a millionaire.

The Nuke, this name is already featured in dart-wise history books – all because of his remarkable achievements at just 19!. Despite his young age and love for kebabs, which fans find amusing, Littler is a dangerous competitor. He is a real weapon himself when stepping on the oche.

The Darts World Championship 2026 winner brilliantly demonstrates how a hobby can become the foundation for becoming a phenomenon, a legend, and an idol for the youth. His personality and lifestyle make the Englishman so special to the public.

 

The Nuke's Interests

Luke is very different from his older colleagues. Outside of darts, his passions revolve around Xbox gaming – FIFA and Call of Duty, and he even streams his gaming sessions. Littler is also very active on social media: every TikTok and Instagram video goes viral among young audiences.

Among The Nuke's unusual hobbies is collecting rare cards and trading them. The darts pro indeed enjoys collecting football as well as rare Pokémon cards. What might seem like a simple hobby has become a source of income for Luke. He knows how to relax actively, embrace new things, and at the same time, monetize almost everything he does. A great example and inspiration for the youth demographic.

 

Final Thoughts

Finding a balance between professional growth and hobbies isn't that difficult. Taylor, van Gerwen, Wright and Littler prove through their examples that investing in avocations is just as important as focusing on work. Over time, such investments can yield substantial benefits and simply bring colour to life beyond the oche. It could become a business, a peaceful haven that provides strength, or even give new meaning to sporting achievements.

As for how the Premier League Darts 2026 will unfold, we'll find out very soon. Currently, Jonny Clayton leads the table, with the young talent The Nuke breathing down his neck in second place. Mighty Mike sits fourth.