The BDO is an iconic darts federation that laid the foundation for the global (and growing) game that we know and love today.
Unfortunately, once the breakaway division happened in the mid-90’s, the PDC went from strength to strength while the BDO faded in terms of relevance/organisation before eventually folding as a division.
Today, we want to remember some of the iconic players from the BDO – with a twist.
We want to look at the players that never committed to the PDC and instead were strictly synonymous with the BDO.
The likes of Eric Bristow, Phil Taylor, John Lowe and Raymond Van Barneveld are some of the greatest players of all time and are BDO World Champions, however, they also committed to the PDC.
We’re looking at the players who mainly stayed with the BDO.
*Disclaimer – the BDO had some turmoil over the years as mentioned. As a result, most players have at some point played in PDC competitions. This article is remembering the players that played the MAJORITY of their careers with the BDO.
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5) Tony O’Shea
Nickname: “Silverback”
Walk-on Music: “Hey Baby” by DJ Ötzi
Achievements:
- World Darts Championship: Runner-up (2009, 2012, 2013)
- World Masters: Runner-up (2004, 2012)
- WDF World Cup Singles: Champion (2009)
- WDF World Cup Teams/Pairs: Champion (4 times)
Tony O’Shea, affectionately known as “Silverback” due to his stature and silver hair, was a consistent high performer in the BDO for decades.
Feared for his steady throw and high-scoring finishes, he consistently reached the latter stages of BDO tournaments.
However, a touch of bad luck and strong competition often left him as the runner-up.
There have been plenty of nearly men in darts but when it comes to the BDO specifically, O’Shea has to take the title for the biggest nearly man.
He definitely had the potential to play at a high level in the PDC as he reached the Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finals on two separate occasions but just never made a permanent switch as he pursued that Lakeside trophy.
Despite never clinching a major BDO title though, O’Shea remains an icon of Lakeside darts as both a player and later on a commentator.
4) Ted Hankey
Nickname: “The Count”
Walk-on Music: “Be on Your Way” by DJ Zany
Achievements:
- World Darts Championship: Winner (2000, 2009)
- World Masters: Semi-finalist (1997, 2003, 2004)
- Zuiderduin Masters: Runner-up (2004)
Hankey’s persona as “The Count” has made him an iconic figure for many darts fans.
His walk-on music and theatrical entrance, often involving a cape and vampire-themed antics, really made him a character in the game.
Also, who can forget this moment:
Hankey’s passion sometimes boiled over into outbursts though. Often directed at opponents or the crowd, earning him a reputation for “oche rage”.
He was a pantomime villain so sometimes you thought he was playing up to the character but there were definite moments where Hankey lost control.
When looking at the angriest players in darts, Hankey is up there!
Personality aside, he darts definitely did the talking as well.
He has one of the smoothest throws you’ll ever see, even when using just 14g-16g darts.
See also – Ranking the SMOOTHEST throws in darts history
Despite the lightweight darts he was a heavyweight force in the BDO winning 2 x World Championships alongside a runners-up placing.
That has him 7th on the all-time finals list.
Like him or loathe him, Hankey was a proper BDO icon.
3) Andy Fordham
Nickname: “The Viking”
Walk-on Music: “I’m Too Sexy” by Right Said Fred
Achievements:
- World Darts Championship: Winner (2004)
- Winmau World Masters: Winner (1999)
- Finder Masters: Runner-up (2001)
Andy Fordham was a giant in both stature and personality. His booming laugh and friendly demeanour made him a fan favourite, a stark contrast to his imposing nickname.
Despite his size, Fordham’s throwing style was surprisingly elegant.
His victory in the 2004 BDO World Championship, including a dominant win over Mervyn King in the final, remains a memorable upset.
For all his promise, Fordham’s career was sadly marred by health issues.
This was particularly weight problems that stemmed from a pub-owning lifestyle.
It’s documented that Fordham would have 24 bottles of lager before going on stage which would leave many players unconscious, never mind ‘in the zone’.
See also – Can darts players drink alcohol?
He eventually took his health more seriously and went through an incredible weight loss journey before attempting (unsuccessfully) to return to the game.
He would sadly pass away in 2021 but Fordham’s legacy is one of a talented player with a heart of gold.
2) Bobby George
Nickname: The King of Bling, Bobby Dazzler
Walk-on Music: “We Are the Champions” by Queen
Achievements:
- News of the World Darts Championship: Winner (1979, 1986)
- BDO World Championship: Runner-up (1980, 1994)
- European Cup Singles Champion (1982)
Bobby George is a true darts icon, not just in the BDO but in darts full stop.
Famed for his flamboyant walk-on, larger-than-life personality and of course the bling, his overall aura made him a natural for televised darts.
Beyond the showmanship, George was a serious player.
He reached the BDO World Championship final twice, unfortunately never winning it.
He was however a multiple winner of the News of the World Championship which at that time was the BDO equivalent.
Related – Best darts players to never win a World Championship
He’s credited as one of the first full-time exhibition players, helping popularise the sport and is also supposedly the first player to become a millionaire from darts.
See also – 11 highest earning darts players [ranked]
George’s career extended far beyond darts.
He’s a successful businessman, published an autobiography, and transitioned into a popular BBC commentator, keeping him at the forefront of the sport.
While Ted Hankey and Andy Fordham did what George could not (winning the World Championships), the overall impact on the BDO is what makes Bobby George one of the best to ever grace the organisation and the Lakeside.
For that we’ll give him second.
1) Martin Adams
Nickname: “Wolfie”
Walk-on Music: “Hungry Like the Wolf” by Duran Duran
Achievements:
- BDO World Championship: Winner (2007, 2010, 2011)
- World Masters Champion (1998, 2002, 2003)
- WDF World Cup Singles Champion (1993, 1994)
Martin Adams to most is Mr BDO.
One of the longest serving players to ever play in the BDO, he is also one of – if not the – most accomplished.
“Wolfie” is a true champion. It took him 13 years of being a nearly man, but he eventually conquered the BDO World Championship in 2007 and went on to win an impressive three times.
He’s also a three-time World Masters champion, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
Adams served an incredible 20 years as the captain of the England darts team, a testament to his leadership and dedication.
He holds the record for most consecutive BDO World Championship appearances (25), showcasing his remarkable consistency and honestly, his number of titles must be up there with the likes of Taylor and MVG!
Albeit without the PDC aspect.
People questioned whether he had the ability to play in the PDC but if you look at his career accolades and averages, you know he was a top player regardless of federation.
He’s a legend in the BDO, proving that success can be achieved through quiet focus and unwavering determination.
Like we said, it was hard to pick this list outright as all players have dabbled in all divisions to some extent but the above, to us, are BDO through and through.
What did you think of this list? There are definitely some notable mentions we could have included but this feels like a pretty spot-on list to us.
Either way, let us know what you think in the comments below 👇
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