From shy tire mechanic to number 1 in the world: Peter Wright makes dreams come true | Sport

For the 51-year-old Wright, it was a long road to the top. The Livingston-born Scotsman grew up in London and threw his first darts at the board when he was thirteen. In 1995 he took part in a World Cup for the first time, then for the darts association BDO. Wright stranded in the opening round after a 3-1 loss to eventual champion Richie Burnett. After that it was quiet around Wright. He earned his money as a tire mechanic and at most threw as an amateur in the pub in competition. He occasionally made his appearance in bigger tournaments, but was often unsuccessful.

That changed in 2008. He decided, supported by his wife Joanne, to become a professional darts player. Step by step he climbed higher, with the first cautious reward in 2010: participation in the World Cup at the PDC and a first round match against Michael van Gerwen (1-3 defeat). Wright hadn’t even dared dream at that time that Van Gerwen would grow into one of his biggest competitors years later.

Wright changed. Not only in terms of gameplay, but also in appearance. In his match against Van Gerwen in 2010 he appeared with long dreads at the ouch† A few years later he exchanged that coupe for the now well-known mohawk. Before every television part, Wright sits in the chair for two hours while his wife – who also owns a hair salon – pours a color palette on her husband. Most famous design: a snake head on the left side of his head, referring to his nickname ‘Snakebite’. But also Christmas balls, a skull or other creations should not be missing on special occasions. It was in 2014 when Wright first appeared in front of the dartboard with a mohawk. He had to and would perform at the World Cup that year, otherwise his wife would have him stop; there was not enough money coming in. With success: he reached the final and earned enough money to continue his career.

In an interview, Wright – shy offstage, eccentric onstage – once explained why Snakebite is his nickname. “I’m actually very shy. A bit like snakes, they also like to be left alone. But if you poke me, I will bite you.”

And that turned out to be no big deal. While the striking Wright was first accused of having ‘disrespected his opponents’ due to his striking turnout, today fellow darts players even join him when he enters the room to the sounds of Don’t Stop the Party from pit bull. He has since earned respect and shares favorite status for every major tournament with Jonny Clayton, Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price.

He has now finally taken over the number 1 position from the latter. While Wright was already out, Price had to make it to the UK Open final to remain number 1. The Welshman failed to do that: later finalist Michael Smith was too strong in the quarterfinals. This put an end to a series of more than a year for Price, because he had been leading the ranking since January 2021. After winning the World Cup final, Wright already started the hunt for Price’s leading position. “I think I’m only about fifteen thousand pounds behind” gezza† I’m coming to get you!”

For Wright, there are now more and more crosses on the bingo card. World champion? Check, twice even. Number 1 in the world? check. Don’t be surprised if a cross is crossed by the Premier League later in the year, because that is the next goal for the darts millionaire who once started as a tire mechanic.