London: Kenya's David Munyua has made history by winning the first round of the 2026 Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace in London. In a stunning debut, Munyua, an underdog, defeated Belgium's Mike De Decker, who is a top 18-ranked player and the reigning World Grand Prix champion, with a score of 3-2.
According to Kenya News Agency, Munyua's victory was marked by a dramatic moment when a rogue wasp landed on his face mid-match. Instead of reacting hastily, Munyua calmly attempted to pocket the insect, earning the crowd's enthusiastic support. Fueled by this unexpected incident, he made a remarkable comeback with a 135-bullseye checkout, leaving De Decker and the audience in disbelief. Munyua's victory secured his place in the tournament's second round, set to begin on December 20th.
The 2026 PDC World Darts Championship is underway at Alexandra Palace, running from December 11, 2025, to January 3, 2026. This year's tournament features a larger field of 128 players, an increase from the previous 96. The expanded field includes the top 40 players from the PDC Order of Merit, 40 from the Pro Tour Order of Merit, and 48 international qualifiers. All players enter the competition at the first-round stage, with 32 seeded players drawn randomly against the remaining 64 qualifiers, enhancing the tournament's competitiveness.
David Munyua, one of the 120 players in the championship, earned his spot by defeating Cameron Carolissen of South Africa in the final round of the African Darts Group Championship qualifier. A veterinarian from Githioro ward in Nyandarua County, Munyua began playing darts in 2022 and quickly rose through the ranks. His journey started in Nairobi in 2023, where he won the qualifiers held from November 10th to 12th, eventually leading to his participation in the PDC World Darts Championship.
Inspired by Peter Wachiuri, who nearly won the African Darts Group Championship qualifier in 2024, Munyua's ambition in darts flourished. This tournament marked his first trip outside Kenya, funded through sponsorships from well-wishers. His victory not only etched his name in history as the first Kenyan to win a match in the PDC World Darts Championship but also served as an inspiration to young Kenyan athletes.
Munyua's celebratory dance, pointing to the Kenyan flag on his t-shirt, moved the crowd at Alexandra Palace. Following his win, Nyandarua County Governor Dr. Kiarie Badilisha expressed his support and congratulations on social media. Munyua's triumph against Mike De Decker earned him a minimum prize of Sh4.3 million, solidifying his status as a promising talent in the international darts scene.
Reflecting on his achievement, Munyua expressed admiration for his hero, Phil Taylor, and acknowledged the significance of playing on such a prestigious platform, describing the match as a pivotal moment in his career.