David Davies Claims Career-Defining Red Dragon Champion of Champions Title
David Davies Claims Career-Defining Red Dragon Champion of Champions Title
David Davies says he has experienced “the best day of my life” after capturing the 2025 Red Dragon Champion of Champions crown, producing the performance of his career in one of the sport’s most testing formats.
The Welshman came through a 256-player knockout field at the Cardiff International Arena, conquering a tournament renowned for its unforgiving structure that mirrors the legendary News of the World competition of decades past. The single-leg, winner-takes-all nature of the event has long been seen as the ultimate test of nerve and consistency, and Davies rose to the challenge in style.
A step above Challenge Tour success
Having already tasted victory on the PDC Challenge Tour earlier in the year, Davies admitted that this triumph sits in a class of its own.
“It’s probably the best day of my life,” he said. “This does top the Challenge Tour. It’s such a brutal format. I just kept ticking along, ticking along, but it was hot up there, a different atmosphere. But I got over the line, and here we are—holding the trophy I love.”
While Challenge Tour victories showcase ability over the course of a day, the Champion of Champions provides a different mental and physical test, with every leg played under intense pressure. For Davies, mastering that environment proved the most rewarding moment of his career so far.
Following in famous footsteps
The prestige of the Champion of Champions is highlighted by the calibre of past winners. Ryan Searle, Jonny Clayton, and Gerwyn Price have all lifted the title before going on to establish themselves among darts’ elite. Now Davies’ name will be inscribed on the trophy alongside theirs, something he admits still feels surreal.
“When you see those names on the trophy and the type of players they are, what they’ve done and what they’re doing—it’s unbelievable. I had a picture with the trophy beforehand and thought, ‘I really want that trophy.’ To now have my name alongside them—it’s easily the best thing I’ve ever done.”
David Davies Claims Career-Defining Red Dragon Champion of Champions Title
Davies’ road to glory was not without drama. In the final, he missed a match dart at 80, handing his opponent an opportunity to snatch victory. In that moment, he admits doubts crept in.
“Don’t throw a one, don’t throw a one—that’s all I was thinking. A thousand thoughts go through your head—do you play safe or attack it? I thought, just attack it, you’re playing well. Then it went in the one and Lehman had 84 left. I was waiting for that thud of the dart and him running off, thinking I don’t want to hear this right now. But to be fair, double 10 has been my friend over the last few weeks. It went in—and here I am, champion.”
That decisive dart sealed his place in the tournament’s history, sparking emotional celebrations as he lifted the trophy in front of an appreciative crowd.
Life-changing prize
The £10,000 winner’s cheque provides not only validation for his efforts but also a significant boost for Davies, who continues to juggle darts with a full-time job.
“It’s all the hard work I’ve put in. My family supporting me—that’s massive. They just let me go and play darts, throw freely. And let’s not forget the money—it’s massive. Yes, I’ve got a full-time job and I do this on the side, but £10,000 is absolutely huge. Who knows where this can take me from here?”
Eyes on the future
Despite the triumph, Davies insists he will not let the victory change his long-term mindset or ambitions.
“For me, it just shows that players know who I am now. It doesn’t change my mentality, like, oh I’m going to win a Tour Card because I’ve won this. My mentality stays the same. But it does put a slight target on my back—it puts my name in people’s mouths. So, watch out.”
He also sent a warning to rivals that this may only be the beginning.
“I know I’ve got more in the tank—and that’s what’s frightening. I’ve now won this, and this is the toughest format you can play. When you see the players already on this trophy and now my name is amongst them, I’m hoping I can follow.”
Fairy-tale finish
For now, Davies is savouring the moment, planning to celebrate the biggest win of his career with family and friends.
“We’ll celebrate hard tonight. Walking into the room, I wanted this, I’ve always wanted it. It’s the first time I’ve ever qualified, and I only got in by chance. So it really is a fairy tale. To now hold this trophy, with these names already on it and mine going alongside them, it’s absolutely amazing.”
Davies will need to come through qualifying again if he hopes to defend the title in 2026, with no player yet managing back-to-back victories in the event. But given the way he has announced himself on this stage, few would bet against him making another deep run.
