Bully Boy — PDC World Champion in 2023 after years of agonising near-misses, and the man who produced the highest average in a World Championship final in history — including a nine-dart finish in the deciding set. Michael Smith's aggressive, high-scoring style and raw competitive passion make him one of the most entertaining players on the circuit.
Michael Smith was born in St Helens, Merseyside on 23 September 1990. He turned professional on the PDC circuit in the early 2010s and quickly established himself as a genuine top-16 player, but spent years reaching major finals without winning them — PDC World Championship finalist in 2019, Premier League finalist multiple times, Grand Slam finalist. The near-misses became a talking point. In January 2023 he ended the wait emphatically, winning the PDC World Championship with a final against Michael van Gerwen that included a nine-dart finish in the first leg of the deciding set — the first nine-darter ever thrown in a PDC World Championship final. His match average of 112 was the highest in a World Championship final. Nicknamed Bully Boy for his aggressive on-stage manner and powerful throwing action, Smith is a fan favourite for his passion and his capacity for the spectacular.
PDC World Champion 2023
His nine-dart finish in the 2023 World Championship final — the first ever in that stage of the competition — came in the deciding set against Michael van Gerwen.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- PDC World Champion 2023
- First nine-dart finish in a PDC World Championship final
- Premier League Darts Champion
- Multiple PDC Players Championship titles
- Grand Slam finalist