The Army celebrated a historic milestone when Captain Jasper Scarrott was crowned the first-ever Army Darts Champion at the inaugural Army Darts Championship Finals.
Held at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst, this was the first time darts has taken centre stage in the Army's sporting calendar, following its official recognition earlier this year as a Category 3 sport.
The rapid progress in developing the sport across the service has been driven by a small but dedicated committee, led by Lieutenant Colonel Gary England, whose enthusiasm and leadership have been key to the sport's growth.
He said: "To see this championship come to life in such a short space of time has been incredible. It was more than just a competition; it was the start of something bigger for darts in the Army. We've gone from an idea to a full-scale Army wide competition. It shows what can be achieved with teamwork, enthusiasm, and a shared passion of a sport."
More than 120 competitors took part in this year's championship. Four qualifying events were held across the UK - two in Tidworth, one in Catterick and one in Derby.
The top eight players, ranging in rank from Captain to Sapper, progressed to the final's night at Sandhurst, where they competed for the title in front of an enthusiastic crowd.
After an evening of fierce competition and exceptional sportsmanship, Captain Jasper Scarrott emerged victorious.
He said: "Winning the first-ever Army Darts Championship means a lot to me. Everyone who made it here to the finals earned their place - the standard was phenomenal. I hope it encourages others to enjoy the games. Darts is a sport that anyone in the Army can get involved in, no matter their rank or background".
Whilst darts has been traditionally viewed as a recreational pastime, its formal recognition as an Army sport highlights its many benefits, from promoting inclusivity regardless of rank, age, or sex, to improving confidence, mental agility and social connection.
The sport's accessibility and digital adaptability also makes it ideal for modern service life, with personnel able to compete and connect remotely through online platforms and webcam-based matches.
Corporal Ashlee Hayward for 32 Engineer Regiment was one of the finalists and has only recently started playing. "I first got into darts when Luke Littler got into his first world championship finals", he said. "He was so young everyone wanted him to win."
Ashlee continued: "Just give it a go and bear with it. A bit of practice and the dart will soon hit the board where you want it to and when it does it's such a buzz. Then you're chasing it, just trying to get it again and get a higher score or a better checkout."
"No matter how much you play or practice, you can always be better. It just doesn't stop and it's a game for everyone. I've already hit 180. I am now aiming for a three dart check out and hope for a nine darter one day!"
The three-dart checkout is achieved by hitting Treble 20, Treble 20 and then the bullseye and is one of the most celebrated shots in darts.
The growth of Army darts reflects the wider surge in the sport's popularity across the UK, fuelled in part by rising stars like Luke Littler.
The Army has four personnel officially qualified as Professional Darts Player Association (PDPA) Level 1 darts coaches trained in safeguarding, communication, and planning - a sign of the sport's growing structure and professionalism within the Army.
Army personnel can use their Standard Learning Credits (SLCs) to help fund the PDPA Level 1 Darts Coaching Course, making it even more accessible to those keen to develop their skills and support the sport's growth.
Army Darts Champion Captain Jasper Scarrott who serves with the Royal Signals, first discovered his love for darts through his dad, who played in the local pub league.
"I'd always been decent at darts but only started to play in a team in 2017" said Jasper. "From there I've been hooked ever since."
From local pub leagues and regional tournaments, Jasper has progressed to representing Yorkshire at county level. In 2024, he qualified for the prestigious MODUS Super Series - a televised competition aired on Pluto TV, where he hit a nine-darter on his debut, an incredible personal milestone and one of the highlights of the competition.
A nine-darter is when a player finishes a game of 501 in the minimum possible number of darts: nine. It is the highest achievement in the sport.
More than a game
Beyond competition, darts brings a host of personal and professional benefits. "It brings people together, regardless of geography" said Captain Charlie Bates, who serves with 1st Military Working Dogs (RAVC) and is a member of the darts committee. "Online platforms allow players to compete virtually, so it's good for inclusion and connection. It's great for confidence, meeting new people and even sharpening mental arithmetic. It's easy to pick up but hard to master."
Get involved
There are many ways that people can get in touch or find out more. There is the Army Darts Association Facebook page and there is also a defence connect page.
The next big event is the tri-service competition: Operation Bullseye 2 - with qualifiers starting in early 2026. The competition is also open to veterans. Details on Operation Bullseye 2 is located on the Defence Darts Community Facebook page.
Corporal McMahon from The Royal Regiment of Scotland, one of the semi-finalists.
Sergeant Doyle from the Royal Signals, one of the semi-finalists.
Lance Corporal Hayward rallies the crowd.
The first ever Army Darts Championships finals were contested at the iconic Old College at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Bully the mascot.
"Winning the first-ever Army Darts Championship means a lot to me. Everyone who made it here to the finals earned their place - the standard was phenomenal. I hope it encourages others to enjoy the games. Darts is a sport that anyone in the Army can get involved in, no matter their rank or background."
"To see this championship come to life in such a short space of time has been incredible. It was more than just a competition; it was the start of something bigger for darts in the Army. We've gone from an idea to a full-scale Army wide competition. It shows what can be achieved with teamwork, enthusiasm, and a shared passion of a sport."
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