“I belong in the Premier League — and I want to prove that over the next few weeks”: Chris Dobey storms into Grand Slam knockout stage
Chris Dobey is through to the knockout rounds of the 2025 Grand Slam of Darts in style — unbeaten, unflappable, and with a clear message for his critics. The Englishman cruised through his group with three commanding 5–1 victories, topping the section with maximum points to underline that his game is coming good at exactly the right time. As he now prepares to face Michael Smith in the last 16, Dobey says he’s ready to remind everyone why he deserves a place among the sport’s elite.
A near-perfect group stage — but not a perfect feeling
Dobey won all three of his matches 5–1, including his final group game against fellow Englishman Martin Lukeman, who visibly struggled with his grip.“I knew he was feeling something — he kept stopping, but not on purpose. He was trying to regroup,” Dobey said afterwards. “You’ve kind of got to pounce on that, and I took my chances later on. Early doors it was a bit of a scrap, but I’m happy to win.”
“He told me at the end that he was struggling to grip his darts. He didn’t know why they were slipping — maybe he needs a new barrel. It wasn’t the best of games, but he’s someone I hadn’t beaten for a while, so it’s nice to finally get that win.”
Despite that, Dobey admitted he relaxed too much once qualification was secured. “Once I got the two legs I needed, it kind of relaxed me a bit — and I didn’t want that because I still wanted to put on a performance,” he explained. “I knew he was struggling and I just kind of eased off, which I know I shouldn’t have. It’s hard not to. But I got the job done, and that’s the main thing.”
Extra motivation
There was added personal motivation for the Bedlington thrower.
“To be honest, I was motivated from the start because I hadn’t beaten Martin for a while,” he said. “He’s probably beaten me more times than I’ve beaten him, so that was in the back of my head. I wanted to get the job done. The past few weeks I’ve managed to beat a few players I hadn’t had good records against, so I’m delighted to come out with the win. I know I didn’t play great, but the win’s what matters.”
Longer format ahead
With the group stage complete, the format now switches to straight knockout — a change Dobey welcomes. “The longer format suits my game,” he said confidently. “Sometimes I start off slow, like I did again today, but the longer matches give me time to settle. I’m looking forward to that.”
Since his run to the World Darts Championship semi-finals, Dobey’s campaign has been steady rather than spectacular. He’s claimed three Pro Tour titles but hasn’t yet made a deep run on TV. “I’ve been playing all right on TV, just not getting the results,” he admitted. “It’s about time I had a bit of luck when I’m not playing great but still winning. If I keep winning, I’m happy. Even if I don’t play my best, as long as I get results, that’s fine by me.”
The Grand Slam offers a key opportunity to climb the rankings. “I’m not defending much prize money here or at the Players Championship,” Dobey said. “This is a chance to get back up there and back into the conversation for the Premier League. That’s where you want to be — you want to be questioned for the Premier League and putting in big performances. I belong there, and I want to prove it.”
“The system isn’t perfect”
Dobey missed out on the Grand Slam last year despite winning three Pro Tour titles. The same haul this year was enough to earn him a spot.
“Yeah, it just shows you how it goes,” he reflected. “Last year a few lads made TV finals you wouldn’t have expected, and that knocked me out. I think I was in until the European Championships, when Richie Edhouse and Jermaine Wattimena reached the final. You’ve just got to move on. I wanted to get here again this year, put in the same performances on the floor, and luckily this time it got me in.”
Asked if the qualification process should be reviewed, Dobey was diplomatic. “Yeah, I’ve heard a few people say that,” he replied. “Some think winning a Pro Tour should get you in before the qualifiers. Maybe they’ll look into it — maybe reduce it from eight qualifiers to four, which I think would be fair. But at the end of the day, you’ve just got to play by the rules. Last year I missed out after winning three, but I knuckled down and came back stronger.”
Aiming higher than quarter-finals
Dobey’s best result at the Grand Slam so far is a quarter-final appearance, but he’s hungry for more.
“You always want to better what you’ve done before,” he said. “The last few years I’ve done that at the Worlds, and I want to start winning these events now — not just reaching quarters or semis. That’s what gets your name out there and pushes you towards the Premier League and the top four in the rankings.”
Quiet confidence
Dobey has been in strong form recently, winning one of the final two Pro Tours before Wolverhampton and reaching a semi-final the next day. “I haven’t lost many lately,” he said. “I won one of the last two Pro Tours, lost in the semis the following day, and now three from three here. It’s been a good run the past few weeks. I’m happy with where my game’s at — now it’s about knuckling down over the longer format, which should suit me.”
He also admitted it isn’t easy to stay sharp when facing a struggling opponent. “You still want to get the job done, but you kind of relax, which you shouldn’t,” he said. “You know he’s struggling, but you should still find your A-game. It’s not easy, but a win’s a win. I’m through, top of the group, and that’s a nice little bonus.”
After three commanding wins and a first-ever group-stage clean sweep, Dobey knows momentum is on his side. “It’s the first time I’ve ever topped the group,” he smiled. “That’s a nice bonus for the rankings as well. I’m happy with where I am right now. I feel something’s just around the corner — whether it’s this week or next, who knows? But my game’s there, and I’m ready.”
