Deconstructing Professional Darts Analytics
In modern professional darts, elite performance is governed by three critical statistical pillars:
3-Dart Average
The total points scored divided by the number of darts thrown, multiplied by three. An average above 100.00 is the benchmark for world-class match performance.
Checkout Percentage
The ratio of successful finishing darts to total attempts at a double or bullseye. Elite tour pros typically operate between 40% and 48% under pressure.
180 Frequency
Maximum scores (treble 20 x 3) per leg. Heavy scorers like Luke Littler and Michael Smith average over 0.35 maximums per leg in championship matchplay.
Top 13 Contenders: Core Performance Metrics
Data compiled across PDC World Championship appearances, major televised tournaments, and verified tour records.
| Player | Tour Rank | Career Average | Major PDC Titles | World Championship Best | Televised 9-Darters |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luke Littler "The Nuke" | World No. 2 Contender | ||||
| Luke Humphries "Cool Hand Luke" | World No. 1 | ||||
| Michael van Gerwen "Mighty Mike / MVG" | World No. 3 | ||||
| Gerwyn Price "The Iceman" | Top 8 Contender | ||||
| Michael Smith "Bully Boy" | Top 8 Contender | ||||
| Peter Wright "Snakebite" | Top 12 Contender | ||||
| Gary Anderson "The Flying Scotsman" | Top 16 Contender | ||||
| Stephen Bunting "The Bullet" | Top 10 Contender | ||||
| Nathan Aspinall "The Asp" | Top 12 Contender | ||||
| Rob Cross "Voltage" | Top 6 Contender | ||||
| Raymond van Barneveld "Barney" | Top 32 Veteran | ||||
| Fallon Sherrock "Queen of the Palace" | PDC Tour Card / Women's Series Top 2 | ||||
| Beau Greaves "Beau 'n' Arrow" | PDC Women's Series No. 1 / WDF World Champion |
Highest Match Averages in World Championship History
The highest individual match averages ever recorded on the Alexandra Palace stage:
Darts Statistics FAQ
What is considered a good 3-dart average in darts?
In local league play, an average between 50 and 65 is standard. On the PDC ProTour, the median match average is approximately 92. At the World Championship, reaching the quarter-finals and beyond generally demands sustained averages of 98 to 105+.
What is the highest match average in darts history?
The highest televised match average in history is 123.40, recorded by Michael van Gerwen against Michael Smith during the 2016 Premier League in Aberdeen. At the World Darts Championship, van Gerwen also holds the record with 114.05 against Raymond van Barneveld in the 2017 semi-final.
Why does a player with a lower average sometimes win the match?
Darts is won on legs and sets, not cumulative points. A player can score heavily but miss multiple double attempts, artificially inflating their opponent's opportunity. Clinical finishing at key moments (e.g. breaking throw with an 80+ checkout) routinely overcomes a scoring deficit.