Champions: The Golden Age of Darts from Priestley to Littler tells the inside story of the sport’s modern revolution through exclusive new interviews with all 13 PDC world champions from 1994 to 2026. Mike Walters charts the remarkable journey from Dennis Priestley’s inaugural triumph, won for £26,000, to Luke Littler’s meteoric rise and the first £1million dart in history. Along the way come the defining eras of Phil Taylor, the pioneering influence of John Part, the seismic impact of Michael van Gerwen, the brilliance of Adrian Lewis and Raymond van Barneveld, and the artistry and resilience of Gary Anderson, Rob Cross, Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price, Michael Smith and Luke Humphries. Blending behind‑the‑scenes insight with vivid storytelling, the book explores the rivalries, pressures, atmospheres and technical evolution that propelled darts into the global arenas. With a foreword by John McDonald and supported by the PDC’s extensive photographic archive, Champions captures the personalities, moments and transformations that built the modern game and shaped the golden age of darts.

• Features exclusive interviews with all 13 PDC world champions from 1994 to 2026, offering unprecedented access to the defining era of modern darts
• Charts the sport’s transformation from its early televised years to a global entertainment phenomenon
• Explores the rise of icons including Phil Taylor, Raymond van Barneveld, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler
• Reveals behind‑the‑scenes insight into rivalries, pressure, technique, psychology and the evolution of the professional circuit
• Includes a foreword by Bobby George and draws on the PDC’s extensive photography archive
• A compelling narrative that captures the personalities, breakthroughs and cultural impact that shaped the golden age of darts
• Publicity campaign planned across radio, print, websites, podcasts and major sporting platforms

"Champions" was written by Mike Walters.

Mike Walters is an award‑winning sportswriter with more than three decades of experience covering major events across the world. A former Fleet Street columnist, he has interviewed many of the biggest names in darts, football and boxing. Mike has followed the rise of the PDC from its earliest years, providing unique access to the players, promoters and personalities who shaped the modern game. Champions brings together his unrivalled knowledge of the sport and his trademark storytelling craft.