Chris Dobey—known affectionately as “Hollywood”—weaves a story of steady ascent, gritty consistency, and laid‑back flair in professional darts. Born in Bedlington, Northumberland, his early days revolved around a traffic management job and local leagues, but by 2025, he’s firmly planted among the PDC elite . From scrappy beginnings to televised triumphs and comebacks, Dobey’s journey feels refreshingly human—tremendous highs, near‑misses, and the kind of old‑school persistence that resonates beyond the oche.
Let’s step into his world: his style, his stats, his story—and yes, the quirky rituals.
Early Roots and Breakthrough (2010–2022)
Hitting Stride Beyond Local Leagues
Dobey began throwing darts competitively in 2010, emerging from a modest background that included traffic‑cone-loaded nights and local football. He turned pro in 2015 when he claimed a PDC Tour Card and made his first televised TV appearance at the UK Open .
Beyond Laurie, the real breakthrough came in 2021, when he snagged his first two PDC ranking titles at Players Championship events. It was a confident statement that he wasn’t just another journeyman .
Steady Climb and Opening Doors
In 2022, Dobey won hearts—and gasped crowds—with a shock win over Michael van Gerwen in the European Championship to reach his first televised semi-final . These milestone performances felt earned, not overnight. They mirrored the quiet determination one sees in mini-documentary arcs: the steady practice, the pushing through, not quite headlining yet, but certainly putting himself on the map.
The Breakthrough Year: 2023
Chris Dobey’s moment of ascent—and the moment many fans recognized him—arrived in early 2023.
Masters Glory and Premier League Entry
He captured his first major title at the 2023 Masters, beating Rob Cross 11–7 in a composed, methodical final . That win wasn’t just a title; it opened the door to his first full-time inclusion in the Premier League, alongside darts’ biggest names .
“Hollywood made his breakthrough in 2023, winning his first televised major at The Masters by beating Rob Cross in a composed and clinical final. That performance earned him a full-time spot in the Premier League, a deserved reward for years of persistence and quiet consistency.”
Maintaining Momentum: 2024 and Early 2025
Pro Tour Victories and Iconic Wins
Building on his momentum, Dobey dominated the Players Championship circuit, winning multiple titles in 2024 and early 2025. Highlights include a nine-darter and a thrilling win over Michael Smith in Ally Pally . He secured Players Championship 7, 19, and 25 in 2024, and added three more in 2025—PC3, PC17, and PC33 .
In one standout showing at Players Championship 33, he recorded the three highest averages of the day—111.29, 108.76, and 107.55—and lifted the title .
World Championship Ascension
Dobey made steady progress in the PDC World Championship, breaking through with quarter-final runs in 2023 and 2024; his persistence paid off in 2025 when he reached the semi-final for the first time—after dispatching Gerwyn Price 5–3 .
That run not only reinforced his growing stature, but earned him a £100,000 payday and cemented his place in the Premier League lineup .
Style, Persona, and Public Image
“Hollywood” and the Laid‑Back Swagger
Nickname “Hollywood” came from his relaxed style—cap on, easy going—and over time, he’s leaned into that persona with a hint of humor .
He enters stages with ‘Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble’ by PJ and Duncan—just because he’s a Newcastle United fan and wanted something cheeky. Dec, of PJ and Duncan, apparently approves .
Superstitions and Rituals: Confidence in a Cubicle
In a revealing moment, he shared that he always uses the same toilet cubicle when things are going well—if he’s winning, he’ll wait rather than switch. Little rituals like a consistent playlist or seat give him comfort .
These quirks make him feel more human. They hint at how players manage pressure—and how small rituals become part of a performance routine.
Career Stats Snapshot
| Metric | Approximate Value |
|——–|——————-|
| PDC Major Titles | 1 (2023 Masters) |
| Players Championship Titles | Around 8–9 |
| Highest PDC Ranking | #6 (2025) |
| PDC World Championship Best | Semi-final (2025) |
| Career Earnings | Over £1.35 million cumulative |
He’s climbed to world #6 in 2025, from world #13 earlier that year . His playing gear? A 23g Target Signature Gen 1 dart, and his walk-on tune is still “Hey Jude” by The Beatles—though he supplements it with PJ & Duncan live energy .
What Makes Dobey Stand Out
- Persistence over flash: Years on tour shaped skill and character, culminating in high-stakes results rather than overnight fame.
- Versatile performer: Strong on the ProTour (title counts rising) and resilient on TV stages (Masters, World Championship deep runs).
- Relatable persona: The traffic-cone veteran, the toilet affinity, the low-key swagger—these touchpoints make fans feel close.
- Competitively proven: Facing and beating top-tier players like Michael Smith, van Gerwen, Cross, and Price shows his chops when it counts.
Conclusion: Hollywood’s Still Rolling
Chris Dobey’s trajectory—from managing traffic cones to commanding the oche—paints a picture of tenacity, precision, and unpretentious progress. With his first major title tucked into 2023, followed by rising ProTour dominance and his deepest World Championship run yet, he’s cemented himself, not as a flash-in-the-pan, but as a fixture in the elite echelons of darts.
He’s a reminder that steady momentum, quirky confidence, and human unpredictability still have a place in professional sport. And with his ranking, form, and personality intact, it’s reasonable to say: the best of Hollywood may still be ahead.
FAQs
What is Chris Dobey’s biggest career title so far?
His standout major title came at the 2023 PDC Masters, where he defeated Rob Cross 11–7 to secure his first televised crown and earn a Premier League spot .
How did Chris Dobey perform in the 2025 World Darts Championship?
He reached his first semi-final in 2025, beating Gerwyn Price in the quarters before losing to Michael van Gerwen, marking a career-best run .
How many Players Championship titles has he won?
As of late 2025, Dobey has claimed around eight to nine Players Championship titles, including multiple wins in both 2024 and 2025 such as PC3, PC7, PC17, and PC33 .
Why is he called “Hollywood”?
The nickname came from his casual style—baseball cap and effortless delivery—creating a relaxed yet confident persona on stage .
Does Chris Dobey have any quirky routines or superstitions?
Yes—he revealed a unique ritual: he always uses the same toilet cubicle when playing well, waiting for it rather than switching .
What darts does he use and what’s his walk-on song?
He throws 23g Target Signature Gen 1 darts. His traditional walk-on is “Hey Jude” by The Beatles, and he also opts for “Let’s Get Ready to Rhumble” by PJ & Duncan as a cheeky nod to his Newcastle United fandom .
